The 8 Best Vitamin A Supplements of 2024
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Although Vitamin A is often thought of as a single substance or vitamin, it’s actually the collective name for a group of fat-soluble compounds that play important roles in health. In fact, there are two main forms of Vitamin A in the human diet. Preformed Vitamin A (retinol) is concentrated in animal products such as meat, dairy and fish, while precursors to Vitamin A, or provitamin A, are found in plant foods such as fruits and vegetables.
Your body needs Vitamin A for proper growth and development, immune function, cellular communication and other critical processes. Fortunately, most people get plenty of Vitamin A through their diet. However, some people, such as pregnant or breastfeeding women and those with medical conditions that hinder Vitamin A absorption, may need to take a Vitamin A supplement to meet their daily needs.
This article lists eight of the best Vitamin A supplements on the market in 2024 and covers potential benefits, side effects and safety of supplemental Vitamin A, allowing you to choose the best Vitamin A supplement to support your health.
This content is meant to be informative, but should not be taken as medical advice. It is not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention or treatment of health problems. Always speak with your doctor before starting any new supplement or exercise regimen.
Our Picks for the Best Vitamin A Supplement:
- Best Vitamin A & Multivitamin Complex: Transparent Labs Multivitamin
- Best Vitamin A Supplement for Skin: Nordic Naturals Vitamin A + Carotenoids
- Best Vitamin A for Men’s Health: Carlson Cod Liver Oil
- Best Budget Vitamin A Supplement: HUM Nutrition Base Control
- Best Vegetarian Vitamin A Supplement: Swanson Beta Carotene
- Best Vitamin A Supplement with Vitamin D: Amazing Nutrition Norwegian Cod Liver Oil
- Best High-Dose Vitamin A Supplement: NOW Foods Vitamin A
- Best Vitamin A Supplement for Healthy Vision: Pure Encapsulations Vitamin A
Best Vitamin A & Multivitamin Complex: Transparent Labs Multivitamin
Transparent Labs
Key features:
- Certifications: Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) certified
- Vitamin A per dose: 1,204 micrograms of retinol activity equivalents (RAE)
- Percent of DV: 130 percent
- Dosage/dose per container: 30
- Type: Capsule
If you’re looking for an all-in-one supplement solution, Transparent Labs is worth considering. Transparent Labs Advanced Micronutrient Complex provides 130 percent of the Daily Value (DV) for Vitamin A in the form of the provitamin A carotenoid beta-carotene. In addition to Vitamin A, this product contains 19 other vitamins and minerals, including ashwagandha and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). Ashwagandha improves the body's ability to deal with stress, while CoQ10 has powerful antioxidant properties.
Transparent Labs Advanced Micronutrient Complex also provides 2,500 International Units (IU) of Vitamin D, which is needed for bone health, immune function and more. Most people don’t get enough Vitamin D through their diet, so supplementing with this important nutrient can help you maintain optimal levels.
Transparent Labs provides certificates of analysis (COA) for all of its products, which are conducted by third party laboratories. In this way, the company shows its dedication to quality, as obtaining a certificate of analysis is proof that your supplement was tested and meets specific quality standards.
For more information, check out our Transparent Labs Multivitamin review.
Pros:
- Provides Vitamin A along with a number of other important vitamins and minerals
- COA available
Cons:
- Not appropriate for vegans or those with severe nut allergies
If you prefer a powdered supplement, consider Athletic Greens AG1. AG1 is a powdered greens supplement that provides 75 vitamins, minerals and other whole food-sourced nutrients. This great-tasting powder can be easily mixed with water or added to smoothies and protein shakes to ensure you’re hitting your daily nutrient needs.
Best Vitamin A Supplement for Skin: Nordic Naturals Vitamin A + Carotenoids
iHerb
Key features:
- Certifications: NSF
- Vitamin A per dose: 900 micrograms RAE
- Percent of DV: 100 percent
- Dosage/dose per container: 30
- Type: Softgel
It may surprise you, but Vitamin A is also required to maintain the health of your largest organ—your skin. Vitamin A is essential for the growth of healthy skin cells and stimulates the production of collagen and elastin—proteins that give your skin structure and elasticity. In fact, a Vitamin A deficiency can impair the skin’s ability to heal.
