Vitamin A benefit

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Vitamin A benefit

Vitamin A, also known as retinol, is essential to the formation of visual purple in the retina, which allows vision in dim light. Beta carotene, the precursor to vitamin A found in vegetables, has antioxidant properties, meaning it protects cells from the toxic damage of oxidation. Excessive amounts of vitamin A increase the risk of fractures.

Review Date: 5/18/2012
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital.

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