🔴

Vitamin A × Retinoids

CRITICAL INTERACTION — Well-Established Evidence

⚠️ Mechanism

Vitamin A and synthetic retinoids (isotretinoin, acitretin) both activate retinoid receptors. Combined use causes additive toxicity.

📋 Effect

Hypervitaminosis A: hepatotoxicity, pseudotumor cerebri, teratogenicity

💊 Management

Avoid vitamin A supplements with systemic retinoids. Do not exceed RDA.

Plain Language Summary

This combination is dangerous. Taking vitamin A supplements while using retinoid medications can cause too much vitamin A to build up in your body, which can lead to serious health problems like liver damage or increased pressure in the brain.

Source

FDA isotretinoin labeling; Vahlquist A et al. Dermatology 2008

Supporting Research

Vitamin A supplements for preventing mortality, illness, and blindness in children aged under 5: systematic review and meta-analysis PMID:21868478 DOI:10.1136/bmj.d5094 2011
Vitamin A and fish oils for preventing the progression of retinitis pigmentosa PMID:32573764 DOI:10.1002/14651858.CD008428.pub3 2020
Exercise training-induced changes in exerkine concentrations may be relevant to the metabolic control of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials PMID:36351545 DOI:10.1016/j.jshs.2022.11.003 2023
Food fortification with multiple micronutrients: impact on health outcomes in general population PMID:31849042 DOI:10.1002/14651858.CD011400.pub2 2019
Oral vitamin A supplements to prevent acute upper respiratory tract infections in children up to seven years of age PMID:38738639 DOI:10.1002/14651858.CD015306.pub2 2024
Integrated management of childhood illness (IMCI) strategy for children under five PMID:27378094 DOI:10.1002/14651858.CD010123.pub2 2016
Health outcomes associated with micronutrient-fortified complementary foods in infants and young children aged 6-23 months: a systematic review and meta-analysis PMID:35753314 DOI:10.1016/S2352-4642(22)00147-X 2022
Vitamin Status in Patients with Phenylketonuria: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis PMID:38791104 DOI:10.3390/ijms25105065 2024
Medical Disclaimer: This interaction record is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Drug-supplement interactions can be dangerous. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before combining any supplement with prescription medications. Do not stop or change any medication without professional guidance.