Vitamins are a group of substances needed in small amounts by the body to maintain health. Vitamin A cannot be made by the human body and so it is an essential part of the diet. Vitamin A is important for healthy eyes, good eyesight (vision), healthy skin and to help you fight infections. Vitamin A is sometimes also called retinol. Foods that contain vitamin A include liver, milk, eggs and fish-liver oils. Another substance called beta carotene (which is found in green leafy and orange/yellow vegetables and fruits) can also be converted by your body to vitamin A. Mild forms of vitamin A deficiency can usually be treated without any long-term problems. Vitamin A deficiency is much more common in low-income countries, where it is often very severe and can cause loss of vision and even death.
