Vitamin
Vitamin A
Also known as: Retinol, Retinyl palmitate, Retinyl acetate, Beta-carotene
A
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.
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
Known interactions
Evidence notes
Essential vitamin with well-established functions
Grade A: Multiple well-designed human trials support the main claims.
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