Vitamin

Vitamin A

Also known as: Retinol, Retinyl palmitate, Retinyl acetate, Beta-carotene

Evidence

A fat-soluble vitamin essential for vision, immune function, and skin health that the body converts from beta-carotene as needed. Beta-carotene is a plant-derived precursor that acts as an antioxidant and is safer at high doses than preformed retinol.

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Daily target & upper limit

900 mcg / day · UL 3000 mcg

Vitamin A has an established daily reference intake. See best forms, label synonyms, upper-limit warnings, and top-scoring supplements:

Vitamin A dosage reference →

Primary uses

Vision health
Immune support
Skin health
Cell differentiation
Wound healing
Skin repair
Immune function
Epithelial health
Immune barriers
Respiratory health
Mucosal immunity
Vision

How it works

Retinal for vision
Gene expression regulation
Immune cell function
Epithelial tissue maintenance

Dosage

Typical range: 2500-5000 IU daily
Timing: With fat-containing meal
With food: Yes
Duration: Long-term at moderate doses
Special populations: Caution in pregnancy

Forms

Retinyl palmitate
Cod liver oil
Beta-carotene
Mixed carotenoids
Beta-carotene (plant-based)· 70/100
Retinyl acetate· 70/100
beta-carotene (provitamin A)· 70/100
Retinol Palmitate (preformed)· 70/100
Softgel· 70/100
Capsule· 70/100
Tablet· 70/100
Liquid· 70/100

Safety

Common side effects

Well tolerated at normal doses

Contraindications

Pregnancy (high doses)
Liver disease

Products containing Vitamin A

Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list Vitamin A on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.

Thorne

MediClear-SGS™ - Vanilla

Thorne

Basic Nutrients 2/Day

Known interactions

Evidence notes

Essential vitamin with well-established functions

Grade A: Multiple well-designed human trials support the main claims.

Related in Vitamin

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Medical disclaimer. This page is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider.