Vitamin A
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Dose Distribution
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Claims on Labels
Common Co-Ingredients
Top-Rated Vitamin A Products
Evidence Summary
Vitamin A is a critical micronutrient with extensive research supporting its use in preventing deficiency-related morbidity and mortality, particularly in children and pregnant women. Large-scale meta-analyses demonstrate its efficacy in supplementation and food fortification programs to improve global health outcomes.
Evidence by Condition
Supplementation significantly reduces mortality and illness in children within this age group.
Vitamin A supplementation is effective in preventing morbidity and mortality in infants.
Supplementation may reduce the risk of HIV transmission from mother to child.
Oral Vitamin A supplements help prevent acute upper respiratory infections in children up to seven years of age.
Fortification of staple foods is an effective strategy for addressing widespread deficiency.
Effective Doses
Dose ranges not specified in the provided research abstracts.
Key Findings
- Vitamin A supplementation prevents mortality, illness, and blindness in children under 5 (PMID: 21868478)
- Oral Vitamin A supplements prevent acute upper respiratory tract infections in children up to seven years of age (PMID: 38738639)
- Vitamin A supplementation reduces the risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMID: 21249656)
- Fortification of staple foods is a key intervention for preventing Vitamin A deficiency (PMID: 31074495)
Limitations
Much of the high-quality evidence is focused on low- and middle-income countries and specific vulnerable populations like infants and pregnant women.
Safety & Interactions
The provided research text does not contain specific information regarding contraindications or drug interactions.
AI-generated summary from 336 peer-reviewed studies. Not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider.
Dietary Reference Intakes
Source: IOM/NAM Dietary Reference Intakes · Dietary Reference Intakes: Vitamin A (retinol activity equivalents)
Drug-Supplement Interactions
⚠️ This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before combining supplements with medications.
Claims vs. Evidence
| Claim Type | % of Products | Evidence Required | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Other | 99% | Tier D (Unclassified) | ✅ Supported |
| Structure/Function | 76% | Tier C (DSHEA Structure/Function (no pre-approval)) | ✅ Supported |
| Nutrient | 58% | Tier D (Unknown) | ✅ Supported |
| Approved Health | 0% | Tier A (FDA Approved Health Claim (21 CFR 101.9)) | ✅ Supported |
| No Claim | 0% | Tier D (No claim on label) | ✅ Supported |
| Qualified Health | 0% | Tier B (FDA Qualified Health Claim) | ✅ Supported |
🏛️ NIH ODS Factsheet
Research by Topic
⚠️ FDA Safety Data
Research Evidence (337)
BACKGROUND: Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is a major public health problem in low- and middle-income countries, affecting 190 million children under five years of age and leading to many adverse health consequences, including death. Based on prior evide...
BACKGROUND: Vitamin A deficiency is a significant public health problem in low and middle income countries. Vitamin A supplementation (VAS) provided to lactating postpartum mothers or to infants less than six months of age are two possible strategies...
BACKGROUND: Observational studies of pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa have shown that low serum vitamin A levels are associated with an increased risk of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV. Vitamin A is cheap and easily provided through e...
**Mayo-Wilson et al., 2011** | BMJ | Meta Analysis Mayo-Wilson Evan, Imdad Aamer, ... Bhutta Zulfiqar A. Vitamin A supplements for preventing mortality, illness, and blindness in children aged under 5: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ. 2011-A...
BACKGROUND: Vitamin A deficiency is a significant public health problem in many low- and middle-income countries, especially affecting young children, women of reproductive age, and pregnant women. Fortification of staple foods with vitamin A has bee...
BACKGROUND: Vitamin A deficiency is a significant public health problem in low- and middle-income countries. Vitamin A supplementation provided to infants less than six months of age is one of the strategies to improve the nutrition of infants at hig...
**Schwartz et al., 2020** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Schwartz Stephen G, Wang Xue, ... Abariga Samuel A. Vitamin A and fish oils for preventing the progression of retinitis pigmentosa. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020-Jun-18;6(6):CD...
