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Vitamin A is essential for the body to function. Without it, growth, vision and fighting infection are impossible. It is made from precursors found in food and is also available in supplements as retinol (ready to be used by the body), beta carotene (must be converted before use), or a combination of both. Vitamin A supplements may be recommended by physicians as part of the established treatments for a variety of conditions, including:

• Night blindness (the inability to see in limited light or recover vision after a sudden bright flash). This is a symptom of the genetic disorder retinitis pigmentosa and vitamin A deficiency.
  
  
• Acne. Topical and oral prescription medications containing specific forms of vitamin A are used to treat serious cases of acne after other treatments have failed. Women who may become pregnant should not use these medications due to the potential risk of severe birth defects.
  
  
• Acute promyelocytic leukemia. An acute form of leukemia characterized by the accumulation of immature white blood cells. Survival increases among patients treated with vitamin A in conjunction with chemotherapy.
  
  
• Erythropoietic protoporphyria. This inherited genetic disorder causes sensitivity to light, gallstones and liver dysfunction. Beta carotene supplements have been used to increase some patient’s ability to withstand exposure to sunlight.

Research continues into other potential health benefits associated with vitamin A. For example, one recent study found that applying topical vitamin A to the skin may improve the appearance of wrinkles associated with aging as well as promote the production of skin-building compounds. Another study found that children who take vitamin A supplements may receive a boost to their immune systems that is helpful prior to receiving vaccines such as tetanus.

Further research is necessary to confirm these findings.