NOW Foods Vitamin A (Fish Liver Oil) 25,000 IU, 250 Softgels

How Much Vitamin A Do You Need?

The recommended daily intake for adults is 900 mcg RAE for men and 700 mcg RAE for women. One IU of retinol equals 0.3 mcg RAE, so 25,000 IU corresponds to approximately 7,500 mcg RAE. This is well above the tolerable upper intake level (UL) of 3,000 mcg RAE for adults. Therefore, this high-strength supplement is intended for individuals with specific requirements or under the supervision of a health care professional. Do not exceed the recommended serving unless directed by your doctor.

Vitamin A Benefits

Vitamin A contributes to several key functions in the body:

• Vision: Vitamin A contributes to normal vision, especially in low light, by supporting the production of rhodopsin in the retina.
• Immune Function: It contributes to the normal function of the immune system by supporting the production of white blood cells.
• Skin Health: Vitamin A contributes to the maintenance of normal skin and mucous membranes, promoting healthy cell turnover.
• Maintenance of Tissues: It helps maintain the lining of the respiratory, digestive, and urinary tracts, creating a barrier against pathogens.

Each softgel provides 25,000 IU of vitamin A from fish liver oil, a natural and highly bioavailable source of retinol.

Types of Vitamin A: Retinol vs. Beta-Carotene

Vitamin A exists in two main forms: retinol (preformed vitamin A) from animal sources like fish liver oil, and beta-carotene (provitamin A) from plants. Retinol is readily absorbed and used directly by the body, while beta-carotene must be converted to retinol—a process that varies in efficiency. This supplement provides retinol directly, offering a more potent and bioavailable form. Beta-carotene is generally safer at high intakes because conversion is limited, but retinol is more potent per IU. Due to its potency, it is important to adhere to the recommended dosage.

What is Vitamin A?

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in maintaining vision, immune function, and skin health. It occurs naturally in animal sources such as fish liver oil as retinol, and in plant sources as provitamin A carotenoids like beta-carotene. This supplement delivers 25,000 IU of vitamin A from fish liver oil, providing retinol that the body can use directly without conversion. Retinol is essential for the maintenance of epithelial tissues, including the eyes, skin, respiratory tract, and digestive system.

Potential Side Effects and Safety

Preformed vitamin A can accumulate in the body and lead to toxicity if taken in excessive amounts. Symptoms of hypervitaminosis A include nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, blurred vision, and, in severe cases, liver damage or bone abnormalities. Pregnant women should avoid high doses of preformed vitamin A because it may cause birth defects. This product is non-GMO, kosher, and free from corn, dairy, eggs, gluten, and soy. It is manufactured in a GMP-certified facility. As with any supplement, consult a qualified health care professional before use, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication. Always read the label and follow the directions for use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this supplement safe for daily use?

When taken as directed (one softgel daily with a meal), it is generally safe for adults. However, due to the high potency, long-term use should be discussed with a health care professional.

Can I take this with other supplements containing vitamin A?

Check the total vitamin A content from all sources (including multivitamins and fortified foods) to avoid exceeding the UL. Consult your health care provider.

Is it non-GMO and allergen-free?

Yes, this product is non-GMO and free from corn, dairy, eggs, gluten, and soy. It also carries a kosher certification.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, , or prevent any disease.