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Retinol metabolism

Retinol
All-trans-Retinol2.svg
Retinol 3D balls.png
Retinol
Clinical data
AHFS/Drugs.com Monograph
Pregnancy
category
  • US: X (Contraindicated)
Routes of
administration
by mouth, IM
Drug class vitamin
ATC code
Legal status
Legal status
Identifiers
CAS Number
PubChem CID
IUPHAR/BPS
ChemSpider
UNII
ChEBI
ChEMBL
ECHA InfoCard 100.000.621
Chemical and physical data
Formula C20H30O
Molar mass 286.4516
3D model (JSmol)
Melting point 62–64 °C (144–147 °F)
Boiling point 137–138 °C (279–280 °F) (10−6 mm Hg)

Retinol, also known as Vitamin A1, is a vitamin found in food and used as a dietary supplement. As a supplement it is used to treat and prevent vitamin A deficiency, especially that which is resulting in xerophthalmia. In areas where deficiency is common a single large dose is recommended to those at high risk a couple of times a year. It is also used to prevent further issues in those who have measles. It is used by mouth or injection into a muscle.

Retinol at normal doses is well tolerated. High doses may result in an enlarged liver, dry skin, or hypervitaminosis A. High doses during pregnancy may result in harm to the baby. Retinol is in the vitamin A family. It or other forms of vitamin A are needed for eyesight, maintenance of the skin, and human development. It is converted in the body to retinal and retinoic acid through which it acts. Dietary sources include fish, dairy products, and meat.

Retinol was discovered in 1909, isolated in 1931, and first made in 1947. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the most effective and safe medicines needed in a health system. Retinol is available as a generic medication and over the counter. The wholesale cost in the developing world is about 0.02 to 0.30 USD per 50,000 units. In the United States it is not very expensive.

Retinol is used to treat vitamin A deficiency.


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