Supplement
Retinol (Vitamin A)
SaveRetinol is the preformed, active form of vitamin A essential for vision, immune function, skin health, and gene expression.
Quick verdict
Essential nutrient with robust evidence for deficiency correction. Supplementation in replete individuals offers limited benefit and carries toxicity risk.
Evidence score
A rough internal score reflecting quantity, quality, and consistency of human evidence. Not a clinical recommendation.
What the research shows
Deficiency correction is one of the most evidence-based interventions globally. Excess intake is well-documented to cause toxicity including teratogenicity. Beta-carotene is a safer alternative for those not deficient.
Benefits
- Essential for vision and night sight
- Critical for immune function
- Supports skin cell turnover
- Required for reproductive health
Dosage notes
RDA is 700–900 mcg RAE (2300–3000 IU). Upper limit is 3000 mcg RAE (10,000 IU) daily.
Side effects
- Liver toxicity at chronic high doses
- Birth defects (teratogenicity)
- Headache and nausea in acute excess
- Dry skin and hair loss
Who should be cautious
Teratogenic at high doses; contraindicated in pregnancy above RDA. Chronic high intake causes liver toxicity and hypervitaminosis A.
What this page cannot tell you
Most people in developed countries get adequate vitamin A from diet. Supplementation is mainly warranted in deficiency or malabsorption states.
Leaderboard scores
- Immunity70
- Longevity45
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