Vitamin A, known in its preformed state as retinol, is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a foundational role in numerous biological processes. Research suggests it is essential for maintaining healthy vision, particularly in low-light conditions, and studies indicate it supports immune function by helping regulate the growth and differentiation of immune cells. Vitamin A has also been widely studied for its contributions to skin health, where it supports cell turnover and repair, as well as reproductive health, where it appears to play a role in normal fetal development. Available in preformed sources like retinol and retinyl palmitate from animal-based foods, and as the provitamin A carotenoid beta-carotene from colorful fruits and vegetables, it remains one of the most extensively researched essential nutrients in nutritional science.
Compare this supplementResearch suggests that vitamin A plays a supporting role in antioxidant and immune-related processes, though the evid...
View studies →Research suggests that vitamin A (retinol) plays a meaningful role in cellular health across multiple biological syst...
View studies →Research suggests that vitamin A (retinol) plays a recognized role in eye health, particularly in relation to night b...
View studies →Research suggests that vitamin A plays a meaningful role in immune regulation, with several studies pointing to its i...
View studies →Research suggests that vitamin A intake is a meaningful concern for reproductive-age women and pregnant women, partic...
View studies →Research suggests that vitamin A and its derivatives play a meaningful role in skin biology, particularly in regulati...
View studies →Very high doses of preformed vitamin A (retinol) may interfere with vitamin D function.
View details →Vitamin A helps mobilize iron stores and improves iron status.
View details →These are commonly referenced dosage ranges for this supplement. They are not medical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare provider before supplementing.
| Form | Dose range | Frequency | Studied for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capsule | 2,500–5,000 IU | Daily | Eye health and reproductive health maintenance in adults | Frequently referenced range in observational and supplementation studies for ocular and reproductive outcomes |
| Capsule | 700–900 mcg | Daily | General health, meeting recommended dietary allowance for adults | Based on RDA established by Institute of Medicine; used in general nutrition trials |
| Capsule | 1,500–3,000 mcg | Daily | Immune function support and deficiency correction in clinical populations | Common in clinical trials targeting immune outcomes and mild deficiency |
| Capsule | 7,500–15,000 mcg | Daily | Severe vitamin A deficiency treatment, including night blindness and measles-related complications | Based on WHO supplementation protocols and RCTs in deficient populations |
| Liquid | 100,000–200,000 IU | As needed | Acute deficiency intervention in children, single high-dose supplementation programs | Based on WHO and UNICEF high-dose supplementation RCTs in low-income settings |
| Topical | 0.03–0.1 % | Daily | Skin health, anti-aging, acne, and photoaging support | Common concentrations used in RCTs and dermatology clinical studies on retinol formulations |