retinol
Meaning of retinol: Retinol is the storage and transport form of vitamin A, essential for vision, immune defense, and the normal growth of skin and other lining tissues.
Definition of retinol
Retinol is a fat soluble compound that serves as the primary storage and transport form of vitamin A in the body. It is required for normal vision, particularly in low light, because it forms part of a light sensitive pigment in the retina, and it also supports immune function and the healthy growth of epithelium, the tissue that lines the skin and internal organs.
Retinol is found preformed in animal derived foods such as liver, egg yolks, and dairy products, while plant foods supply provitamin A carotenoids, such as beta carotene, that the body converts into retinol as needed. Both routes contribute to the body's overall vitamin A status.
Beyond its nutritional role, retinol and related compounds are widely used in topical skin care preparations intended to reduce the visible signs of aging and to treat acne, a use distinct from retinol's function as a dietary nutrient.
Used in a sentence
Laboratory testing included a serum retinol level as part of the nutritional assessment.
Good to know
Retinol is one of several forms of vitamin A, alongside retinal and retinoic acid, and the distinct forms are not fully interchangeable in the specific biological roles each performs.