vitamin a

• alias: retinol
• vitamin a, also known as retinol, is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for maintaining healthy vision, skin, immune function, and cellular growth. it plays a critical role in the production of retinal, a molecule necessary for low-light and color vision, as well as supporting epithelial health and repair.

• chemical properties

  • molecular weight: 286.45 g/mol
  • density: 0.953 g/cm³
  • boiling point: 137–138°C (under reduced pressure)
  • solubility: soluble in fats and organic solvents; insoluble in water
  • optical rotation: +47° to +52° (c=10, ethanol)
  • chemical formula: C₂₀H₃₀O

• usefulness in medicine

  • vitamin a is widely used to treat and prevent vitamin a deficiency, which can lead to night blindness and xerophthalmia (dry eyes).
  • it supports healthy skin, reduces acne, and promotes wound healing.
  • retinoids, derived from vitamin a, are used in dermatology to treat psoriasis, acne, and other skin disorders.
• it also strengthens the immune system, aiding in the prevention of infections.

• antibacterial and antimicrobial activity

  • vitamin a has shown antimicrobial properties by boosting the immune system and supporting the health of mucosal barriers, which act as the body’s first line of defense.
  • research highlights:
  • bacteria:
    • mycobacterium tuberculosis research link
    • staphylococcus aureus research link

• research links

  • vitamin a and vision health
  • antimicrobial properties of vitamin a