vitamin A

Medically Reviewed on 3/1/2023

Generic Name: vitamin A

Brand Name: Natures Way Vitamin A, Now Foods Vitamin A, GNC Vitamin A, and many more brands

Drug Class: N/A

What is oral vitamin A, and what is it used for?

Oral vitamin A is a dietary supplement used to prevent and treat vitamin A deficiency. Carotene compounds (found, for example, in egg yolk, butter, and cream) are gradually converted by the body to vitamin A (retinol).

Vitamin A supports growth and bone development, vision, reproduction, and the development and maintenance of skin tissue. It may also improve the function of the immune system and prevent some cancers. A form of vitamin A called retinal is responsible for transmitting light sensation in the retina of the eye. A vitamin A deficiency leads to night blindness.

What are the side effects of vitamin A?

Side effects of vitamin A include (The frequency of side effects was not reported.):

Possible serious side effects include:

What is the dosage for vitamin A?

  • The recommended dose for routine treatment of vitamin A deficiency is 10,000-20,000 units per day vitamin A for 2 months.
  • The recommended dose for treating severe vitamin A deficiency is 100,000 units orally for 3 days, followed by 50,000 units daily for 2 weeks then 10,000 to 20,000 units daily for 2 months.
  • The dose for preventing vitamin A deficiency is 10,000 to 50,000 units daily.

Which drugs interact with vitamin A?

  • Concurrent use of isotretinion (Amnesteem, Claravis), tretinoin (Retin-A), and vitamin A may result in an increased risk of vitamin A toxicity.

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Is vitamin A safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?

  • Recommended daily allowance of vitamin A is safe to use during pregnancy and is compatible with breastfeeding.

What else should I know about vitamin A?

What preparations of vitamin A-oral are available?
  • Capsule: 7,500, 8000, 10,000, 25,000 Units
  • Tablets: 10,000, 15,000 Units
How should I keep vitamin A-oral stored?
  • Vitamin A should be stored in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Summary

Vitamin A is a supplement used to prevent and treat vitamin A deficiency. Vitamin A supports growth and bone development, vision, reproduction, and the development and maintenance of skin tissue. It may also improve the function of the immune system and prevent some cancers. Common side effects of vitamin A supplements include sticky skin, inflammation of the lips, acne, and facial dermatitis. Vitamin A is generally considered safe to consume during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Treatment & Diagnosis

Medications & Supplements

Prevention & Wellness

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Medically Reviewed on 3/1/2023
References
Medically reviewed by John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP; Board Certified Emergency Medicine

REFERENCE:

National Institute of Health Office of Dietary Supplements