• Vitamin A is classified as a fat-soluble vitamin. Essential for normal growth, development, and maintenance of epithelial tissue; essential to the integrity of night vision; helps provide for normal bone development; influences normal tooth formation; necessary for wound healing; toxic in large quantities.

DRI (RDA or AI for Adults)

• Males: 900 mcg RAE (2,997 IU).

• Females: 700 mcg RAE (2,331 IU).

• Pregnancy: 770 mcg RAE (2,564 IU).

• Lactation: 1,300 mcg RAE (4,329 IU).

• RAE = Retinol Activity Equivalents. 1 RAE = 1 mcg retinol. 1 RAE = 3.33 IU.

MAJOR SOURCES

• Animal: beef liver, veal liver, chicken liver, cod liver oil, turkey liver, beef kidney.

• Non-animal as beta-carotene: carrot, pumpkin, sweet potato, butternut squash, mango, spinach, cantaloupe, collard greens, kale, beet greens, Swiss chard.

MAINTENANCE/THERAPEUTIC RANGE

• 5,000 IU to 25,000 IU (upper range for short periods of time).

• CAUTION: Pregnant women should not exceed 10,000 IU.

POSSIBLE THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS

• Acne

• Cancer (breast, lung)

• Cataracts

• Immune function

• Psoriasis

COMMENTS

• Nutritional supplements usually use vitamin A acetate or palmitate. If beta-carotene is listed as the source of vitamin A, make sure it is derived from natural sources.

CAUTIONS

• To avoid potential birth defects, pregnant women should not exceed 10,000 IU (3,000 mcg RAE) daily total from all sources. Most adults (pregnant women excluded) can tolerate large doses of retinol for short periods of time. However, for prolonged intake, it is best to keep vitamin A intake well below 25,000 IU.