Vitamin A

Vitamin A, also known as retinol, is an essential nutrient, meaning that it is essential for health and life and must be obtained from the diet. It’s called vitamin A because it was the first vitamin identified and was isolated from butter in 1913. Researchers went on to discover its importance for immunity, bone growth, mucous membranes and the eyes, skin, hair and nails. Cod liver oil supplements became a regular part of children’s upbringing in the early part of the twentieth century because they contain both vitamin A and vitamin D, essential for healthy growth and development. Adults benefit from fish liver oils as well and, although people these days often take fish oil, they are largely unaware of the different role of fish liver oil in good health.