What it means
A vitaminVY-tuh-minA substance the body needs in small amounts for normal growth and function, mostly from food.Full entry found in liver, eggs, dairy foods and, as beta-carotene, in orange and dark green vegetables. A lack causes night blindness and dry eyes and makes infections such as measles more severe; it is a leading cause of preventable blindness in children worldwide. Because it is stored in the body, too much can build up and be toxic, and high doses in pregnancy can cause birth defects.
For the nurse
Teach pregnant clients not to take high-dose vitamin A supplements. Medicines made from vitamin A, such as isotretinoin for acne, also cause birth defects.
At a glance
| Drug class | vitamin (fat-soluble) |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Aquasol A (injection) |
| Spanish | vitamina A |
| Also written | retinol |
Related terms
vitamin
A substance the body needs in small amounts for normal growth and function, mostly from food.
measles
A very contagious illness caused by the measles virus; also called rubeola.
vitamin C
A water-soluble vitamin in fruits and vegetables that the body needs to make collagen, heal wounds and absorb iron; also called ascorbic acid.
xer/o
A word root that means dry.