Vitamin A
This is what the ingredient is.
Vitamin A (retinol, retinyl palmitate) is an essential fat-soluble vitamin. Added to fortify foods.
Here is why it shows up on the label.
It works as a nutrient fortifier. Added to milk, cereals, and margarine. Essential for vision and immunity.
Here is what food agencies say.
The FDA allows it for food fortification. European agencies treat it as an essential nutrient.
Here is what research has found.
Essential vitamin. Deficiency causes night blindness. Toxicity possible at high doses (hypervitaminosis A).
Here are a few things worth knowing.
Excess intake can cause toxicity, especially in pregnancy. Do not exceed upper limits from supplements.
Sources
- FDA
- NIH ODS
How to read this page
We publish plain facts about this ingredient so a label is easier to read. This is not medical advice, and it is not a recommendation to buy, avoid, or use anything. For a personal health question, talk with a clinician who knows your history.