Nordic Naturals Vitamin A + Carotenoids provides 100 percent of the DV for Vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene. It also contains the carotenoids astaxanthin and lycopene, both of which have powerful antioxidant properties.
Lycopene is a carotenoid that helps protect the skin from the damaging effects of the sun’s rays. Supplementing with lycopene can help increase lycopene levels in the skin, which may help delay signs of aging. Astaxanthin has strong anti-inflammatory effects and may also help protect your skin from sun damage.
All Nordic Naturals products are third-party tested and customers can request a certificate of analysis for all Nordic Natural supplements on the company’s website. Nordic Naturals has earned cGMP certification from NSF International. cGMP are regulations set by the FDA that ensure safe manufacturing and processing of supplements.
Related Post: The Best Supplements for Healthy Skin
Pros:
- Third-party tested
- Contains lycopene and astaxanthin
Cons:
- Not vegan-friendly
For new moms looking to support their health during the postpartum period, Ritual Postnatal provides important nutrients needed for breastfeeding and postpartum recovery. In addition to Vitamin A, Ritual Postnatal provides Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, iodine and iron.
Best Vitamin A for Men’s Health: Carlson Cod Liver Oil
iHerb
Key features:
- Certifications: International Fish Oil Standards (IFOS)
- Vitamin A per dose: 255 micrograms RAE
- Percent of DV: 28 percent
- Dosage/dose per container: 50
- Type: Liquid
In addition to covering 28 percent of your Vitamin A needs, Carlson Wild Norwegian Cod Liver Oil provides 45 percent of the DV for Vitamin E and 50 percent of the DV for Vitamin D.
Vitamin E and Vitamin D are important for the health of joints because these vitamins help regulate inflammation in the body. Studies show that supplementing with Vitamins D and E may benefit people with knee osteoarthritis by slowing disease progression and reducing pain. This supplement also provides the Omega-3 fats EPA and DHA, which play important roles in brain health and regulate inflammation in the body.
Carlson fish oil products are tested by a FDA-registered laboratory and are also approved by the IFOS program. IFOS is a third-party testing and certification program for fish oil supplements.
Pros:
- Provides Vitamins A, E and D, plus Omega-3s
- Third-party tested
- IFOS approved
Cons:
- A bit pricey
If you’re looking for a product that provides more vitamins and minerals, consider Ritual Essential Multi for Men, a multivitamin that provides 10 essential nutrients important for men’s health, including Vitamin A, Omega-3s, zinc and Vitamin D.
Best Budget Vitamin A Supplement: HUM Nutrition Base Control
Hum Nutrition
Key features:
- Certifications: cGMP
- Vitamin A per dose: 1,500 micrograms RAE
- Percent of DV: 167 percent
- Dosage/dose per container: 30
- Type: Tablet
Finding a reliable subscription vitamin service shouldn't break your budget. With HUM Base Control, you'll get a multi-nutrient supplement that provides 22 vitamins and minerals. A serving of Hum Base Control contains 1,500 micrograms of beta-carotene, which contains 167 percent of the daily Vitamin A requirement for most adults, as well as Vitamins D and B12.
HUM products are third-party tested for purity, composition and contaminants. Even better, the company doesn’t make proprietary blends or custom formulations that don't disclose the exact amounts of each ingredient on the nutrition labels.
Pros:
- Provides 22 vitamins and minerals
- Inexpensive
- Third-party tested
Cons:
- Uses less absorbable forms of magnesium oxide and zinc oxide
Best Vegetarian Vitamin A Supplement: Swanson Beta Carotene
iHerb
Key features:
- Certifications: NSF
- Vitamin A per dose: 3,000 micrograms RAE
- Percent of DV: 333 percent
- Dosage/dose per container: 100
- Type: Softgel
For those who are looking for a beta-carotene supplement, Swanson Beta carotene is an inexpensive option. It’s vegetarian-friendly and provides 333 percent of Vitamin A needs in the form of the provitamin A carotenoid beta-carotene, which is converted to Vitamin A in the body.
