Vitamin A

Vitamin A is one of the fat-soluble vitamins and is present as retinol palmitate in a very good storage form for the human organism and can thus be rapidly converted into the bioactive form. Vitamin A as "eye vitamin" is not only essential for the maintenance of normal vision, but also contributes to the maintenance of the skin and mucous membranes. In addition, it is also significant in the metabolism of proteins. High-protein diets, pregnancy, stress and diseases can lead to an increased requirement.

In contrast to the carotenoids (e.g. beta-carotene), which are found in plant foods and are considered the precursor of vitamin A, the storage form is found exclusively in animal foods. With a sufficient vitamin A store, beta-carotene is not converted but remains in the body as an antioxidant or is excreted via the kidneys.