Vitamin A is part of a group of fat-soluble vitamins that also includes vitamins K, E and D -- your body stores reserves of these vitamins in your fat cells for use as necessary for proper physical health. Vitamin A may facilitate the transfer of iron to cells for hemoglobin production and may also help prevent poor night vision, according to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. Taking vitamin A may also help treat acne, a skin condition marked by lesions and inflammation.
Retinoids
Oral vitamins that contain retinoids, which are synthetic forms of vitamin A, may help clear severe forms of acne, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. However, the exact role of retinoids in acne prevention is not known. Retinoids in topical forms may also improve acne symptoms.
Antibacterial
Vitamin A may encourage the production of lymphocytes, which are white blood cells that provide immunity defense against bacterial infection, according to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. Taking vitamin A may help your body resist infection caused by bacteria on the surface of your skin, which may help reduce the severity and frequency of acne breakouts.
Vitamin A in Foods
Retinyl palmitate, a natural form of vitamin A that is a precursor to retinol, is primarily found in animal-based foods, according to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. Plant foods such as carrots, sweet potatoes, mangoes and cantaloupe contain carotenoids, which your body stores and converts into vitamin A as necessary. However, the link between these vitamin A precursors and acne treatment is not clear.
Considerations
Talk to your doctor before taking vitamin A to treat acne or any other condition. Adults taking more than 10,000 IU per day may be at risk of toxicity, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Children who exceed the recommended daily intake, which ranges from 400 mcg for infants to 700 mcg for adolescents, may also carry this risk. Also, isotretinoin, a form of vitamin A commonly used in acne treatment, may increase the risk of birth defects -- pregnant women should avoid isotretinoin.
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