Swanson is registered as a cGMP facility by NSF International, and all Swanson supplements are third-party tested for potency and purity, so you can rest assured that their supplements contain exactly what’s stated on the label.
This supplement does contain a small amount of soy in the form of soy lecithin. Even though soy lecithin doesn’t contain enough soy protein to cause a reaction in most people with soy allergies, it may not be appropriate for those who are highly allergic.
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Third-party tested
Cons:
- Not appropriate for those who are highly allergic to soy
Best Vitamin A Supplement with Vitamin D: Amazing Nutrition Norwegian Cod Liver Oil
iHerb
Key features:
- Certifications: cGMP
- Vitamin A per dose: 3,125 IU (937.5 micrograms RAE)
- Percent of DV: 104 percent
- Dosage/dose per container: 120
- Type: Softgel
Cod liver oil is a rich source of Vitamin A, Vitamin D and the Omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA. Amazing Nutrition Cod Liver Oil provides 104 percent of the DV for Vitamin A along with 104 percent of the DV for Vitamin D, an essential nutrient important for immune function, the regulation of inflammation, bone health and more. It also provides the Omega-3 fats DHA and EPA, which have powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
These lemon-flavored softgels are free from common allergens like gluten and soy. Amazing Nutrition products are manufactured in accordance with strict cGMP standards. According to their website, Amazing Nutrition products are tested by third-party labs for purity, potency and integrity.
Pros:
- Provides Vitamin A, plus Vitamin D and Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA
- Third-party tested
Cons:
- Covers over 100 percent of the DV for Vitamin A, which may not be necessary for most people
Best High-Dose Vitamin A Supplement: NOW Foods Vitamin A
iHerb
Key features:
- Certifications: Underwriter Laboratories (UL)
- Vitamin A per dose: 3,000 micrograms
- Percent of DV: 333 percent
- Dosage/dose per container: 100
- Type: Softgel
For those who are looking for a higher-dose Vitamin A supplement, NOW Foods Vitamin A 10,000 IU is a good choice. It provides 3,000 micrograms of Vitamin A as retinyl palmitate and fish liver oil, which is highly absorbable to the body.
Keep in mind that the dose of Vitamin A provided in a single softgel is 3,000 micrograms, which is the current Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for preformed Vitamin A. It’s suggested that you avoid taking more than this unless prescribed and monitored by a healthcare provider.
This supplement may be more appropriate for people who have medical conditions that require supplemental Vitamin A, such as Crohn’s disease or celiac disease, which interfere with the body’s ability to absorb Vitamin A from food.
NOW Foods is certified by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), a third-party testing organization that ensures dietary supplements meet rigorous safety standards. This supplement is also free from common allergens like gluten and soy, and is non-GMO and Kosher.
Pros:
- UL certified
- Inexpensive
- Free from common allergens
Cons:
- High dose may be inappropriate for most people
Best Vitamin A Supplement for Healthy Vision: Pure Encapsulations Vitamin A + Carotenoids
Amazon
Key features:
- Certifications: United States Pharmacopeia (USP)
- Vitamin A per dose: 1,500 micrograms
- Percent of DV: 167 percent
- Dosage/dose per container: 90
- Type: Capsule
Pure Encapsulations Vitamin A provides 167 percent of the DV for Vitamin A in each capsule. It contains preformed retinyl acetate, as well as the carotenoids lutein, zeaxanthin and astaxanthin, all of which are important for healthy vision.
This product is free from allergens like gluten, milk, tree nuts, soy and unnecessary binders, fillers and preservatives. Pure Encapsulations exceeds standards set by the USP, a non-profit organization that sets standards for the quality and purity of dietary supplements. All raw materials and finished products are tested for purity and potency by third-party laboratories including Eurofins, Silliker and Intertek.
Pros:
- Third-party tested
- Free from common allergens
- Contains both preformed Vitamin A and Vitamin A carotenoids
Cons:
- A bit pricier than other products
What is Vitamin A?
