Vitamin A (Retinol) derived from beta-carotene, a provitamin which is transformed into retinol by the human organism .
In food we can find both the retinol, and beta-carotene.
Retinol comes from animal sources, while the beta-carotene from plant sources.
Vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin that is stored in the liver and the reserves can persist for years.
Beta-carotene is deposited not only in the liver but also in adipose tissue.
Vitamin A is necessary for the growth of bones, teeth, for the sexual maturation of the adolescent and adult fertility. It strengthens the body against lung infections and is useful in treating acne. It maintains effective visual function and improves low-light vision.
It protects the skin from damage caused by excessive sun exposure. It 'a powerful anti-aging antioxidant: it fights free radicals and combats damage to the skin due to pollution and smoke and regulates cell growth and tissue regeneration.
The major sources of retinol are animal sources:
Cod liver oil, liver, butter, eggs
The major sources of beta-carotene are:
apricots, melons, parsley, hot peppers.
Excessive
intake of retinol is harmful, so it is advisable to consume beta-carotene
eating 2/3 apricots or a slice of melon a day.
The substances
that support the transformation of the beta-carotene to vitamin A are vitamin C, vitamin E (it has the opposite effect if taken in high doses), zinc and
proteins.

