Vitamin A Supplements

What vitamin A does

Vitamin A supports several everyday functions: it’s essential for vision (particularly night vision), helps maintain healthy skin, and contributes to a normal immune system. It also plays a role in cell growth. Most people get some from food, but a supplement can help fill a gap.

Retinol vs beta-carotene

Preformed vitamin A (retinol) is the ready-to-use form found in animal foods and most vitamin A supplements — it’s potent and, because it’s stored, can build up if you take too much. Beta-carotene is the plant-based provitamin A (from foods like carrots) that your body converts to vitamin A only as needed, which makes excess far less of a concern. Many people choose beta-carotene for that reason, while others prefer the directness of retinol.

Forms and how to take it

Options include 10,000 IU softgels, liquid drops that are easy to dose, and antioxidant blends (often “ACES” formulas pairing vitamins A, C and E with selenium and zinc). Because vitamin A is fat-soluble, take it with a meal that contains some fat for best absorption, and follow the serving size on your product.

A note on safety

Don’t exceed the recommended amount of preformed vitamin A, as too much can build up over time. If you are pregnant or could become pregnant, high-dose preformed vitamin A isn’t recommended — speak with your doctor, who may suggest beta-carotene instead. Check with a healthcare provider if you take medication or have a health condition.

Vitamin A in Canada

We stock vitamin A in Canada and ship from our Ontario warehouse. Explore related options in our eye & vision health, antioxidants, immune health and multivitamins collections.