This vitamin helps maintain the skin, eyes, and healthy bones and teeth. It is found in milk, liver, eggs, butter, and vegetables. Which vitamin is it?

The name "retinol" provides a direct link to one of this vitamin's most critical functions: vision. It is a key component of rhodopsin, a protein in our eyes' retinas that absorbs light and allows us to see in dim conditions. This is why a deficiency can famously lead to night blindness. Beyond our eyes, this nutrient is a powerhouse for cell growth and differentiation, making it essential for maintaining healthy skin, supporting bone development, and ensuring our immune system functions properly.

This vitamin comes in two primary dietary forms, which explains the diverse list of food sources mentioned. Preformed vitamin A, or retinol, is found ready-to-use in animal products like milk, eggs, butter, and liver. The other form, provitamin A carotenoids like beta-carotene, is abundant in colorful fruits and vegetables such as carrots, spinach, and sweet potatoes. Our bodies cleverly convert these plant-based carotenoids into the active form of the vitamin, highlighting the importance of a balanced diet for getting this essential nutrient.