Vitamin A is the collective name for a group of fat-soluble micronutrients that are found in both plants and animals. Animal foods—like liver and milk—provide Vitamin A in the form of retinol and retinol esters, while plant foods—like spinach and sweet potato—contain pro-Vitamin A carotenoids.
Carotenoids are yellow- to orange-hued pigments that are concentrated in a number of fruits and vegetables. There are more than 500 known carotenoids, but the most common found in the human diet include beta-carotene, lycopene, cryptoxanthin, lutein and zeaxanthin.
Your body converts carotenoids into active forms of Vitamin A, but these compounds also function as powerful antioxidants. Antioxidants help reduce and prevent cellular damage by neutralizing unstable compounds called free radicals.
Retinol—or preformed Vitamin A— is the primary form of Vitamin A in the body. After eating foods that contain preformed Vitamin A or provitamin A carotenoids, your body converts these nutrients into retinal and retinoic acid, which are active forms of Vitamin A that the body can use for critical processes.
Vitamin A can be found in multivitamin supplements or can be taken on its own. Between 12-40 percent of the U.S. population currently takes dietary supplements containing Vitamin A. Vitamin A supplements contain either preformed Vitamin A (usually in the form of retinyl acetate or retinyl palmitate), provitamin A carotenoids or a combination of both.
Vitamin A Benefits
Vitamin A plays many important roles in the body, and is essential for healthy vision, immune function, cellular communication, reproductive health, tissue maintenance and growth and development. It’s important to get optimal amounts in your diet. If you don't get enough from food, taking a Vitamin A supplement that covers a chunk of your daily needs can benefit your health in the following ways.
Eye health
Vitamin A is a necessary component of rhodopsin, a light-sensitive pigment concentrated in the rods and cones of the retina. Vitamin A is especially important for vision in low light.
If the body doesn’t get adequate amounts of Vitamin A, it could negatively impact vision. Vitamin A deficiency can lead to a condition called night blindness, where it becomes difficult to see at night or in low-light conditions.
There is some evidence that taking supplements containing the provitamin A carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin can benefit people with age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). Most common in older adults, ARMD is an eye disease that can cause vision loss.
A 2022 review of 13 studies concluded that supplementation with carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin was associated with improvement in vision clarity and that supplementation with carotenoids like beta-carotene may help prevent the progression of late ARMD.
One of the ways in which provitamin A carotenoids may protect against ARMD is by reducing oxidative stress (AKA when free radicals and other reactive substances overwhelm the body’s antioxidant defenses), thanks to their powerful antioxidant properties.
Related Post: The Best Vitamins for Eye Health
Immune health
Vitamin A is essential for the development and function of the immune system. Immune cells, like natural killer cells (NK cells) and macrophages, need Vitamin A in order to protect the body from infection. Vitamin A also helps regulate inflammation, which is important for proper immune function.
Some studies have found that taking a multi-nutrient product could help improve immune response in people infected with viruses and those with certain medical conditions, like cancer.
A deficiency in Vitamin A can significantly impair the immune system and increase your susceptibility to infections. In countries where Vitamin A deficiency is common, Vitamin A supplements can help protect against infection and death in vulnerable populations.
Fetal growth and development
The need for Vitamin A increases during pregnancy and breastfeeding because Vitamin A is vital to both fetal development and maternal health. Pregnant and breastfeeding women need an extra 70-600 micrograms RAE per day, compared to women who aren't pregnant or breastfeeding
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that around 19 million pregnant women worldwide are deficient in Vitamin A. It’s especially common in pregnant women who live in low- and middle-income countries.
Although Vitamin A deficiency is less common in developed countries like the U.S., most prenatal vitamins contain Vitamin A in order to support maternal and fetal health.
Certain medical conditions
Supplementing with Vitamin A may be helpful or even necessary for people with some medical conditions. Certain conditions, like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and cystic fibrosis interfere with the body’s ability to absorb fat-soluble nutrients like Vitamin A. For this reason, Vitamin A supplements are recommended in these populations in order to support healthy Vitamin A levels and prevent deficiency.
