What Is Vitamin A And How Does It Work
Vitamin A is an over-the-counter vitamin that is naturally present in many foods. Vitamin A is important for normal vision, the immune system, and reproduction. Vitamin A also helps the heart, lungs, kidneys and other organs work properly. There are two different types of Vitamin A. The first, preformed vitamin A, is found in meat, poultry, fish and dairy products. The second, provitamin A, is found in fruits, vegetables and other plant-based products. The most common type of provitamin A is beta-carotene which can be found in foods and dietary supplements.
- Vitamin A is available under the following different brand names: Retinol, Aquasol A, Retinyl Acetate, and Retinyl Palmitate.
Trials For Rheumatoid Arthritis
Three of the four trials in this review article investigated the potential role of vitamin E in treating rheumatoid arthritis, while the fourth studied the effectiveness of selenium ACE treatment.
- In the first trial , there was no significant difference between participants on 1,200 mg per day vitamin E supplements or a placebo in morning stiffness, number of swollen joints and degree of joint tenderness, but there was a significant difference in pain reduction in favour of participants taking vitamin E.
- In both the second trial and the third trial , there was no significant difference between participants allocated 1,200 mg a day vitamin E supplements or participants given 150 mg diclofenac a day in all aspects of disease severity at the end of the trial.
- In the fourth trial , there was no significant difference between participants who received selenium ACE supplements or participants on a placebo in all aspects of disease severity at the end of the trial.
A trial of low quality. Results of this trial were given a lower weighting when we came to our conclusion about the compound.
What Are Warnings And Precautions For Vitamin A
Warnings
Avoid the use of hypersensitivity, intravenous use, hypervitaminosis A, malabsorption syndrome , and pregnancy .
This medication contains vitamin A. Do not take Retinol, Aquasol A, Retinyl Acetate, or Retinyl Palmitate if you are allergic to vitamin A or any ingredients contained in this drug.
Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.
Contraindications
- Avoid the use of hypersensitivity, intravenous use, hypervitaminosis A, malabsorption syndrome , and pregnancy .
Effects of Drug Abuse
- See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Vitamin A?”
Long-Term Effects
- Caution in impairment
- See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Vitamin A?”
Cautions
- Use caution if the dose exceeds 25,000 units per day, monitor closely
- Evaluate additional vitamin deficiencies if diagnosis of vitamin deficiency occurs
- Monitor prolonged administration over 25,000 units per day, take into account vitamin intake from other dietary and supplement sources
- Efficacy of large systemic doses of 100,000 to 300,000 units per day of vitamin A for the treatment of acne is not established
Pregnancy and Lactation
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Who Should Stay Away From Vitamin A
All in all, vitamin A supplements are safe. However, there are some cases where caution is advised.
According to the National Institutes of Health, theres a link between supplementation of beta-carotene for 58 years and an increased risk of lung cancer and cardiovascular disease in smokers exposed to asbestos. While there are obvi a lot of other cancer risk factors here, it still may be smart to steer clear if youre a smoker.
Still on the fence? Here are a few answers to common questions about these supplements.
Also Check: How To Test For Vitamin D Deficiency At Home
What Other Drugs Interact With Vitamin A
If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist first.
- Vitamin A has no known severe interactions with other drugs.
- Vitamin A has no known serious interactions with other drugs.
- Moderate Interactions of Vitamin A include:
- alitretinoin
- mipomersen
This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your health care professional or doctor for additional medical advice, or if you have health questions, concerns, or for more information about this medicine.
What Are The Uses & Benefits Of Vitamin A
Vitamin A is an important fat-soluble vitamin with a variety of roles in the body. Some of the most notable vitamin A benefits include:
Overall, vitamin A is an important nutrient for several aspects of our health. With that said, its best to get vitamin A naturally from the diet.
Supplements may be beneficial in certain circumstances, but most people can obtain enough from their diets alone.
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How Can I Increase My Vitamin A
Vitamin A can be found in animal and plant products. The foods with the highest amount of preformed vitamin A are liver and fish oil, and this form of vitamin A can also be found in eggs and milk. Provitamin A carotenoids can be found in dark and colorful vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, squash, and spinach. Increasing your consumption of these foods can help increase your vitamin A intake.
Vitamin A can also be taken in supplement form, either in a multivitamin or as a standalone supplement. Vitamin A supplements can contain preformed vitamin A, provitamin A carotenoids, or a combination of both. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you decide which vitamin A supplement is best for you.
Choose It Or Lose It: Tips For Choosing A Vitamin A Supplement
Heres what to consider when choosing the right supplement for you:
- Quality ingredients. Decide whether youd prefer cod liver oil or carotenoids, and then make sure the vitamin has the pure form of that. Ideally, your vitamin A supplement shouldnt have a huge list of filler ingredients that you cant understand. It should have some fat , which will help your bod absorb it better.
