Why are vitamin A and vitamin C essential to us? Give their important sources.

(i) The chemical name of vitamin A is retinol.
The deficiency of vitamin A leads to xerophthalmia and night blindness. Important Sources of Vitamin ‘A’ : Milk, butter, egg, fish, and fish oil (Cod liver oil). It can also be synthesised in the body from carotenoids present in carrots, tomatoes, ripe mangoes etc. Carotenoids are the precursors of vitamin A.
(ii) The chemical name of vitamin C is ascorbic acid. The deficiency of vitamin C leads to scurvy.
Important Sources of Vitamin C: Citrus fruits (oranges, lemon, grape fruit, lime etc.), amla, cabbage, guava etc.