Final answer:
The statement is True; vitamin A is vital for maintaining healthy vision, particularly in low-light conditions, and its deficiency can lead to night blindness or more severe visual impairments.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement, "Without adequate vitamin A we would not be able to see in the dark," is True. Vitamin A is crucial for maintaining healthy vision, particularly in low-light conditions.
This vitamin is derived from carotene, a pigment found in plants such as carrots, which provides the necessary components for optimal eye health.
Our bodies convert carotene into vitamin A, which then contributes to the health of our skin, bones, and teeth.
Most importantly, vitamin A plays a key role in producing rhodopsin, a pigment in the rod cells of the retina that is essential for vision in dim light.
Vitamin A deficiency can lead to night blindness, officially known as nyctalopia, which is the inability to see well in poor lighting or at night.
It can also contribute to more severe visual impairments and even blindness, as vitamin A is part of the protective measures against eye conditions like cataracts.
Hence, an adequate intake of vitamin A is paramount for maintaining visual health, especially in conditions with limited light.