Which vitamin is critical for good vision, particularly in low light conditions?

Vitamin A is essential for maintaining good vision, especially in low light conditions. It plays a crucial role in the formation of rhodopsin, a pigment found in the retina that is sensitive to light. Rhodopsin enables the photoreceptor cells in the eyes, specifically the rod cells, to detect light and contribute to night vision. A deficiency in Vitamin A can lead to difficulties in seeing in dim light and can even result in night blindness. This is why Vitamin A is widely recognized for its importance in visual health.

Other vitamins listed have significant roles in overall health, like maintaining healthy skin or supporting the immune system, but they do not have a direct impact on vision in low light conditions as Vitamin A does. For instance, while Vitamin B12 is vital for the nervous system and red blood cell formation, and Vitamin C is known for its antioxidant properties and role in collagen synthesis, they do not specifically influence the eye's ability to function optimally in low light. Vitamin D contributes to bone health and may impact eye health indirectly, but it is not critical for vision.