Essential for eye, skin, and immune system health, vitamin A plays a fundamental role in many of the body’s functions. At Soin-et-Nature, we offer an expert selection of vitamin A-based dietary supplements in the form of capsules, oil-based solutions, or synergistic complexes. Carefully formulated, these products are designed to preserve vision, promote cell renewal, and support the body’s natural defenses, while adapting to each individual’s specific needs.
More detailsVitamin A, or axeroftol, is a fat-soluble vitamin.
Vitamin A is transported in the plasma, cerebrospinal fluid, ocular fluids, and urine in its alcohol form, retinol (vitamin A1), bound to prealbumin.
Retinol is one of the three available forms of vitamin A, along with retinal and retinoic acid.
Since the body cannot synthesize this vitamin naturally, it must obtain it from the diet.
Caution, however: Vitamin A is teratogenic and is therefore contraindicated for pregnant women.
We obtain vitamin A in the form of carotene or provitamin A from:
Good to know: Vitamin A (retinol) and beta-carotene are not easily destroyed by cooking. However, they can be degraded by oxidation, which is why it’s important to store foods in a cool place, away from air and light.
The recommended dietary allowances are 800 micrograms per day for men and 600 micrograms per day for women. A balanced diet meets vitamin A requirements.
Daily vitamin A requirements are expressed in retinol equivalents or international units. They vary by age and gender:
Vitamin A is available in the form of tablets, softgels, oil-based solutions, or products for topical application.
Vitamin A doses are expressed in micrograms of retinol, retinol equivalents (RE), or international units (IU):
1 µg of retinol = 1 RE = 3.3 IU.
In 2012, European health authorities (EFSA, the European Food Safety Authority, and the European Commission) determined that vitamin A dietary supplements may contribute to the benefits listed above if, and only if, these products contain at least 120 micrograms of vitamin A (retinol) per 100 g, 100 ml, or per package if the product contains only one serving.
Dietary supplements provide an average of 1,500 micrograms per day. This amount corresponds to the maximum daily intake for a pregnant woman.
Decision by European Health Authorities on Vitamin A
In 2012, European health authorities (EFSA, the European Food Safety Authority, and the European Commission) issued a ruling on certain health claims for foods and dietary supplements containing vitamin A (retinol). After reviewing the scientific data, they determined that these products may claim to contribute to:
Nutritional supplements rich in vitamin A may make these health claims if, and only if, these products contain at least 120 micrograms of vitamin A (retinol) per 100 g, 100 ml, or per package if the product contains only one serving.
Vitamin A deficiency can be caused by low dietary intake, malabsorption, or increased utilization or excretion due to common illnesses.
Vitamin A deficiency causes keratinizing metaplasia of the epithelium (the production of tissue different from that normally produced by epithelial tissues, and impregnated with keratin), which can lead to:
In developing countries, vitamin A deficiency is the leading cause of blindness.
Conversely, vitamin A toxicity can cause:
As you can see, vitamin A promotes blood circulation and visual acuity. It prevents or reduces infections, oxidative stress, acne, hair loss, insomnia, and weight loss, and is notably used as a supplement in the treatment of many types of cancer. This vitamin is involved in the formation of rhodopsin, a pigment that plays a role in low-light vision by synthesizing glycoproteins.
Carotenoids, on the other hand, are precursors to vitamin A and help protect the immune system; plant sources include carrots, apricots, peaches, bell peppers, spinach, lettuce, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, broccoli, squash, apricots, and especially the spirulina Arthrospira platensis.
Smokers should not take vitamin A supplements or beta-carotene capsules: smokers who take vitamin A supplements may face an increased risk of lung cancer.
During pregnancy, excessive vitamin A intake can cause fetal malformations. For this reason, pregnant women should avoid supplementing their diet with vitamin A and carotenoids; they should rely solely on the amounts naturally present in their food. The same precaution applies to breastfeeding women.
For more information, feel free to ask your pharmacist for advice.
Soin-et-Nature offers a wide range of vitamin and mineral supplements to meet your body’s specific needs. Here are the available categories:
These dietary supplements, available on Soin-et-Nature, help meet your body’s specific needs for vitamins and minerals to support optimal health.