Vitamin A supplements may also be helpful for those with skin conditions like acne. Studies show that high-dose Vitamin A supplements providing between 36,000-500,000 IU daily could help manage acne and reduce acne symptoms, but, because Vitamin A has the potential to build up in the body and cause toxicity, people taking high-dose supplements should be monitored by a healthcare provider.
Vitamin A Safety and Precautions
Vitamin A is fat-soluble, meaning it accumulates in the body, especially in fat tissue and in the liver. Even though it’s uncommon to over consume Vitamin A from dietary sources, Vitamin A toxicity can occur if you take large doses in supplement form.
However, provitamin A carotenoids aren’t known to be harmful, even when taken in high doses. The most common side effect of over-supplementation with carotenoids like beta-carotene is a yellowing of the skin called carotenodermia. That said, some studies have identified an association between supplementing with large doses of beta-carotene and an increased risk of lung cancer in people who smoke.
On the other hand, preformed Vitamin A can cause harm if over consumed. This is why The Food and Nutrition Board has set a Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) of 3,000 micrograms (10,000 IU) per day for people 19 and older for preformed Vitamin A only. ULs refer to the maximum daily dose of a nutrient unlikely to cause adverse side effects in almost all people.
If too much preformed Vitamin A is consumed—either through taking supplements, using Vitamin A-based medications or eating foods very high in preformed Vitamin A—it could lead to Vitamin A toxicity. Also known as hypervitaminosis A, Vitamin A toxicity can develop within days to weeks after ingesting a very high dose of Vitamin A—usually more than 100 times the RDA.
Signs of Vitamin A toxicity include abdominal pain, loss of appetite, vision changes, fatigue, headache, high blood calcium levels, coordination problems, nausea and vomiting, irritability, peeling skin and nerve damage. In severe cases, Vitamin A toxicity can lead to coma and even death.
It’s important to note that some research has linked high-dose beta-carotene and Vitamin A supplements to an increased risk of death from all causes. Like any supplement, you shouldn't take high doses of Vitamin A unless you're prescribed and monitored by a healthcare provider.
Vitamin A Deficiency Symptoms
Vitamin A deficiency occurs when blood levels fall below 20 micrograms/dL. The main sign of Vitamin A deficiency is difficulty seeing in low light or darkness due to depletion of the eye's Vitamin A reserves. Other signs of Vitamin A deficiency include bitot spots (elevated white, foamy lesions that form on the eye) and conjunctival xerosis (dullness and wrinkling of the mucous membrane on the front of the eye).
Vitamin A deficiency can negatively impact your immune system and increase your susceptibility to infections like pneumonia. It can also cause very dry skin and skin lesions called phrynoderma.
Vitamin A deficiency is uncommon in developed countries like the U.S., but is prevalent in low- and middle-income countries like Africa and India where access to Vitamin-A rich foods is limited.
Certain populations are more at risk for developing Vitamin A deficiency, including people with medical conditions that impact the body’s ability to absorb Vitamin A, like Crohn’s disease, celiac disease and cystic fibrosis. Pregnant and breastfeeding women are also more at risk for developing a Vitamin A deficiency due to their increased need for this important nutrient.
Vitamin A Daily Dosage for Adults
Recommended daily intake (RDAs) for Vitamin A are given as retinol activity equivalents (RAE), which is an international standard of measure for Vitamin A. RAE represents Vitamin A activity as retinol, and is used to represent the amount of Vitamin A absorbed by the body. One microgram RAE is equivalent to: one microgram of retinol, two micrograms of supplemental beta-carotene, 12 micrograms of dietary beta-carotene, or 24 micrograms of dietary alpha-carotene or beta-cryptoxanthin.
The body absorbs much more preformed Vitamin A than it does provitamin A carotenoids. For example, the body absorbs between 70-90 percent of preformed Vitamin A esters from supplements, but only 8.7-65 percent of beta-carotene.
The current RDA for Vitamin A is 700 micrograms RAE for women and 900 micrograms RAE for men. Pregnant women need 770 micrograms RAE, while breastfeeding women need 1,300 micrograms RAE daily.
