Swanson Vitamin A 10,000 IU (3,000 mcg RAE) Softgels, 250 Count

Vitamin A Benefits

Vitamin A plays an essential role in maintaining various aspects of your health. Here are the key benefits backed by European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) approved claims:

• Vision Support: Vitamin A contributes to the maintenance of normal vision, particularly in low light, by supporting the function of rhodopsin in the eyes.
• Immune System Function: This vitamin contributes to the normal function of the immune system, helping your body defend against infections.
• Skin Health: Vitamin A contributes to the maintenance of normal skin and mucous membranes, supporting a healthy barrier against external factors.
• Bone Health: Vitamin A contributes to normal bone formation and maintenance, working alongside calcium and vitamin D for skeletal strength.

What Is Vitamin A?

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble nutrient that your body cannot produce on its own, so it must be obtained through diet or supplementation. Swanson Vitamin A provides 10,000 IU (3,000 mcg RAE) per soft gel capsule from a blend of cod liver oil and vitamin A palmitate. This combination offers a highly absorbable form of preformed vitamin A (retinol), ensuring your body can uses it efficiently.

How Much Vitamin A Do You Need?

The Reference Nutrient Intake (RNI) for vitamin A in the UK is 700 mcg RAE for adult men and 600 mcg RAE for adult women per day. Swanson Vitamin A provides 3,000 mcg RAE (10,000 IU) per soft gel capsule, which is above the RNI. However, the safe upper limit for preformed vitamin A is 3,000 mcg RAE (10,000 IU) per day for adults. This product provides that upper limit, so it should not be taken alongside other high-dose vitamin A supplements unless directed by a health care professional.

Types of Vitamin A: Retinol vs. Beta-Carotene

Vitamin A exists in two main forms in the diet: preformed vitamin A (retinol) found in animal sources like cod liver oil, and provitamin A carotenoids (such as beta-carotene) from plants. Retinol is immediately usable by the body, while beta-carotene must be converted into retinol – a process that becomes less efficient with age. Swanson Vitamin A uses retinol from cod liver oil and vitamin A palmitate, a stable and well-absorbed form, ensuring reliable delivery of this essential nutrient.

Potential Side Effects and Safety

Vitamin A is safe when used as directed, but excessive intake of preformed vitamin A can lead to toxicity (hypervitaminosis A). Symptoms may include nausea, dizziness, headache, and in severe cases, liver damage. Beta-carotene does not cause toxicity due to the body's regulation of conversion. Do not exceed the recommended dose. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking any medications, consult your health care provider before uses. Keep out of reach of children.

This product is a food supplement. It should not be used as a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Always read the label and follow directions for uses. Do not exceed the recommended dose. Keep out of the reach of young children. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medication, consult your doctor before uses.