Definition

Noun: 1. A specific form of Vitamin A: Vitamin A1, also known as retinol, is an unsaturated alcohol compound. It is the primary, pre-formed type of vitamin A found in animal sources, particularly in the liver oils of marine fish. It is essential for vision, immune function, and cellular growth.

Usage and Examples

• As a nutrient/supplement:

  • Cod liver oil is a rich source of vitamin A1.
  • The doctor recommended a supplement containing vitamin A1 to improve night vision.

• In biochemical/biological contexts:

  • The study compared the bioavailability of vitamin A1 from different dietary sources.
  • Vitamin A1 is synthesized in the body from beta-carotene.

Advanced Usage and Notes

• Scientific Terminology: In precise scientific and nutritional contexts, "vitamin A1" specifies retinol, distinguishing it from other vitamin A compounds like vitamin A2 (3,4-dehydroretinol).
• Metabolic Pathway: The term is used when discussing the conversion of provitamin A carotenoids (like beta-carotene) into the active form in the body.

Variants and Related Words

• Retinol: The chemical name and a direct synonym for vitamin A1.
• Preformed vitamin A: A descriptive term encompassing vitamin A1 (retinol) and other active animal-based forms like retinal and retinoic acid.
• Provitamin A: Refers to carotenoids (like beta-carotene) that the body can convert into vitamin A1. This is a related but distinct category.

Synonyms

• Retinol (primary synonym)
• All-trans-retinol (specific chemical form)

Related Compounds and Terms

• Vitamin A: The broader category that includes vitamin A1 (retinol), vitamin A2, and related active metabolites.
• Beta-carotene: A provitamin A carotenoid that the body converts into vitamin A1.
• Retinal: The aldehyde form of vitamin A1, crucial for vision.
• Retinoic acid: The acid form of vitamin A1, important for gene regulation and growth.

Noun

1. an unsaturated alcohol that occurs in marine fish-liver oils and is synthesized biologically from carotene