- Added vitamins. If you only need vitamin A in your life, you might want a standalone supplement. If youre looking to improve, say, your skin specifically, look for one with added beneficial nutrients like biotin.
- Third-party testing. Check for third-party testing that way, you know the company has truly checked all their boxes.
- Dietary considerations. If youre vegan or vegetarian, youll need a supplement made with carotenoids. If youre allergic to gluten or other allergens, scope out the ingredient list so you can play it safe.
Read Also: Which Vitamins Thin Your Blood
How Do They Work
Vitamins A, C and E have antioxidant properties. This means they can override harmful molecules, known as free radicals, which are produced within your cells and which may cause tissue damage or disease. Your body produces its own antioxidants but its thought that antioxidants in the diet help destroy excess free radicals.
Some laboratory and animal studies have also found that vitamin E may help to treat osteoarthritis by stimulating the growth of cartilage cells. Other studies have found that it has some anti-inflammatory properties.
Studies on vitamin C have found that it can stimulate the production of collagen and proteoglycan and can protect against the breakdown of cartilage in animal studies.
Vitamin A Side Effects
Not everyone needs to take a vitamin A supplement. Most healthy individuals are not deficient in vitamin A. Heres what to watch out for when supplementing with this vitamin:
Toxicity: Taking too much vitamin A can lead to skin issues, such as excessive dryness, aches, and pains in the joints, headaches, confusion, and vomiting.
Birth defects: Pregnant women should not take vitamin A supplements without the guidance of a physician, since high levels of this vitamin may lead to congenital disabilities.
Liver and kidney problems: Heavy drinkers and people with diseases that affect these organs should refrain from supplementing with vitamin A.
Drug interactions: Vitamin A supplements may interact with certain kinds of birth control, cancer drugs, acne treatments, and blood thinners. People taking any of these types of medications should consult their doctor before taking a supplement.
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How We Chose The Best Vitamin A Supplements
Dont Google too hard, now we did it for you . Heres how we found the best vitamin A supplements:
- Third-party certifications. We looked for supplements third-party tested by places like global health authority NSF International. Its one thing when a company says their supplements do this or that its another when an unbiased source confirms it. This helps to ensure the products truly live up to company claims.
- Quality ingredients. We researched the forms of vitamin A that the bodys able to absorb most efficiently and safely, including fish oil, retinyl acetate, and beta-carotene. We then picked products that are free of unnecessary fillers .
- Reviews and reputation. We prioritized top-rated supplements and companies with trusted reputations in the industry. The people have spoken!
Key ingredients: vitamin A , vitamin D3, vitamin K2, coconut oil, castor oil
Whether youre gluten-free, vegan, or want to stay away from GMOs, this liquid supplements got your back . Its also free of soy, fillers, and only contains a bit of added fat, which helps your bod absorb fat-soluble vitamins more easily.
Keep in mind that fat-soluble vitamins can potentially accumulate in your stored body fat and cause vitamin toxicity. There *is* such a thing as too much of a good thing, and in this case, that thing is vitamin A. To stay safe, its best to talk with a health pro before taking fat-soluble supplements.
Type: softgelKey ingredients: vitamin A , gelatin, beeswax, soybean oil
What Are The Benefits Of Vitamin A
There are many benefits of vitamin A. It promotes healthy skin, teeth, and bones. It also plays a role in strong eyesight, healthy pregnancies, and breastfeeding. Many provitamin A carotenoids contain antioxidants, such as beta-carotene found in colorful vegetables. Antioxidants help to fight against damage from substances called free radicals, which can be harmful to our bodies and may contribute to disease.
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Do Vitamin A Supplements Work
They can definitely get the job done if you have a deficiency. Vitamins often contain much higher than the recommended DV, so your body has better odds of getting what it needs.
But as we mentioned earlier, there are still some questions to be answered about how well supplemented nutrients are absorbed and used in the body. Therefore, its best to use them in moderation and with advice from a health pro.
Country Life Dry Vitamin A
Country Life Dry Vitamin A is a water dispersible vitamin A product made from vitamin A as retinyl palmitate and beta carotene. This vitamin A tablet is also free from gluten, yeast, wheat, soy, milk, salt, sugar, preservatives and artificial colors. It is also certified vegan and kosher pareve.
Whats In It?
- One Serving contains
- 10,000 IU Vitamin A
Who Makes It?
Country Life Vitamins is a family-owned nutritional supplement producer that was established in 1971. Their manufacturing facility Is certified USDA Organic and GMP certified. They have multiple brands under their belt, including Biochem, Iron-Tek, and Desert Essence.
| Where to Get It |
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Can I Buy Vitamin A Over The Counter At Walgreens
Yes, you can buy vitamin A over the counter at Walgreens. Vitamin A is available in the form of multivitamins or supplements in Walgreens stores and online. There are different dosages available for purchase to suit each customers needs. Consult with a pharmacist if you have any questions about buying vitamin A over the counter.
