Retinol is also an active form of which among the following?

The correct answer is Vitamin A.

Key Points

• Retinol is an active form of Vitamin A, essential for maintaining healthy vision, skin, and immune function.
• It is a fat-soluble vitamin, stored in the liver, and released into the bloodstream as needed.
• Retinol plays a critical role in the visual cycle, particularly in the retina, where it helps in the formation of rhodopsin, a pigment necessary for low-light and color vision.
• Vitamin A (including retinol) is obtained from animal sources like liver, fish oil, dairy products, and fortified foods.
• Deficiency of Vitamin A can lead to disorders such as night blindness and, in severe cases, total blindness.

Additional Information

• Vitamin A Forms: Vitamin A exists in two primary forms: preformed Vitamin A (retinol and retinyl esters) from animal products, and provitamin A carotenoids (like beta-carotene) from plant sources.
• Biological Functions: Apart from vision, Vitamin A supports cell differentiation, reproduction, and the functioning of the heart, lungs, and kidneys.
• Recommended Intake: The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for Vitamin A varies by age, sex, and life stage. For adults, it is approximately 700-900 µg/day (micrograms).
• Toxicity Risk: Excessive intake of Vitamin A, particularly preformed retinol, can lead to hypervitaminosis A, causing symptoms like nausea, headaches, and, in severe cases, liver damage.
• Global Health Impact: Vitamin A deficiency is a significant public health issue in developing countries, leading to increased susceptibility to infections and childhood mortality.