Retinol
Retinol, the dietary form of vitamin A, is a fat-soluble, antioxidant vitamin important in vision and bone growth.
Note: Retinol, the kind of vitamin A found in supplements and animal foods such as milk and liver, may actually weaken bones. The findings are based on two separate studies and are consistent with each other.
The beta-carotene found in fruits and vegetables, which your body converts to vitamin A, was not linked to weakening of the bones and/or hip fractures.
Vitamin A is required in the production of rhodopsin, the visual pigment used in low light levels. This is why eating foods rich in vitamin A is said to allow you to see in the dark.
Multivitamins and breakfast cereals were two of the largest sources of retinol, or vitamin A, though many brands get some of their vitamin A from beta-carotene.
Too much vitamin A can be harmful or fatal. Excess vitamin A has also been suspected to be a contributor to osteoporosis. This seems to happen at much lower doses than those required to cause an "overdose".
Doctor Approved Beta Carotene may be referred to as provitamin A in some literature because it is easily converted by the liver into Vitamin A (retinol). While excessive amounts of vitamin A may be toxic, the body will only convert as much Beta Carotene as needed, making it a safe source for Vitamin A.
