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Clinical Updates
Vitamin A Supplements
Vitamin A Caution During Pregnancy
June 14, 2024
Women who are pregnant are being advised to minimize intake of vitamin A in the retinol form (as found in some supplements and in liver), as discussed in the Concerns & Cautions section of our Vitamin A Supplements Review.
Vitamin A for Aging Skin?
October 26, 2023
Does taking high-dose vitamin A and vitamin E improve aging skin when combined with topical application of retinoic and glycolic acids? Find out what a recent study showed in the What It Does section of our Vitamin A Supplements Review.
Also see: if any other supplements reduce wrinkles.
How Vitamin A Deficiency Can Affect the Eyes
March 11, 2022
Vitamin A deficiency was linked to eye floaters and loss of peripheral vision in a recently reported case. Get the details, and learn about other symptoms of vitamin A deficiency, in the What It Does section of our Vitamin A Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among vitamin A supplements.
See our answer to the question: Do any supplements help prevent or reduce eye floaters?
Symptoms of Vitamin A Deficiency
January 27, 2022
Although not common, be aware of signs of vitamin A deficiency involving the eyes, skin, and nails, as exemplified by a recent case. Get the details (including medical conditions which can cause it) in the What It Does section of our Vitamin A Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among vitamin A supplements.
Vitamin A and Skin Cancer
August 05, 2019
A study showed that people with higher intakes of vitamin A have a lower risk of developing squamous cell cancer of the skin. Does mean that taking a vitamin A supplement will help? Find out in the What It Does section of the Vitamin A Supplements Review, where we also discuss the risk of melanoma. (Also see our Top Picks for vitamin A supplements.)
Vitamin A & Autism
December 16, 2017
Giving vitamin A to young children with autism spectrum disorders and low blood levels of vitamin A (as retinol) seemed to improve some symptoms of ASD, according to a pilot study. For details, see the "What It Does" section of the Vitamin A Supplements Review >>
Latest Supplement Recommendations
November 16, 2013
New draft recommendations on vitamin and mineral supplement use were published this week by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. The recommendations apply only to healthy adults without nutritional deficiencies. They focus only on the use of supplements for the prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer at doses not exceeding tolerable upper intake levels. The recommendations are based on existing science and are generally consistent with information already presented in ConsumerLab.com's Product Reviews. We have summarized the recommendations below, with links to more information in ConsumerLab.com's reports:
- Beta-Carotene and Vitamin E: Supplementation with either does not provide a benefit. Vitamin E does not pose a risk of harm, but beta-carotene increases the risk of lung cancer in people at risk for lung cancer.
- Other Single Vitamins, Minerals, Pairs, and Multivitamins: There is inadequate evidence regarding a benefit or a risk of harm.
- Beta-Carotene and Vitamin E: Supplementation with either does not provide a benefit. Vitamin E does not pose a risk of harm, but beta-carotene increases the risk of lung cancer in people at risk for lung cancer.
- Other Single Vitamins, Minerals, Pairs, and Multivitamins: There is inadequate evidence regarding a benefit or a risk of harm.
Antioxidants: Too Much of a Good Thing?
August 24, 2013
A new, long-term study of Americans found the risk of dying over the course of the study (about 14 years) was lowest when antioxidant levels in the blood were above the lowest levels (the bottom 20% of the population). However, for people in the top 20% of blood levels for vitamins A and E, the risk of death increased compared to people with moderate levels. For selenium and beta-carotene, there was no significant difference in the death rate between moderate and high levels, although for vitamin C some additional benefit was seen at high, but not the highest, levels.
The results suggest that antioxidant supplements may be useful for those who are nutritionally deficient, but, as noted by the researchers, "beyond a certain threshold, higher levels do not lead to additional benefit, and may potentially be toxic." More details (including specific serum levels) are found in the linked updates to the following reviews, which include our test results and quality ratings of products:
Lower Melanoma Risk with Vitamin A
March 17, 2012
A study of people ages 50 to 76 found the risk of developing melanoma (over an average of 6 years) was 40% lower among those who took a vitamin A supplement than among those who did not. The protective effect appeared strongest and most statistically significant among women, and only occurred with vitamin A from retinol and, not beta-carotene. For details, including the dose (which matters), see the updated information in the Vitamin A Supplement Review. More >>
