What it does: It is vital for healthy vision—especially for low-light and color vision—and supports normal immune system function and the maintenance of skin and mucous membranes.
How it is used: Vitamin A is taken to support eye health and night vision, assist immune defense, promote healthy skin, and provide nutritional support in cases of inadequate dietary intake.
Natural sources and supplement forms: It naturally occurs in liver, eggs, oily fish, and whole milk (as retinol), and in carrots, spinach, and sweet potatoes (as beta-carotene). Supplements often deliver vitamin A as retinyl palmitate, retinyl acetate, or beta-carotene.
Why it appears in supplement formulas: Brands use vitamin A for its roles in supporting vision, normal immune function, and epithelial tissue maintenance.
What to know before use: High intakes of preformed vitamin A (retinol) can be toxic, so individuals who are pregnant or using multiple vitamin A sources should consult a healthcare provider before supplementing.
Interesting Fact
Why Carrots and Spinach Are Famous for Vitamin A
Vitamin A comes in two main forms: preformed vitamin A (retinol) from animal sources, and provitamin A carotenoids from plant foods like carrots and spinach. The body can convert beta-carotene, the pigment that gives carrots their orange color, into active vitamin A. This dual source is why both liver and colorful vegetables are known for their vitamin A content.