**García-Hermoso et al., 2023** | J Sport Health Sci | Meta Analysis García-Hermoso Antonio, Ramírez-Vélez Robinson, ... Izquierdo Mikel. Exercise training-induced changes in exerkine concentrations may be relevant to the metabolic control of type 2 ...
**Das et al., 2019** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Das Jai K, Salam Rehana A, ... Bhutta Zulfiqar A. Food fortification with multiple micronutrients: impact on health outcomes in general population. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2019-Dec...
**Cheng et al., 2024** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Cheng Xiao, Li Dan, ... Zhang Lingli. Oral vitamin A supplements to prevent acute upper respiratory tract infections in children up to seven years of age. Cochrane Database Syst Rev....
**Gera et al., 2016** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Gera Tarun, Shah Dheeraj, ... Sachdev Harshpal S. Integrated management of childhood illness (IMCI) strategy for children under five. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016-Jun-22;2016(6):C...
**Csölle et al., 2022** | Lancet Child Adolesc Health | Meta Analysis Csölle Ildikó, Felső Regina, ... Lohner Szimonetta. Health outcomes associated with micronutrient-fortified complementary foods in infants and young children aged 6-23 months: a sy...
**Bokayeva et al., 2024** | Int J Mol Sci | Meta Analysis Bokayeva Kamila, Jamka Małgorzata, ... Walkowiak Jarosław. Vitamin Status in Patients with Phenylketonuria: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Int J Mol Sci. 2024-May-07;25(10). doi:10.339...
**De-Regil et al., 2011** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis De-Regil Luz Maria, Suchdev Parminder S, ... Peña-Rosas Juan Pablo. Home fortification of foods with multiple micronutrient powders for health and nutrition in children under two ...
**Oliveira et al., 2016** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Oliveira Julicristie M, Allert Roman, East Christine E. Vitamin A supplementation for postpartum women. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016-Mar-25;3(3):CD005944. doi:10.1002/14651858...
**Zhang et al., 2021** | Nutrients | Meta Analysis Zhang Yihan, Lu Yifei, ... Sun Guiju. Excessive Vitamin A Supplementation Increased the Incidence of Acute Respiratory Tract Infections: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients. 2021-Nov-26;...
**Wagnew et al., 2022** | BMJ Glob Health | Meta Analysis Wagnew Fasil, Alene Kefyalew Addis, ... Gray Darren. Effects of zinc and vitamin A supplementation on prognostic markers and treatment outcomes of adults with pulmonary tuberculosis: a systema...
BACKGROUND: Nutritional status is paramount in Cystic Fibrosis (CF) and is directly correlated with morbidity and mortality. The first ESPEN-ESPGHAN-ECFS guidelines on nutrition care for infants, children, and adults with CF were published in 2016. A...
**Rayapudi et al., 2013** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Systematic Review Rayapudi Sobharani, Schwartz Stephen G, ... Chavis Pamela. Vitamin A and fish oils for retinitis pigmentosa. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013-Dec-19;2013(12):CD008428. doi:10....
**Lodi et al., 2016** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Lodi Giovanni, Franchini Roberto, ... Worthington Helen V. Interventions for treating oral leukoplakia to prevent oral cancer. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016-Jul-29;7(7):CD001829. d...
**Bawazeer et al., 2021** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Bawazeer Ghada A, Alkofide Hadeel A, ... Al-Ansary Lubna A. Interrupted versus uninterrupted anticoagulation therapy for catheter ablation in adults with arrhythmias. Cochrane Dat...
**Tan et al., 2024** | BMJ Glob Health | Meta Analysis Tan Xiaomian, Tan Pui Yee, ... Moore J Bernadette. Overnutrition is a risk factor for iron, but not for zinc or vitamin A deficiency in children and young people: a systematic review and meta-ana...
**Gannon et al., 2025** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Gannon Bryan M, Huey Samantha L, ... Mehta Saurabh. Selected laboratory-based biomarkers for assessing vitamin A deficiency in at-risk individuals. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2025-...
