What specific carotenoid found in acerola acts as a precursor that the body converts into Vitamin A, vital for proper vision?
Answer
$eta$-carotene
Acerola contributes to eye function not only through Vitamin C but also via its carotenoid content, specifically $eta$-carotene. The text clarifies that $eta$-carotene functions as a precursor, meaning the body metabolizes this compound into usable Vitamin A. Vitamin A is crucial for maintaining good vision, particularly its function in adapting to low light conditions. Deficiencies in this converted vitamin are explicitly linked to serious eye issues like night blindness.
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