Vitamin A, also known as retinol, can be found in many foods, like dairy products, and it can be synthesized by the body from the beta-carotene found in foods like carrots, squash and sweet potatoes. Although a deficiency of this vitamin is rare, some individuals may need to take vitamin A supplements. High doses of this vitamin can be toxic, so prior to using vitamin A supplements, consult with your health care provider about whether this supplement is appropriate for you and what dosage you should take.
What Does Vitamin A Do?
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that can be stored by the body for future use. This vitamin helps with normal cell reproduction and vision, and it is necessary for healthy fetal development. It also is important to keep mucous membranes healthy, and it promotes wound healing and the proper functioning of the immune system, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center. When you are deficient in this vitamin, symptoms can include dry eyes, night blindness, skin problems and diarrhea.
Disease Prevention
Vitamin A has been studied in relation to several illnesses. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, retinol has been shown to slow breast cancer cell growth in the laboratory, but this has yet to be seen in humans. Studies have been mixed and more research needs to be done on the relationship between vitamin A and breast cancer. Vitamin A supplements may be helpful for those with disorders such as dry eyes, and studies have found that individuals with higher dietary intakes of vitamin A are less likely to develop age-related macular degeneration, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center. Low levels of vitamin A are also good for bone development and can reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis.
Dosage
According to the Linus Pauling Institute, the recommended dietary allowance for adolescents 14 to 18 and adults 19 and older is 900 mcg and 700 mcg for men and women, respectively. Pregnant women and women who are breast-feeding need higher levels of vitamin A, ranging from 750 mcg to 1,300 mcg daily, depending on age. The recommended allowance for infants and children is based on age; consult with your child's pediatrician before giving your child vitamin A supplements.
Considerations
Vitamin A is absorbed with dietary fat, so you should take vitamin A supplements with a meal or shortly after eating. If you smoke cigarettes or drink a lot of alcohol, you should not take vitamin A supplements, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center. This vitamin can interact with several kinds of medications, including tetracycline antibiotics, blood thinners, cholesterol medications, certain cancer drugs and certain weight-loss drugs. Ask your health care provider if it is safe for you to take vitamin A supplements, given the medications you are taking.
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