BACKGROUND: Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV is the dominant mode of acquisition of HIV infection for children, currently resulting in about 1800 new paediatric HIV infections each day world-wide. This is one of several reviews assessing th...
**Bjelakovic et al., Unknown** | Lancet | Meta Analysis Bjelakovic Goran, Nikolova Dimitrinka, ... Gluud Christian. Antioxidant supplements for prevention of gastrointestinal cancers: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet. ;364(9441):1219-28 ...
**Rakshasbhuvankar et al., 2021** | Am J Clin Nutr | Meta Analysis Rakshasbhuvankar Abhijeet A, Pillow J Jane, ... Patole Sanjay K. Vitamin A supplementation in very-preterm or very-low-birth-weight infants to prevent morbidity and mortality: a syste...
**Larson et al., 2017** | Am J Clin Nutr | Meta Analysis Larson Leila M, Namaste Sorrel Ml, ... Northrop-Clewes Christine A. Adjusting retinol-binding protein concentrations for inflammation: Biomarkers Reflecting Inflammation and Nutritional Determi...
**Bjelakovic et al., 2024** | BMJ Open | Meta Analysis Bjelakovic Goran, Nikolova Dimitrinka, ... Gluud Christian. Effects of primary or secondary prevention with vitamin A supplementation on clinically important outcomes: a systematic review of rand...
**Treder-Rochna et al., 2024** | Front Hum Neurosci | Systematic Review Treder-Rochna Natalia, Mańkowska Aleksandra, ... Harciarek Michał. The effectiveness of olfactory training for chronic olfactory disorder following COVID-19: a systematic review....
BACKGROUND: Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV is the dominant mode of acquisition of HIV infection for children, currently resulting in more than 2000 new paediatric HIV infections each day worldwide. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of ant...
BACKGROUND: Vitamin A is necessary for normal lung growth and the integrity of respiratory tract epithelial cells. Preterm infants have low vitamin A status at birth and this has been associated with an increased risk of developing chronic lung disea...
**Tam et al., 2020** | Nutrients | Meta Analysis Tam Emily, Keats Emily C, ... Bhutta And Zulfiqar A. Micronutrient Supplementation and Fortification Interventions on Health and Development Outcomes among Children Under-Five in Low- and Middle-Income...
**Vlieg-Boerstra et al., 2022** | Allergy | Meta Analysis Vlieg-Boerstra Berber, de Jong Nicolette, ... Nwaru Bright I. Nutrient supplementation for prevention of viral respiratory tract infections in healthy subjects: A systematic review and meta-an...
**Venkatesh et al., 2021** | J Nutr Sci | Meta Analysis Venkatesh U, Sharma Akash, ... Durga R. Micronutrient's deficiency in India: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Nutr Sci. 2021;10:e110. doi:10.1017/jns.2021.102 India is coming to grips wi...
BACKGROUND: Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is a major public health problem in low- and middle-income countries, affecting 190 million children under five years of age and leading to many adverse health consequences, including death. Based on prior evide...
**Almulla et al., 2023** | Brain Behav Immun | Meta Analysis Almulla Abbas F, Thipakorn Yanin, ... Maes Michael. Reverse cholesterol transport and lipid peroxidation biomarkers in major depression and bipolar disorder: A systematic review and meta-an...
BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization recommends routine vitamin A supplementation during pregnancy or lactation in areas with endemic vitamin A deficiency (where night blindness occurs), based on the expectation that supplementation will improve...
BACKGROUND: Vitamin A is necessary for normal lung growth and the integrity of respiratory tract epithelial cells. Preterm infants have low vitamin A status at birth, and this has been associated with increased risk of developing chronic lung disease...
BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization recommends routine vitamin A supplementation during pregnancy or lactation in areas with endemic vitamin A deficiency (where night blindness occurs), based on the expectation that supplementation will improve...
**Alhaj et al., 2022** | Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf | Meta Analysis Alhaj Omar A, Altooq Noor J, ... Faye Bernard. Camel milk composition by breed, season, publication year, and country: A global systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression...
