About this ingredient
Vitamin A is an essential fat-soluble vitamin that plays an important role in normal vision, immune function, skin health, reproduction, and cell growth. Vitamin A occurs naturally as preformed vitamin A (retinol and retinyl esters) in animal foods, while colorful fruits and vegetables provide provitamin A carotenoids such as beta-carotene.
Vitamin A supplements are commonly included in multivitamins and nutritional formulas. Because vitamin A is stored in the body, excessive intake—particularly of preformed vitamin A—can lead to toxicity. Appropriate intake is important for maintaining nutritional health.