Vitamin A 800 mcg Softgels

Vitamin A 800 mcg softgels provide retinyl palmitate at 800 mcg RAE — the full EU reference intake in one softgel a day. 90 softgels, a three-month supply.

What vitamin A does in the body

Retinol is the raw material for rhodopsin, the pigment that lets the retina register dim light, and a regulator of how epithelial cells mature. Vitamin A contributes to the maintenance of normal vision, to the maintenance of normal skin and mucous membranes, to the normal function of the immune system, to normal iron metabolism, and it has a role in the process of cell specialisation.

Retinyl palmitate rather than beta-carotene

Beta-carotene is provitamin A: the body converts it to retinol, but the conversion rate varies widely between people and drops when stores are already adequate. Retinyl palmitate is preformed vitamin A — no conversion step, a predictable dose. The trade-off is that preformed vitamin A accumulates, so the dose here stays at the reference intake rather than a multiple of it.

Who it suits, and who should not take it

Diets low in liver, oily fish, eggs and dairy are the usual gap, and low-fat diets reduce absorption of what is eaten. Pregnancy is the exception: high intakes of preformed vitamin A are teratogenic, so do not take a separate vitamin A supplement while pregnant or planning pregnancy without medical advice. EFSA sets the upper level for adults at 3000 mcg RAE a day — check any multivitamin you already take before adding this one, for example Daily Multivitamin.

How to take vitamin A softgels

One softgel a day with a meal containing fat. Vitamin A is fat-soluble and stored in the liver, so levels build slowly and there is no need to double up on a missed day. Zinc is required to mobilise vitamin A from the liver and to make the retinol-binding protein, which is why the two are often low together.

What is in each softgel

• Vitamin A (retinyl palmitate) — 800 mcg RAE, 100% NRV
• One softgel a day, with food
• 90 softgels — a three-month supply

Questions people ask

Can I take it with vitamin D and E?

Yes, they share the same fat-soluble route. Vitamin D3 and vitamin E are the usual pair.

Is one softgel a day enough?

It matches the full reference intake for adults, which is the intended dose for a single-nutrient supplement.

Vitamin A or beta-carotene?

Beta-carotene is the safer choice during pregnancy; preformed vitamin A is the more predictable one otherwise. Full list in vitamins.

Good to know. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose. Food supplements should not replace a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Talk to your doctor before use if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition. Keep out of reach of children. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.