Functions Of Vitamin A

Functions Of Vitamin A

Question 1. Functions of vitamin A
Answer.

• Fat-soluble vitamin A (retinoids),
  • Alcohol – retinol
  • Aldehyde – retinal / retinaldehyde
  • Acid – retinoic acid
• Vitamin A is required for a variety of functions, such as
  • Vision
  • Proper growth and differentiation
  • Reproduction
  • Maintenance of epithelial cells.
  • Vitamin A is required for normal reproduction
  • Vitamin A is required for epithelialization and is essential to maintain healthy epithelial tissue
  • Vitamin A is required for the construction of normal bones and teeth

Read And Learn More: BSc Nursing 1st Year Nutrition And Biochemistry Previous Year Question and Answers

• • Vitamin A is required for glycoprotein synthesis
  • Vitamin A is required for the synthesis of chondroitin sulfate
  • Vitamin A plays a role in cell differentiation and cell division
  • Vitamin A is involved in protein synthesis
  • Vitamin A plays a role in DNA metabolism
  • Carotenoids function as antioxidants and reduce the risk of cancers initiated by free radicals

Question 2. Deficiency manifestations of vitamins.
Answer.

Vitamin A Deficiency

• Retinol deficiency depresses the resynthesis of rhodopsin and interferes with the function of rods resulting in night blindness
• In Vitamin A deficiency sperm cells do not mature, and in females there may be abortion
• In Vitamin A deficiency, the skin becomes dry, scaly and rough. These changes are called keratinization
• There is dryness of the conjunctiva and cornea, which is known as xerophthalmia
• White opaque spots, known as Bitots spots appear on the conjunctiva
• Cornea becomes keratinized, opaque, soft and ulcerated. This is known as keratomalacia
• Keratinization occurs in the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract leading to increased susceptibility to infection and lowered resistance to disease
• Vitamin A deficiency causes arrested bone development
• The teeth become unhealthy with chalky deposits on the surface