Abnormal fetal growth increases risks of childhood health complications. Vitamin A supplementation (VAS) is highly accessible, but literature inconsistency regarding effects of maternal VAS on fetal and childhood growth outcomes exists, deterring pre...
**Taylor et al., 2023** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Systematic Review Taylor Melissa, Tapkigen Janet, ... Nabwera Helen. The impact of growth monitoring and promotion on health indicators in children under five years of age in low- and middle-inco...
**Caraballoso et al., 2003** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Systematic Review Caraballoso M, Sacristan M, ... Bonfill X. Drugs for preventing lung cancer in healthy people. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2003(2):CD002141 BACKGROUND: Some studies have su...
**Lodi et al., 2006** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Lodi G, Sardella A, ... Carrassi A. Interventions for treating oral leukoplakia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2006-Oct-18(4):CD001829 BACKGROUND: Oral leukoplakia is a relatively commo...
BACKGROUND: Vitamin A deficiency is a major public health problem in developing countries. Vitamin A supplementation in children greater than six months of age has been found to be beneficial, with no effect of supplementation between one to five mon...
BACKGROUND: Vitamin A deficiency is a major public health problem in low and middle income countries. Vitamin A supplementation in children six months of age and older has been found to be beneficial, but no effect of supplementation has been noted f...
**Nikooyeh et al., 2021** | Nutr Rev | Meta Analysis Nikooyeh Bahareh, Neyestani Tirang R. Effectiveness of various methods of home fortification in under-5 children: where they work, where they do not. A systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutr Rev...
**Ding et al., 2021** | Medicine (Baltimore) | Meta Analysis Ding Yueqin, Chen Zhifeng, Lu Yanling. Vitamin A supplementation prevents the bronchopulmonary dysplasia in premature infants: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore). 2...
**Bezerra et al., 2021** | Clin Nutr | Meta Analysis Bezerra Adriana Pinto, Gama Lorena Tavares, ... Gonçalves Thais Marques Simek Vega. Do implant-supported prostheses affect bioavailability of nutrients of complete and partially edentulous patients...
BACKGROUND: Vitamin A supplements have been recommended in pregnancy to improve outcomes that include maternal mortality and morbidity. OBJECTIVES: To review the effectiveness of vitamin A supplementation during pregnancy, alone or in combination wit...
Showing top 50 of 337 sources, sorted by quality score.
Details
Vitamin A
Overview
Vitamin A is a essential nutrient tracked in the biomedical knowledge base.
Also known as: retinol, retinal, retinoic acid, beta-carotene, preformed vitamin a
Role in Health
Detailed overview pending — this entity has sources compiled across multiple verticals.
Related Verticals
See sources-index for all verified sources referencing Vitamin A.
Safety Considerations
Safety data extraction pending.
Sources
See linked source pages for full provenance.
Related Supplements
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Vitamin A supplementation benefit children aged 6 months to 5 years?
Vitamin A supplementation significantly reduces mortality and illness in children within the 6 months to 5 years age group.
Is Vitamin A effective for preventing illness in infants?
Yes, there is strong evidence that Vitamin A supplementation is effective in preventing both morbidity and mortality in infants aged 6 months or less.
Can Vitamin A help reduce the risk of HIV transmission from mother to child?
There is moderate evidence suggesting that Vitamin A supplementation may reduce the risk of HIV transmission from mother to child.
What role does Vitamin A play in preventing respiratory infections in children?
Oral Vitamin A supplements help prevent acute upper respiratory tract infections in children up to seven years of age.
What is an effective way to address widespread Vitamin A deficiency in a population?
The fortification of staple foods is an effective strategy for addressing widespread Vitamin A deficiency.
Which groups are most at risk for deficiency-related issues related to Vitamin A?
Vitamin A is a critical micronutrient particularly important for preventing deficiency-related morbidity and mortality in children and pregnant women.
Answers generated from research evidence. Not medical advice.