Vitamin A

Also known as: retinol, beta-carotene, retinyl palmitate, provitamin a

Grade A — Strong Evidencevitaminfoundational
700–3000 mcg RAEWith fat-containing meal

Fat-soluble vitamin essential for immunity, vision, skin, and reproduction. Most people with varied diets are not deficient. Preformed vitamin A is teratogenic at high doses — use beta-carotene in pregnancy.

🛡️Immunity✨Skin & Hair🧠Cognitive Performance
Last reviewed: 2026-03-11

Evidence

Grade A

Studies

2

Interactions

2

Forms

1

Evidence Rating: Grade A — Strong Evidence

Multiple high-quality RCTs, systematic reviews, or meta-analyses with consistent findings.

Interaction Warnings

Retinoid medications (isotretinoin, acitretin)High Risk

Additive vitamin A toxicity. Contraindicated with retinoid medications.

OrlistatModerate

Fat blocker reduces absorption of fat-soluble vitamins including vitamin A.

⚠️ Important Notes

  • Upper limit 3000 mcg RAE/day — toxicity (hypervitaminosis A) possible with chronic excess
  • Preformed vitamin A (retinol) is teratogenic at high doses in pregnancy — use beta-carotene instead
  • Smokers should avoid beta-carotene supplements (increased lung cancer risk in high-dose trials)
  • Fat-soluble — stores accumulate over time

Clinical Evidence (2 studies)

Vitamin A supplementation for respiratory infections in children

Imdad A et al. (2017) — Cochrane Database Syst Rev

Vitamin A reduces all-cause child mortality by 24% in deficient populations

View on PubMed

Vitamin A and skin health

Zasada M and Budzisz E (2019) — Dermatol Ther (Heidelb)

Topical and oral retinoids improve skin texture, reduce acne, and stimulate collagen synthesis

View on PubMed

Alternatives to Consider

These supplements target similar goals and may be worth considering alongside or instead of Vitamin A.

Zinc

Grade A

Essential mineral for immune function, wound healing, and testosterone production. Lozenges reduce cold duration by ~33%.

🛡️ Immunity✨ Skin & Hair

Vitamin C

Grade A

Essential antioxidant vitamin. Supports immune function, collagen synthesis, and antioxidant defense. 50% infection reduction in athletes.

🛡️ Immunity✨ Skin & Hair

Vitamin D3

Grade A

Essential hormone precursor. Most people in northern latitudes are deficient. Strong evidence for immunity, bone health, and mood.

🛡️ Immunity

Related Supplements

Zinc

Grade A — Strong Evidence

Essential mineral for immune function, wound healing, and testosterone production. Lozenges reduce cold duration by ~33%.

Vitamin C

Grade A — Strong Evidence

Essential antioxidant vitamin. Supports immune function, collagen synthesis, and antioxidant defense. 50% infection reduction in athletes.

Vitamin D3

Grade A — Strong Evidence

Essential hormone precursor. Most people in northern latitudes are deficient. Strong evidence for immunity, bone health, and mood.

B-Complex

Grade B — Moderate Evidence

Group of essential vitamins for energy metabolism, nervous system function, and mood. Methylated forms preferred for MTHFR variants.

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⚕️ Important Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen, especially if you take medications or have health conditions.

DoseGrade does not sell supplements and has no affiliate relationships with supplement manufacturers.