What it does
Supports vision, immune function and tissue development.
Possible deficiency symptoms
Deficiency can cause night blindness and eye-surface damage.
Food sources
Eggs; dairy; liver; orange and dark-green vegetables containing provitamin A carotenoids.
Supplement forms
Retinyl palmitate, retinyl acetate and beta-carotene.
Before taking a supplement
Excess preformed vitamin A is harmful, particularly during pregnancy. High-dose beta-carotene supplements are unsafe for smokers and some former smokers.
Questions for your visit
Could my diet, medicines, absorption or another condition explain my concern? What evidence would support treatment, and how would we check whether it helps?
Names you may see
Vitamin A
Sources & perspective
This is an editorial adaptation of the Purser Wellness nutrient reference app. Purser teaching connections are labeled separately from clinical interpretation. Private cases and individual treatment protocols are not reproduced.
Use the public resources below for additional context.
NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin A
