AQA GCSE Food Technology Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Prep Guide

Vitamin A is crucial for maintaining healthy eyesight as it plays a significant role in the functioning of the retina, which is the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. It is essential for the production of rhodopsin, a pigment that allows the eyes to adjust to light changes and is particularly important for night vision. A deficiency in vitamin A can lead to vision problems, particularly difficulty seeing in low light conditions, a condition known as night blindness.

Additionally, vitamin A is vital for growth and development because it contributes to the health of skin cells, mucous membranes, and immune function. This vitamin supports cellular growth and differentiation, which is especially important during periods of development such as childhood and adolescence.

Other vitamins, like B, C, and D, have various roles in the body, including support for energy metabolism, immune function, and bone health, but they do not directly influence eyesight in the same way that vitamin A does. Thus, vitamin A stands out as the essential nutrient for both healthy eyesight and growth.