Vitamin A Benefits
Vitamin A is a vital nutrient that supports several key functions in your body. From helping you see clearly in low light to maintaining a robust immune system, this fat-soluble vitamin is essential for overall wellbeing. Our high-dose Vitamin A softgels (10,000 IU per capsule) offer a convenient way to ensure your daily intake, especially if your diet is lacking in animal sources or you have increased needs.
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Normal vision – Vitamin A contributes to the maintenance of normal vision, particularly in dim light.
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Immune system – Vitamin A contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
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Healthy skin – Vitamin A contributes to the maintenance of normal skin.
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Reproduction and growth – Vitamin A contributes to normal reproduction and development.
How Much Vitamin A Do You Need?
Daily requirements for vitamin A are set by UK health authorities. The Reference Nutrient Intake (RNI) for adults is:
- Adult men: 700 µg per day
- Adult women: 600 µg per day
- Pregnant women: 700 µg per day
- Breastfeeding women: 950 µg per day
Each soft gel capsule provides 10,000 IU of vitamin A (as retinyl palmitate), which is equivalent to 3,000 µg RAE. This is well above the RNI for all adults. However, the UK Committee on Toxicity advises that retinol supplements should not exceed 1,500 µg (5,000 IU) per day due to the risk of toxicity. Therefore, this product is considered a high-dose supplement and should only be taken under medical supervision. Do not exceed one soft gel capsule daily unless directed by a health care professional.
Types of Vitamin A: Retinol vs. Beta-Carotene
There are two main forms of vitamin A in the diet. Retinol (preformed vitamin A) comes from animal sources and is ready for the body to uses. Beta-carotene, found in colourful fruits and vegetables, is a provitamin that your body converts into retinol as needed. Retinyl palmitate, used in these softgels, is a stable form of retinol that is efficiently absorbed by the body. Because it is preformed, it provides a reliable dose, but also means that safe intake limits must be respected.
What is Vitamin A?
Vitamin A is a family of fat-soluble compounds essential for growth, development, and many metabolic processes. It exists naturally as retinol (animal foods) and carotenoids (plant foods). This supplement delivers retinyl palmitate, a well tolerated form that mimics the retinol found in nature.
Food Sources of Vitamin A
Good sources of retinol include liver, cod liver oil, eggs, milk, and butter. Beta-carotene is abundant in carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, kale, apricots, and mangoes. A balanced diet typically provides enough vitamin A for most people, but supplements can help fill shortfalls, particularly for those with restricted diets.
Potential Side Effects and Safety
Vitamin A is safe at recommended intakes, but because it is stored in the liver, excessive consumption can lead to hypervitaminosis A. Symptoms include nausea, dizziness, headache, and liver damage. To minimise risk, do not exceed one soft gel capsule daily. Note that each soft gel capsule contains 10,000 IU, exceeding the UK safe upper level of 5,000 IU for retinol supplements. Pregnant women, or those planning a pregnancy, should not take this supplement without medical advice, as high doses may harm the developing baby. If you have liver disease or consume other vitamin A-containing supplements or fortified foods, consult your GP before uses. This product is gluten-free and subject to rigorous laboratory testing for purity and potency.
Who May Benefit from Supplementation?
While most people can obtain sufficient vitamin A from their diet, certain groups may require supplementation. These include individuals with malabsorption conditions (e.g., coeliac disease, Crohn’s disease), strict vegans who avoid animal products, and those with certain eye conditions. However, because this product is high-dose, it should only be used under professional guidance to avoid exceeding safe limits.
This product is a food supplement. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose. Keep out of reach of young children. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.