Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUsesDeficiencySide EffectsPrecautionsDosageToxicityInteractionsSimilar SupplementsSources & What to Look ForFrequently Asked Questions

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Uses

Deficiency

Side Effects

Precautions

Dosage

Toxicity

Interactions

Similar Supplements

Sources & What to Look For

Frequently Asked Questions

Vitamin A is important for healthy skin and eyes and a strong immune system. It’s also needed for proper growth, development, and reproductive health.

Vitamin A an essential nutrient, meaning we can’t make it in our bodies and must get it from an outside source to stay healthy. There are two sources of vitamin A: preformed vitamin A and carotenoids. It’s a fat-soluble nutrient, meaning it needs fat to be effectively absorbed in the digestive tract.

In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Whenchoosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.

What Are Some Effects of Vitamin A on Health?

While more extensive research is necessary in regard to effectiveness, people use vitamin A or carotenoids for various health conditions.

Research for the effects of vitamin A and carotenoids on health is most robust for the following conditions:

Supplement Facts

Children at a cafe.Catherine Falls Commercial / Getty Images

Children at a cafe

Catherine Falls Commercial / Getty Images

AMD is a vision-threatening condition that tends to affect people over 50—including older adults over 65.

In AMD, blood leaks into themacula, which is the center of theretinain the back of the eye. The macula helps you see fine details.

In a clinical trial, study participants who took more vitamin A, beta-carotene, orluteinandzeaxanthinhad a lower likelihood of worsening AMD when compared to participants who took less vitamin A and/or these carotenoids.

Since vitamin A toxicity is possible, however, speak with a healthcare provider before taking this vitamin.

Moreover, there is anAREDS2 supplementthat decreases the risk of worsening AMD.But the most current AREDS2 supplement contains no vitamin A or provitamin A carotenoid—like beta-carotene.

Vitamins and Minerals for Eye Health

Cancer

A few systematic reviews and meta-analyses suggested a lower risk of several different cancers with higher dietary amounts of the following:

Results from some studies, however, didn’t find a relationship between different forms of vitamin A and cancer risk.

There were also a few large and long-term studies that showed beta-carotene supplements with or withoutretinyl palmitate(a preformed vitamin A) had harmful effects—likelung cancer—on specific groups of people.

This includes people who currently or formerly smoked and people who had exposure toasbestos.

In other studies, these adverse effects were not seen, but these studies contained smaller groups of people who currently or formerly smoked.

Based on these articles, the evidence regarding the relationship between vitamin A and cancer is mixed.

Infections

There is a possible relationship between vitamin A deficiency (low vitamin A) and a higher risk of death from infections such as measles.Measles is a highly contagious and severe viral infection, which is preventable with avaccine.

Results from a systematic review showed vitamin A supplementation reduced the number of new measles cases in children. Interestingly, however, vitamin A supplementation didn’t affect the number of deaths from measles.

Vitamin A supplementation generally decreased the risk ofmorbidity and mortalityin children. Morbidity is the state of having a medical condition, and mortality is death.

Data supported the continued use of vitamin A supplements in children younger than 5 at risk for low vitamin A. But additional clinical trials are still necessary to study vitamin A doses and various ways vitamin A is given.

Vitamin A Deficiency

While rare in the United States, it is possible to have a vitamin A deficiency.

However, low vitamin A levels in developing countries are more common—especially in pregnant and breastfeeding people. Infants—particularly preterm infants—and children are also at a higher risk.

Low vitamin A levels may occur in people who eat certain traditional diets that contain few foods with vitamin A. People in developing countries may also have difficulties accessing foods with vitamin A or provitamin A carotenoids.

Low vitamin A is also more likely with certain groups of people or in people with certain medical conditions.

What Causes a Vitamin A Deficiency?

Potential causes of vitamin A deficiency also include:

Am I Getting Enough Vitamin A?

If you live in the United States, you’re likely getting enough vitamin A.

However, if you’re living in a developing country where access tovitamin A-containing foodsis difficult, there’s a chance you may not be not getting enough vitamin A.

If you have a vitamin A deficiency, short-term symptoms may include:

Long-term or worsening vitamin A deficiency symptoms may include:

If you suspect that you’re experiencing a vitamin A deficiency or if any of your symptoms feel life-threatening, call 911 and get medical help right away.

What Are the Side Effects of Vitamin A?

As with many medications and natural products, vitamin A supplements may have side effects.

Additionally, vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin. The body stores excess amounts, primarily in the liver. These levels can accumulate over time, potentially increasing the possibility of toxicity.

Common Side Effects

Common side effects of vitamin A may include:

Severe Side Effects

Severe side effects are possible, especially from vitamin A toxicity. Examples of serious side effects may include:

If you’re having a severe allergic reaction or if any of your symptoms feel life-threatening, call 911 and get medical help right away.

