Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin needed for normal vision, immune function, skin health, reproduction and healthy mucous membranes. It comes in two main dietary forms: preformed Vitamin A such as retinol, and provitamin A carotenoids such as beta-carotene.
Vitamin A is essential, but it is also a vitamin where dose matters. High-dose preformed Vitamin A can build up in the body and may be harmful, especially during pregnancy.
What Does Vitamin A Do?
Supports normal vision
Supports immune system function
Supports skin and mucous membranes
Supports reproduction and growth
Acts through retinoids and carotenoid pathways
Retinol vs Beta-Carotene
Retinol / retinyl palmitate: preformed Vitamin A, more potent and more likely to cause toxicity at high doses.
Beta-carotene: provitamin A carotenoid from plants; the body converts it as needed.
Recommended Merchant Options
Nutricost Vitamin A Softgels
Nutricost lists Vitamin A softgels with 10,000 IU per serving. This is a high-strength product and should be used carefully.
Dr. Berg Whole Food Multivitamin includes Vitamin A as beta-carotene as part of a broader multinutrient formula. This is not a standalone Vitamin A supplement.
Preformed Vitamin A is found in liver, fish liver oils, eggs and dairy. Beta-carotene is found in carrots, sweet potato, pumpkin, spinach, kale, mango and orange-coloured vegetables.
Safety and Cautions
Do not use high-dose retinol products casually. Pregnant people, people trying to conceive, and those using retinoid medications should be especially cautious. Avoid combining high-dose Vitamin A with liver, cod liver oil and multivitamins unless advised.
FAQ
Is Vitamin A good for eyes?
Yes, Vitamin A supports normal vision, especially low-light vision.
Is beta-carotene safer than retinol?
Beta-carotene is generally safer because the body converts it as needed, although smokers should be cautious with high-dose beta-carotene supplements.
Can Vitamin A be toxic?
Yes. High-dose preformed Vitamin A can build up and cause toxicity.
Health disclaimer: This article is general information only. Avoid high-dose Vitamin A if pregnant, trying to conceive, taking retinoids, eating liver often, or using cod liver oil unless medically advised.
Most popular sponsored products
Nutricost Vitamin K2 + Vitamin D3 Softgels Offer now available for the Nutricost Vitamin K2 + Vitamin D3 Softgels. On sale with world wide delivery. 120 Servings of Vitamin K2 + D3 in Every Bottle100 MCG of Vitamin K2 (MK7) in Every Serving5000 IU of Vitamin D3 in Every ServingNon-GMO and Gluten FreeMade in a GMP Compliant,…
Herbs Of Gold Vitamin B2 Offer now available for the Herbs Of Gold Vitamin B2. On sale with world wide delivery. Buy Herbs Of Gold Vitamin B2 Tablets Australia at Best Prices from HealthSupplements.com.au. Browse our extensive range of Herbs Of Gold products. Found on the safe and secure website healthsupplements.com.au.
Herbs Of Gold Vitamin C 1000 Plus Offer now available for the Herbs Of Gold Vitamin C 1000 Plus. On sale with world wide delivery. Buy Herbs Of Gold Vitamin C 1000 Plus Nutritional Support Tablets Australia at Best Prices from HealthSupplements.com.au. Browse our extensive range of Herbs Of Gold products. Found on the safe and secure…
Melrose Vitamin C Ascorbic Acid Oral Powder Offer now available for the Melrose Vitamin C Ascorbic Acid Oral Powder. On sale with world wide delivery. Buy Melrose Vitamin C Ascorbic Acid Daily Nutrient Powder Australia at Best Prices from HealthSupplements.com.au. Browse our extensive range of Melrose products. Found on the safe and secure website healthsupplements.com.au.
Cenovis Kids Chewable Vitamin C Offer now available for the Cenovis Kids Chewable Vitamin C. On sale with world wide delivery. Buy Cenovis Kids Chewable Vitamin C at Best Prices from HealthSupplements.com.au. Browse our extensive range of Cenovis products. Found on the safe and secure website healthsupplements.com.au.
Cenovis Kids Chewable Vitamin C Offer now available for the Cenovis Kids Chewable Vitamin C. On sale with world wide delivery. Buy Cenovis Kids Chewable Vitamin C at Best Prices from HealthSupplements.com.au. Browse our extensive range of Cenovis products. Found on the safe and secure website healthsupplements.com.au.
Quick take: iHerb makes it easy to browse supplements, protein, wellness products, and healthy pantry staples in one place. It’s a handy option for comparing ingredients, brands, and customer reviews before choosing what suits your goals.
Quick take: iHerb makes it easy to browse supplements, protein, wellness products, and healthy pantry staples in one place. It’s a handy option for comparing ingredients, brands, and customer reviews before choosing what suits your goals.
