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Are these substances actually vitamins A, C, and D and what roles do they play in the human body?
Isabella Taylor
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Diets Premium Expert • 15.03.2026
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Scientifically reviewed by a clinical dietitian:
This article has been peer-reviewed for adherence to IŻŻ, WHO, and PTGiP clinical nutritional standards.
| Diets Premium Expert Isabella Taylor | min read 6 min | Scientifically reviewed by a clinical dietitian 15.03.2026 |
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Key Takeaways
Vitamins are essential substances for the proper functioning of the body, controlling many processes that occur within our body. The term "vitamin" itself contains the word "vita", which means "life", indicating their crucial role.
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The role of retinol and its derivatives in the human body
It was one of the first vitamins discovered by humans. The effects of its deficiency were known in antiquity, which imprinted its importance in human consciousness. Biological activity is exhibited by retinol and its derivatives, β-carotene, and some other compounds of the carotenoid group. The main source of active forms of vitamin A is the intake of provitamin A with food, mainly β-carotene. In animal products, vitamin A occurs in the form of retinol and its derivatives. Rich sources of it are offal, fish, eggs, and cheeses made from milk. Retinol is responsible for the vision process, the perception of light stimuli in the retina, the integrity of cell membranes, the control of the course of differentiation and growth processes of body cells, as well as the support of regenerative abilities. It not only maintains the condition of the skin, hair, and nails but also protectively affects the skin epithelium and mucous membranes. It is actively involved in the synthesis of many proteins and the conversion of lipids and, due to its antioxidant properties, protects against damage caused by free radicals.
The effects of ascorbic acid on the body
Ascorbic acid, which is also known as vitamin C, is water-soluble and highly sensitive to external influences. Therefore, the best solution is to consume products that are a rich source of this vitamin in raw form or subjected to short-term heat treatment. Ascorbic acid is a key component in many metabolic processes, including the synthesis of hormones, hemoglobin, and erythrocytes. Furthermore, it plays an important role as an antioxidant, protecting the body from harmful free radicals and delaying the aging process.
The impact of cholecalciferol on the human body
Cholecalciferol, also known as Vitamin D, is a steroid compound that is synthesized in the skin under the influence of sunlight. It is a derivative of cholesterol and undergoes many chemical transformations to achieve its full biological activity. The result of activating cholecalciferol is calcitriol (1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol) – a compound with hormonal properties. Cholecalciferol is primarily associated with the building and strengthening of the human bone system, but its role in the body is much more complex. It regulates many processes that occur in organs and tissues, including calcium and phosphate metabolism. It is present in food, mainly in milk, eggs, and fish, but the largest part is synthesized in the body under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. A deficiency of cholecalciferol can lead to bone decalcification and disorders of carbohydrate-fat metabolism, while an excess can lead to hypercalcemia.
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Isabella Taylor
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Diets Premium team expert. Specializes in nutrition plans, strength sports, and training plans.
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