Introduction

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for vision, immune defense, skin integrity, and normal growth. It plays a crucial role in eye health, especially night vision, and supports the body’s ability to fight infections.

What Is Vitamin A?

Vitamin A is a group of fat-soluble compounds involved in vision, immune function, reproduction, and cellular communication.

• Preformed Vitamin A (Retinoids): Found in animal foods
• Provitamin A (Carotenoids): Found in plant foods and converted to vitamin A in the body

How Vitamin A Works in the Body

Vitamin A supports the retina for vision, maintains epithelial tissues (skin and mucosa), and regulates immune responses.

Sources & Absorption

Vitamin A Food Sources

• Animal sources: Liver, fish liver oil, egg yolk, dairy products
• Plant sources: Carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, kale, pumpkin, mango
• Fortified foods: Milk, cereals

Vitamin A Absorption

Vitamin A is absorbed in the intestine and requires dietary fat for proper absorption.

Vitamin A Deficiency

Symptoms

• Eye-related: Night blindness, dry eyes
• Skin: Dry, rough skin
• Immunity: Frequent infections
• Growth: Delayed growth in children

Causes

• Poor dietary intake
• Fat malabsorption disorders
• Chronic liver disease
• Severe malnutrition

Untreated deficiency can lead to permanent vision damage.

Diagnosis & Lab Tests

• Serum retinol level
• Normal range: 20–60 µg/dL

Treatment & Dosage

• Adult men: 900 mcg RAE/day
• Adult women: 700 mcg RAE/day
• Pregnancy: 770 mcg RAE/day
• Children: 300–600 mcg RAE/day

Deficiency treatment doses should be supervised by a healthcare professional.

Supplements & Forms

• Retinyl palmitate
• Retinyl acetate
• Beta-carotene (plant-based)

Benefits & Uses

• Improves night and low-light vision
• Strengthens immune system
• Promotes healthy skin and mucous membranes
• Supports growth and development
• Helps maintain reproductive health

Safety & Side Effects

• Excess intake may cause toxicity
• Symptoms include headache, nausea, liver damage
• High doses during pregnancy can cause birth defects

Vitamin A toxicity occurs only with excessive preformed Vitamin A, not beta-carotene.

Special Populations

• Pregnant women: Avoid high-dose supplements
• Children: Deficiency affects growth and vision
• Vegetarians: Rely on beta-carotene sources
• Liver disease patients: Use caution with supplementation

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Vitamin A deficiency cause night blindness?

Yes. Night blindness is one of the earliest and most common signs of Vitamin A deficiency.

Is Vitamin A good for skin?

Yes. Vitamin A supports skin cell renewal and helps maintain smooth, healthy skin.

Can too much Vitamin A be harmful?

Yes. Excess intake of preformed Vitamin A can cause toxicity, especially with supplements.

Best time to take Vitamin A?

Vitamin A should be taken with meals containing fat to enhance absorption.

Is daily Vitamin A supplementation safe?

Daily intake within recommended limits is safe. Long-term high-dose supplementation should be avoided.