Vitamin A aldehyde, also known as retinaldehyde or retinal, is an organic compound that belongs to the class of retinoids. It is a form of vitamin A that plays a crucial role in various physiological processes in organisms.
In its chemical structure, vitamin A aldehyde consists of a polyene chain with a cyclohexenyl ring at one end and an aldehyde group at the other end. This specific structure enables its conversion into retinol, an active form of vitamin A, through a reduction reaction.
Vitamin A aldehyde is an essential component of visual pigments present in the retina of the human eye. It acts as a cofactor to the membrane protein opsin, forming the opsin-retinal complex, which helps in the absorption of light during the visual process. When light hits the eye, retinal undergoes a conformational change, triggering a cascade of reactions that lead to the perception of vision.
Apart from its visual functions, vitamin A aldehyde also serves as a precursor for retinoic acid, a hormone-like molecule involved in various biological processes, including embryonic development, immune system function, and cellular differentiation. It is also important for maintaining healthy skin and mucous membranes.
Deficiency of vitamin A aldehyde can lead to various health issues, including night blindness, impaired immune function, and dry skin. Dietary sources of vitamin A aldehyde include liver, fish liver oils, dairy products, and certain fruits and vegetables. Dietary supplements containing vitamin A aldehyde are also available to address deficiencies.