What Are Dosages Of Vitamin A
Dosages of Vitamin A:
Described as retinol activity equivalent
- 1 RAE = Retinol 1 mcg
Adults:
- Males: 900 mcg per day
Females:
- 700 mcg per day
- Older than 18 years pregnant: 750-770 mcg per day
- Older than 18 years breastfeeding: 1300 mcg retinol activity equivalent
- Infants 0-6 months: 400 mcg/day retinol activity equivalent
- Infants 6-12 months: 500 mcg/day retinol activity equivalent
- Children 1-3 years: 300 mcg/day retinol activity equivalent
- Children 3-8 years: 400 mcg/day retinol activity equivalent
- Children 8-13 years: 600 mcg/day retinol activity equivalent
- Children 13-18 years: 900 mcg/day retinol activity equivalent
Upper Intake Levels
- Older than 18 years: 3,000 mcg per day retinol activity equivalent
- During pregnancy: 3,000 mcg per day retinol activity equivalent
- Lactation: 3,000 mcg per day retinol activity equivalent
Pediatrics:
- Children 0-3 years: 600 mcg per day retinol activity equivalent
- Children 3-8 years: 900 mcg per day retinol activity equivalent
- Children 8-13 years: 1,700 mcg per day retinol activity equivalent
- Children 13-18 years, pregnant: 2,800 mcg per day retinol activity equivalent
- Children 13-18 years, breastfeeding: 2,800 mcg per day retinol activity equivalent
Adults:
Pediatrics:
Adults:
Pediatrics:
Dosage Considerations â Should be Given as Follows:
- None.
- clouding or scarring of the cornea
- peeling of the palms and soles of the feet
- inflammation of the lips
- hair loss
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What Form Does Vitamin A Come In
Vitamin A comes in two forms in our diets. The first is preformed vitamin A, sometimes known as vitamin A from retinol or retinyl ester. This is found in many animal products such as liver, eggs, and fish oil. The other form of vitamin A is precursors to vitamin A, called provitamin A carotenoids, which can be found in many fruits and vegetables. The most common form of this type of vitamin A is beta carotene which is found in colorful fruits and dark leafy vegetables. Vitamin A supplements may contain either form of vitamin A, but its most common for supplements to contain preformed vitamin A with retinyl acetate or retinyl palmitate.
Types And Sources Of Vitamin A
There are two forms of vitamin A: preformed and provitamin A carotenoid. Most people get the required daily amount of vitamin A through food sources, and the majority of experts recommend food sources over supplements.
Preformed vitamin A, also known as retinoids, is typically sourced from animal products. Natural sources of retinoid vitamin A include eggs, organ meat, poultry, oily fish, dairy products, and fortified foods such as cereal and milk
Provitamin A carotenoid comes from plant sources. It includes beta-carotene and alpha-carotene. The body turns provitamins like these for into usable vitamin A as needed. Natural sources of beta-carotene include carrots, spinach and other leafy greens, sweet potatoes, nuts and seeds, and fruits. Note: Beta-carotene does not build up in the body in the same way as preformed vitamin A. The body converts beta-carotene to vitamin A as needed, so its a much safer source of vitamin A.
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How To Take It
Vitamin A is absorbed along with fat in the diet. Take it with food.
Studies often use high doses of vitamin A. However, such high doses can be toxic. A doctor should monitor any high-dose therapy .
Daily dietary intakes for vitamin A are:
Pediatric
- Men, 19 years and older: 900 mcg
- Women, 19 years and older: 700 mcg
- Pregnant women, 14 to 18 years: 750 mcg
- Pregnant women, 19 years and older: 770 mcg
- Breastfeeding women, 14 to 18 years: 1,200 mcg
- Breastfeeding women, 19 years and older: 1,300 mcg
Antibiotics Interacts With Vitamin A
Taking very large amounts of vitamin A along with tetracyclines can increase the chance of a serious side effect called intracranial hypertension. But taking normal doses of vitamin A along with tetracyclines does not seem to cause this problem. Do not take large amounts of vitamin A if you are taking antibiotics.
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Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Cream
The Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Cream boasts a triactive retinol that is a combination of a fast-acting retinol, time-released retinol and a regular retinol to cover all the bases, making this one of the best vitamin A creams. That trifecta allows for the most efficacious formula while minimizing irritation, aiding skin with even deep wrinkles, a more even skin tone and a blast of radiance. Gentle enough to use every night, it also contains niacinamide and picolinamide to support the skins natural protective barrier.
