When to take it
With a meal containing fat.
← All supplements
VitaminsModerate evidence
Vitamin A
Also known as: retinol
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin needed for night vision, healthy skin and mucous membranes and immunity. Deficiency is rare in Europe, and because vitamin A is stored in the liver, excess from supplements can be harmful.
What it is used for
- Maintenance of normal vision, skin and immunity – strong evidence (EFSA)
- Benefit of a supplement on a varied diet – weak evidence
- Treatment of deficiency – strong evidence, though rarely needed in Europe
Forms and how they differ
retinyl acetate, retinyl palmitate
common stable forms of preformed vitamin A
A + D3 combination
often in cod liver oil; add up the doses of both vitamins
beta-carotene
provitamin A, the body converts it to vitamin A as needed
Pairs well with
Vitamin D, zinc.
Do not combine / separate
Do not combine several vitamin A sources (multivitamins, cod liver oil, liver in the diet) or with retinoid medicines.
Watch out for
In pregnancy or when planning it, avoid high doses – excess can harm the foetus; consult your gynaecologist. Take care with liver disease, osteoporosis and if you use retinoids (e.g. for acne).
Safety
EFSA set an upper limit of 3000 µg preformed vitamin A (retinol) per day (about 10,000 IU). Postmenopausal women and people at risk of osteoporosis should keep intake lower.
Practical tip
Conversion: 1 µg retinol equals 3.33 IU – a 10,000 IU dose is already at the upper limit.
Products containing Vitamin A 9
Omega-3 fatty acids + Vitamin A + Vitamin D3 1000 mgcod liver oil · 1 000 mg / capsule
Evening primrose oil + Vitamin A + Vitamin E 1800 mgGLA · 1 800 mg / capsule
Vitamin A + vitamin D+ vitamin D
Vitamin A + Vitamin D3 10000 IUretinyl palmitate + cholecalciferol · 10 000 IU / capsule
Vitamin A
Vitamin A 10000 IUretinyl palmitate · 10 000 IU / capsule
Vitamin A retinyl acetate + cholecalciferol 800 µgretinyl acetate + cholecalciferol · 800 µg / capsule
Vitamin A retinyl acetate 1000 µgretinyl acetate · 1 000 µg / capsule
Vitamin A + Vitamin D3 + Vitamin E + Vitamin K2fat-soluble complex
How to read the evidence rating
Strong evidenceModerate evidenceWeak evidenceNo evidence
Strong = several good human studies or official recommendations; moderate = promising but smaller studies; weak = few studies or mixed results; no evidence = claims not confirmed.
Combination check
Select the supplements you take and, if relevant, your medicines. We show what interferes, what needs a time gap and what to watch out for.
Check Vitamin A with othersWhich supplements do you actually need?
Fénix Methode picks them from your blood results and schedules when to take what – no needless purchases.
From the same group
B complexModerate evidenceBeta-caroteneWeak evidenceBiotinWeak evidenceBrewer's yeastWeak evidenceCamu camuWeak evidenceCholineModerate evidence
Important notice
This information is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist. We do not give medicine dosages. Supplements are no substitute for a varied diet; if pregnant, breastfeeding, ill or on medication, consult a doctor first.