Types of Vitamin A: Retinol vs. Beta-Carotene
Vitamin A comes in two main categories: preformed and provitamin. Preformed vitamin A (retinol, retinyl palmitate) is the active form your body can use straight away. It is naturally present in animal products and is more potent per gram. Beta-carotene, on the other hand, is found in colourful fruits and vegetables and must be converted into retinol – a process that can be inefficient for some due to genetics or digestive health.
Freeda use retinyl palmitate, a stable ester of retinol, providing a reliable and bioavailable source. This is particularly useful for those following a vegan or kosher diet, as it is synthesised without any animal-derived ingredients.
Vitamin A Benefits
Getting enough vitamin A supports several key areas of health. Here are some of the ways it contributes to your wellbeing:
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Vision Health: Vitamin A is a key component of rhodopsin, a protein in the eyes that enables low-light and colour vision. It helps maintain the eye surface and supports normal visual function.
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Immune Support: This nutrient plays a role in the production and function of white blood cells, helping the body defend against infections and maintain a healthy immune response.
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Skin Health: Vitamin A encourages healthy skin cell production and turnover, keeping skin smooth and hydrated while supporting its natural barrier function.
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Cellular Growth: As an antioxidant, vitamin A helps protect cells from oxidative stress and supports normal growth and development.
The retinyl palmitate form in Freeda supplements is known for high absorption, making these benefits more accessible.
How Much Vitamin A Do You Need?
Recommended dietary allowances (RDAs) for vitamin A are expressed as retinol activity equivalents (RAE). For adult men, the RDA is 900 mcg RAE (about 3,000 IU); for women, it is 700 mcg RAE (about 2,330 IU). Needs increase during pregnancy and lactation. Freeda's 15,000 IU (4,500 mcg RAE) tablet is a high dose suitable for those with diagnosed deficiencies or as directed by a health care professional. Always consider total vitamin A from all sources – food and supplements – to avoid exceeding the tolerable upper intake level (10,000 IU for adults). Consult a health care provider before starting a high-dose regimen.
Potential Side Effects and Safety
Vitamin A is generally safe when taken as directed, but excessive intake – especially of preformed vitamin A – can lead to toxicity. Symptoms of chronic excess may include headache, dizziness, nausea, skin changes, and joint pain. Acutely high doses can cause more serious effects. The upper limit for adults is set at 10,000 IU daily from supplements and fortified foods. Pregnant women should be particularly cautious, as high doses may harm foetal development. Freeda's product is designed for targeted use; it is not intended for long-term unsupervised consumption. If you are on medication, have liver disease, or are pregnant, consult your doctor before use.
What Is Vitamin A?
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble nutrient essential for maintaining healthy vision, immune function, and skin integrity. It exists in two primary forms: preformed vitamin A (retinoids like retinyl palmitate) from animal sources and provitamin A carotenoids (such as beta-carotene) from plants. The body can use both, but preformed vitamin A is more readily absorbed and utilised. Freeda Vitamin A provides 15,000 IU of retinyl palmitate, a highly bioavailable form that your body can put to work immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this product suitable for vegans? Yes. Freeda Vitamin A is made without animal derivatives and is certified vegan.
Are these tablets easy to swallow? Yes. The tablets are described as tiny and easy to swallow, making them convenient for daily use.
Is this product gluten-free? Yes. It is free from gluten, lactose, artificial colours, flavours, sugar, starch, yeast, and gelatin.
How should I store this supplement? Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children.
Can I take this with other supplements? It is best to consult a health care professional before combining high-dose vitamin A with other fat-soluble vitamins or medications.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Medicines and Health care products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease.