Vitamin A, also referred to as retinoic acid or retinol, is an essential nutrient. This fat-soluble vitamin helps protect body tissues, such as those in the eyes, lungs, and digestive tract, from bacteria and viruses. It assists in the development of healthy surface linings and ensures those linings remain moist. The wide availability of Vitamin A-rich foods in the US leaves few Americans with Vitamin A deficiencies, though occasionally it is evident following strict dietary restrictions or excessive alcohol intake, since alcohol blocks the absorption of the vitamin. Night blindness is one of the first signs of Vitamin A deficiency.

In this model, carbon atoms are dark gray, hydrogen atoms are white, and oxygen atoms are red.

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