Vitamin A is used to describe a group of fat-soluble nutrients your body needs for a number of functions, including the formation of healthy skin, tissue and teeth. This nutrient also supports eye health and helps regulate the activity of your immune system. Despite these health benefits, vitamin A may be dangerous if you consume too much of this nutrient. The amount of vitamin A you should take each day depends on your age and gender. If you have questions about how much vitamin A you should get every day, seek additional guidance from your doctor.
For Infants
There is currently no established recommended daily intake for vitamin A for infants. The adequate intake for vitamin A for infants is based upon the amount of vitamin A healthy infants consume from breast milk. Each day, infants up to 7 months of age should get 400 mcg of vitamin A, while infants 7 to 12 months old should consume 500 mcg of this nutrient, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. Mothers who choose not to breastfeed should provide their infants with formula fortified with vitamin A. Infants up to age 1 should not consume more than 600 mcg of vitamin A daily to limit the risk of developing hypervitaminosis A, a condition characterized by unusually high blood levels of vitamin A.
For Children
As children get older, their nutritional needs progressively change. Vitamin A requirements for children vary depending on their age. The recommended dietary intake of vitamin A is 300 mcg, 400 mcg and 600 mcg for children up to age 3, ages 4 to 8 and ages 9 to 13, respectively. The tolerable upper intake levels for this nutrient for these ages groups are 600 mcg, 900 mcg and 1,700 mcg, respectively. Typically, children get enough vitamin A from consuming foods rich in this nutrient, such as carrots, spinach, oatmeal, peaches and other fruits and vegetables. Do not give children under age 18 vitamin A supplements unless you have been instructed to do so by a pediatrician.
For Females 14 and Older
Women and adolescent females aged 14 and older should get 700 mcg of vitamin A daily. While pregnant or breast-feeding, a woman's vitamin A needs increase. During pregnancy, women should get between 750 and 770 mcg vitamin A daily, depending on their age. Lactation requires even more vitamin A because mothers pass this nutrient to their babies through breast milk. For this reason, breast-feeding mothers need 1,200 to 1,300 mcg of vitamin A every day. Women who are pregnancy should not take vitamin A supplements unless otherwise recommended by a doctor. Consuming more than 2,800 to 3,000 mcg of vitamin A is deemed unsafe in adolescent and adult women -- particularly during pregnancy. High blood levels of this nutrient during pregnancy may cause severe birth defects, as well as bone loss, central nervous system problems and liver damage.
For Male 14 and Older
Men and adolescent males aged 14 or older need 900 mcg of vitamin A each day. The tolerable upper intake levels for vitamin A ranges between 2,800 and 3,000 mcg daily, depending on age.
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