Which vitamin is important for night vision?

Vitamin A is essential for night vision due to its crucial role in the formation of rhodopsin, a light-sensitive pigment found in the retina of the eye. Rhodopsin enables the eyes to detect light and is particularly important for seeing in low-light conditions. When you consume sources of vitamin A, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, or spinach, your body converts it into retinal, a form necessary for the synthesis of rhodopsin.

In low-light situations, vitamin A deficiency can lead to impaired vision, making individuals unable to see well in dim lighting, a condition known as night blindness. This direct connection between vitamin A and the ability to see in the dark underscores why it is recognized as the key vitamin for maintaining proper night vision.