Vitamin A is necessary to maintain good vision, skin and immune functioning. Supplementation may slow the progression of macular degeneration, enhance healing after laser eye surgery, and reduce the risk of certain cancers.
But the amount vitamin A in some supplements may be much higher or lower than the amount stated on labels. Tests of vitamin A tablets and oils (including cod liver oil) by ConsumerLab.com showed that one supplement delivered nearly
double its claimed amount of vitamin A – of concern due to
potential toxicity – and three others provided significantly less vitamin A than stated on the labels.
Toxic effects of excess vitamin A include bone and liver abnormalities, as well as birth defects of the brain, eyes and head.
You must subscribe to get the full test results and ConsumerLab recommendations. In this comprehensive report, you'll discover: - Which products failed testing and which passed
- Which forms and doses of vitamin A are helpful, and which may be harmful
- Which foods naturally contain vitamin A
- Concerns and cautions with vitamin A from retinyl palmitate and beta-carotene
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