A fat-soluble nutrient, vitamin A is essential for normal growth and bone development. n Vitamin A helps keep the skin and other epithelial tissues (such as the lining of the nose, throat, respiratory system, and genitourinary tract) healthy and free from infection. n Vitamin A is well known for its role in preventing night-blindness and a serious eye condition called xerophthalmia. n Vitamin A deficiency is a major health problem in developing countries, which has prompted a great deal of research into the vitamin and its roles in health. Emerging areas of interest include vitamin A’s ability to help reduce the incidence of infectious disease. n Vitamin A, a natural antioxidant, helps protect the lipid portions of cells and tissues from free-radical damage.