A healthcare provider may advise against your taking vitamin A if any of the following applies to you:

Dosage: How Much Vitamin A Do I Need?

Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your individual needs.

The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) is the daily amount of vitamins or minerals needed.

RDAs may vary based on age, sex, pregnancy, and breastfeeding status.

Upper limits (ULs) are the maximum amounts of a vitamin or mineral people should ingest daily. Amounts ingested above the daily UL may produce side effects or toxicity.

The following includes information about different populations' RDAs and ULs.

In children with a high risk of vitamin A deficiency in developing countries, the recommended dosages for vitamin A are:

For these children, vitamin A supplementation might lower the risk ofmorbidity and mortality. Additional clinical trials are still necessary to study different vitamin A doses and various ways vitamin A is given.

Daily Vitamin A Needs for Adults Over 65RDAsUpper Limit for Animal-Based Foods and Vitamin A SupplementsFemales700 mcg3,000 mcg dailyMales900 mcg3,000 mcg dailyIf you plan to use vitamin A, follow a healthcare provider’s recommendations or product label instructions.Vitamin A ToxicityIf you take too much vitamin A, toxicity is possible. Generally, the recommended daily amounts of vitamin A from different sources—like foods and supplements—are based on age, sex, pregnancy, and breastfeeding status.Once you’re older than 18, the upper limit (UL) for animal-based foods and vitamin A supplements is around 3,000 mcg daily.If you accidentally took too much vitamin A, overdose symptoms are likely similar to vitamin A’s potential and serious side effects. This may include the following:Bone problems: Too much vitamin A may cause bone pain and decrease your bone mineral density (BMD). So, over time, large amounts of vitamin A may increase your risk of osteoporosis (weak and brittle bones) and bone fracture (break).Brain swelling: High amounts of vitamin A might cause some brain swelling.Symptoms may include headaches,nausea or vomiting, vision changes, seizures, and memory problems.Cancer: Vitamin A might have harmful effects—like lung cancer—on certain groups of people, such as people who currently or formerly smoked and people who had asbestos exposure.Liver problems: There are reports of liver problems with vitamin A over the daily upper limit.Symptoms of worsening liver function may include upper right-sided stomach pain, dark urine, and yellowing of the eyes or skin.Negative effects on the unborn fetus: Above the UL for daily vitamin A, there are reports of negative effects on the unborn fetus.If you think you took too much vitamin A or suspect you are experiencing life-threatening side effects, seek immediate medical attention.Does Vitamin A Interact With Medications or Other Dietary Supplements?Limited information about possible vitamin A interactions with medications or other dietary supplements exists.Possible interactions include the following:Medications or supplements that affect fat absorption: Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin, meaning it needs some fat to be absorbed into the bloodstream.Therefore, medications or supplements that affect fat absorption will likely affect vitamin A’s absorption into your bloodstream. Examples of these medications may includeXenical (orlistat) for weight lossandQuestran (cholestyramine) for cholesterol.Retinoids:Retinoidsare vitamin A-based medications. For this reason, combining vitamin A with retinoids may increase the likelihood of vitamin A toxicity and side effects. An example of aretinoid medicationmay include Soriatane (acitretin) for certain skin conditions, such aspsoriasis.It is essential to carefully read a supplement’s ingredients list and nutrition facts panel to know which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included.Please review this supplement label with a healthcare provider to discuss potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications.Similar SupplementsVitamin A may affect health, such as supporting eye health and limiting the severity of infections. So, other potentially similar supplements may include the following:AREDS2 supplements:AREDS2 supplementsmay slow down the worsening of a vision-threatening eye condition called age-related macular degeneration (AMD).Vitamin C: Routinely takingvitamin Cmay help relieve your cold symptoms.Only combine multiple natural products once you first talk with a healthcare provider, pharmacist, orregistered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN). Checking in can help you avoid possible harmful interactions and side effects and ensure you’re giving these supplements a fair trial at appropriate doses.Sources of Vitamin A & What to Look ForThere are several sources of vitamin A, but health nutrition guidelines typically place more importance on food sources to improve the diet.Although food sources are preferable, there is still a place for supplements for people with nutrient absorption problems.This may happen to people in certain age groups or with certain medical conditions.What Foods Have Vitamin A?Generally, there are two sources of vitamin A—preformed vitamin A and provitamin A carotenoids.Preformed vitamin A—like retinol—is naturally available in various animal-based foods, such as the following:Dairy (milk) productsFishEggsThe provitamin A carotenoids are also naturally available in food—but plant-based products. And your body can change these carotenoids into vitamin A.These foods include the following:MangosPapayaSquashCarrotsSweet potatoesCorn (not the white variety)Red palm oilBuriti palm oilSummaryVitamin A is a fat-soluble, essential vitamin for several normal bodily functions. Your body needs fat to absorb it.Vitamin A deficiency in the United States is rare. However, vitamin A may have some potential effects on health, such as age-related macular degeneration, cancer, and measles.Some of the evidence for vitamin A is mixed. And some studies showed that vitamin A or beta-carotene (a provitamin A carotenoid) supplements might have harmful effects in certain groups of people. Vitamin A and beta-carotene supplements tend to have a much higher concentration of these nutrients than foods. Try to get vitamin A and beta-carotene from food sources instead of supplements unless your healthcare provider advises differently.It’s essential to ensure the diagnosis and treatment of your medical conditions are completed on time. Avoid self-diagnosing and/or self-treating conditions that may be potentially serious. Involving an RD or RDN, pharmacist, or healthcare provider before taking vitamin A to help you safely achieve your health goals.Frequently Asked QuestionsVitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin. It’s also an essential vitamin because it’s necessary for a number of normal bodily functions.Vitamin A plays several essential parts in your body, such as your eyesight andimmune system(the body’s defense system). It’s also essential for normal growth, development, and reproductive health. Moreover, vitamin A affects your heart, lungs, and other organs.Vitamin A supplements are available in a few different dosage forms—with capsules being the most common.