Because preformed Vitamin A can accumulate in your body, it’s important to avoid taking too much Vitamin A on a daily basis. Typically, Vitamin A supplements provide around 3,000 micrograms RAE, which is 333 percent of the current DV (900 micrograms RAE per day for adults). Multi-nutrient supplements usually provide lower amounts of Vitamin A, often between 750-1,050 micrograms RAE (83-117 percent of the DV).
How We Chose the Best Vitamin A Supplements
Vitamin A content
We chose supplements that provide Vitamin A in safe levels and that contain amounts of preformed Vitamin A under the UL. We also included supplements that provide Vitamin A only, as well as multi-nutrient supplements, so you can choose a product that best suits your needs.
Ingredient quality
We picked products that use bioavailable forms of nutrients and are free from unnecessary ingredients like fillers and preservatives.
Safety
We chose products from companies that adhere to strict quality and safety standards. Many of the products on this list have been third-party tested to ensure quality and safety.
Customer reviews
We chose Vitamin A supplements that have mostly positive reviews from customers.
Cost
We made sure to include Vitamin A supplements at different price points, so that you can choose a high-quality product that fits into your budget.
How To Choose the Best Vitamin A Supplement for You
When shopping for a Vitamin A supplement, there are a few factors to consider.
You’ll want to choose a product that’s appropriate for your specific nutrient needs. People who follow a balanced diet containing Vitamin A-rich foods may want to pick a multi-nutrient product that contains a lower amount of Vitamin A.
Those with medical conditions that impact the body’s ability to absorb Vitamin A may want to choose a higher-dose supplement to ensure their daily needs are met. If you have questions about how much Vitamin A you should be taking, ask your healthcare provider for advice.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should choose a pre- or postnatal supplement that provides extra Vitamin A, along with other nutrients that are important during pregnancy and lactation, such as choline, iodine and zinc.
In terms of supplement safety and quality, it’s best to choose products from companies that hire independent third-party laboratories to test their supplements for quality and purity. Many supplement companies are certified by third-party organizations like UL, USP and NSF International.
If you have sensitivities or allergies, you’ll want to purchase a Vitamin A supplement that’s free from potential allergens like soy, gluten, tree nuts and dairy. Also, keep an eye out for added sugars, fillers and preservatives, which are common in certain supplements like liquid vitamins and gummies.
Vitamin A FAQs
Can you take too much Vitamin A?
Yes, taking too much preformed Vitamin A can lead to Vitamin A toxicity. The upper limit (UL) for preformed Vitamin A is 3,000 micrograms (10,000 IU) per day for people 19 and older. Taking more than this could harm your health and lead to Vitamin A toxicity, which could be dangerous.
Pregnant women should be extra cautious about their Vitamin A intake. Taking in too much preformed Vitamin A during pregnancy can lead to birth defects, including malformations of the skull, lungs, eyes and heart. The UL for pregnant and breastfeeding women is also 3,000 micrograms (10,000 IU) per day.
When should I take Vitamin A?
Vitamin A can be taken at any time of day, but since it’s fat-soluble, it may be beneficial to take Vitamin A supplements with a meal or snack containing fat. This is because the formation of micelles—compounds formed during the fat digestion and absorption process—supports the absorption of fat-soluble nutrients.
What blocks Vitamin A absorption?
Certain medical conditions can impact the body’s ability to absorb Vitamin A from foods and supplements. Cystic fibrosis, Crohn’s disease and celiac disease are examples of diseases that can negatively impact nutrient absorption and lead to low Vitamin A levels.
Final Thoughts
Vitamin A is the collective name for a group of fat soluble nutrients found in plant and animal foods. It’s required for a number of critical processes in the body, such as immune function, vision and growth.
Certain people, like those with low dietary Vitamin A intake and those with certain medical conditions like Crohn’s disease, may need to take extra Vitamin A through supplementation.
In any case, it's important to avoid taking high-dose Vitamin A supplements unless prescribed by a physician. It's possible to take too much, which could be harmful. None of the Vitamin A supplements on this list exceed the daily UL, and all of them provide high quality nutrients for your health.
Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.
