Vitamin A, primarily found as retinol, retinal, and retinoic acid, is sourced from both animal products, such as liver and dairy, and plant-based carotenoids, like beta-carotene. It is commonly used to prevent vitamin A deficiency and support immune function, vision, and skin health [1].

Vitamin A is produced through chemical synthesis or extraction from natural sources. The synthetic process involves multiple steps, starting from compounds like beta-ionone, while natural extraction involves processing fish liver oils or plant materials to isolate and purify vitamin A [2].

Vitamin A, due to its health benefits, is widely used in various application scenarios: it is added to food products like milk, cereals, and oils to enhance their nutritional value, it is also formulated into dietary supplements, including capsules, tablets, and liquid drops, to address deficiencies or boost overall health, and, furthermore, is incorporated into cosmetic products like creams and lotions for its anti-aging and skin-health-promoting properties [3].

Vitamin A is typically packaged in airtight containers, often with nitrogen flushing to minimize oxidation. Storage should be in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat, to maintain its stability and potency [4].

Citations:
[1] Vitamin A - Health Professional Fact Sheet. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminA-HealthProfessional/
[2] Vitamin A. In: Sies H, ed. Advances in Nutrition Research. Boston, MA: Springer US; 1979:1-27.
[3] Combs, G. F., Jr., & McClung, J. P. (2017). Vitamin A. In The Vitamins (5th ed., pp. 109-195). Elsevier.
[4] Institute of Medicine (US) Panel on Dietary Antioxidants and Related Compounds. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium, and Carotenoids. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2000.

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