Besides being an integral compound in thousands of vitamin supplements and alternative health remedies, vitamin A supports supports good skin and eye health, as well as ensures efficient genetic transcription. Now, researchers have determined that the nutrient also plays a vital role in the creation of sperm cells.

A study appearing in the Journal of Biological Chemistry determined that vitamin A, whose most common food-borne form is retinol, activates the nuclear receptor TR4, which in turn initiates the production of spermatozoa in the body.

The so-called “orphan” receptor is also responsible the development of central nervous system cells. Researcher Edward Zhou stated that this knowledge may help improve certain health treatments.

“Recent evidence has shown that orphan nuclear receptors are required for many essential physiological functions in the human body, and can be used to help discover drug targets for human diseases,” he noted.

Individuals who worry that they do not consume enough vitamin A may consider taking herbal supplements or a daily vitamin, as well as eating a healthy diet.