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Vitamin A

Also called: Retinol, retinyl palmitate, retinyl acetate, beta-carotene

A fat-soluble vitamin that supports vision, skin, and the protective linings of the gut and airways. It comes as ready-made vitamin A (retinol) or as beta-carotene, which the body converts as needed.

Supplements can interact with medications and aren't right for everyone, especially during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or with a chronic condition. Ask your provider before you start.

Studied for

  • Low vitamin A on a blood test
  • Night vision and eye health
  • Skin health
  • Immune support
  • Poor fat absorption, such as with celiac disease or IBD

Found naturally in

  • Liver and cod liver oil (ready-made vitamin A)
  • Egg yolks and dairy
  • Sweet potatoes and carrots (beta-carotene)
  • Spinach and kale (beta-carotene)
What variations of vitamin A exist?Our top pick, what to skip, and how to read the label

Label red flags

  • The label doesn't say how much is ready-made vitamin A (retinol) versus beta-carotene
  • Vitamin A in several products at once, such as a multivitamin, cod liver oil, and an immune formula
  • High-dose beta-carotene in a product taken by someone who smokes

Check with a provider

  • Pregnant, trying to conceive, or could become pregnant. High amounts of ready-made vitamin A (retinol) can cause birth defects. Beta-carotene doesn't carry this risk.
  • You smoke, recently quit, or were exposed to asbestos. High-dose beta-carotene supplements raised lung cancer risk in large studies of smokers.
  • Liver disease or regular heavy alcohol use
  • Taking isotretinoin, acitretin, or another retinoid medicine. Don't add vitamin A on top.
  • Signs of too much: headache, nausea, dry or peeling skin, bone or joint pain, or blurred vision. Long-term excess retinol is also linked to bone loss.

Related conditions

Celiac diseaseCrohn's disease & ulcerative colitis

Supplements that contain it

4 products in Dr. Lesher's dispensary list vitamin a on the label.

Check with your provider before taking any of these, especially if you're pregnant or take medications.

Parts of the body it affects

Explore what each area does and the conditions that can affect it.

Illustration of the salivary glands in the face and jaw

Eyes & mouth

Tear and salivary glands keep your eyes and mouth moist and protected. Lasting dryness can be an early clue to an autoimmune condition.

Cross-section of skin showing the epidermis, dermis and fat layer, with hair follicles, sweat and oil glands, nerves, and blood vessels

Skin

Your skin is your largest organ and a major immune barrier. Rashes, patches, and color changes are often the first visible signs of an autoimmune condition.

Illustration of blood cells: red blood cells, four kinds of white blood cell, and platelets

Blood & immune system

Blood carries oxygen and nutrients, and white blood cells defend you from infection. In autoimmune disease, that defense system targets your own tissues.

Illustrations: Servier Medical Art, CC BY 4.0

Dr. Lesher, ND

Ready to find the root cause?

Dr. Lesher is a Naturopathic Doctor who focuses on autoimmune and chronic conditions in women. Since 2020, she's helped hundreds of patients stop managing symptoms and start healing.

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