If you plan to use vitamin A, follow a healthcare provider’s recommendations or product label instructions.

Vitamin A Toxicity

If you take too much vitamin A, toxicity is possible. Generally, the recommended daily amounts of vitamin A from different sources—like foods and supplements—are based on age, sex, pregnancy, and breastfeeding status.

Once you’re older than 18, the upper limit (UL) for animal-based foods and vitamin A supplements is around 3,000 mcg daily.

If you accidentally took too much vitamin A, overdose symptoms are likely similar to vitamin A’s potential and serious side effects. This may include the following:

If you think you took too much vitamin A or suspect you are experiencing life-threatening side effects, seek immediate medical attention.

Does Vitamin A Interact With Medications or Other Dietary Supplements?

Limited information about possible vitamin A interactions with medications or other dietary supplements exists.

Possible interactions include the following:

It is essential to carefully read a supplement’s ingredients list and nutrition facts panel to know which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included.

Please review this supplement label with a healthcare provider to discuss potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications.

Vitamin A may affect health, such as supporting eye health and limiting the severity of infections. So, other potentially similar supplements may include the following:

Only combine multiple natural products once you first talk with a healthcare provider, pharmacist, orregistered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN). Checking in can help you avoid possible harmful interactions and side effects and ensure you’re giving these supplements a fair trial at appropriate doses.

Sources of Vitamin A & What to Look For

There are several sources of vitamin A, but health nutrition guidelines typically place more importance on food sources to improve the diet.

Although food sources are preferable, there is still a place for supplements for people with nutrient absorption problems.

This may happen to people in certain age groups or with certain medical conditions.

What Foods Have Vitamin A?

Generally, there are two sources of vitamin A—preformed vitamin A and provitamin A carotenoids.

Preformed vitamin A—like retinol—is naturally available in various animal-based foods, such as the following:

The provitamin A carotenoids are also naturally available in food—but plant-based products. And your body can change these carotenoids into vitamin A.These foods include the following:

Summary

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble, essential vitamin for several normal bodily functions. Your body needs fat to absorb it.

Vitamin A deficiency in the United States is rare. However, vitamin A may have some potential effects on health, such as age-related macular degeneration, cancer, and measles.

Some of the evidence for vitamin A is mixed. And some studies showed that vitamin A or beta-carotene (a provitamin A carotenoid) supplements might have harmful effects in certain groups of people. Vitamin A and beta-carotene supplements tend to have a much higher concentration of these nutrients than foods. Try to get vitamin A and beta-carotene from food sources instead of supplements unless your healthcare provider advises differently.

It’s essential to ensure the diagnosis and treatment of your medical conditions are completed on time. Avoid self-diagnosing and/or self-treating conditions that may be potentially serious. Involving an RD or RDN, pharmacist, or healthcare provider before taking vitamin A to help you safely achieve your health goals.

Frequently Asked QuestionsVitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin. It’s also an essential vitamin because it’s necessary for a number of normal bodily functions.Vitamin A plays several essential parts in your body, such as your eyesight andimmune system(the body’s defense system). It’s also essential for normal growth, development, and reproductive health. Moreover, vitamin A affects your heart, lungs, and other organs.Vitamin A supplements are available in a few different dosage forms—with capsules being the most common.

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin. It’s also an essential vitamin because it’s necessary for a number of normal bodily functions.

Vitamin A plays several essential parts in your body, such as your eyesight andimmune system(the body’s defense system). It’s also essential for normal growth, development, and reproductive health. Moreover, vitamin A affects your heart, lungs, and other organs.

Vitamin A supplements are available in a few different dosage forms—with capsules being the most common.

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