- 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