Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that the body needs to maintain normal vision, the immune system, and normal skin and mucous membranes. At Fitsport you will find vitamin A supplements and complexes that combine it with other ingredients. Because vitamin A is stored in the body, a higher amount is not automatically a better choice.
What does vitamin A do?
Vitamin A contributes to the maintenance of normal vision, the normal function of the immune system, the maintenance of normal skin and mucous membranes, and normal iron metabolism. These are general properties of the vitamin, not a promise that a particular supplement will solve vision, skin or immunity problems.
Retinol and beta carotene – what is the difference?
In supplements, vitamin A can be provided in the already active form of retinol or as provitamin A, such as beta carotene. On the label, look not only for the name of the ingredient but also for the actual amount of vitamin A in one recommended serving.
If vitamin A is part of multivitamins or other complexes, include those products in your total daily intake as well. Fat-soluble vitamins are not the place for a "the more, the better" approach.
How to choose a vitamin A supplement
Compare the form of vitamin A, the amount per serving, the other ingredients in the formula and the number of servings per package. If you already take multivitamins, first check whether they contain vitamin A.
Vitamin A products may come as capsules or as part of combined vitamin complexes. Do not judge different products only by the number stated per capsule – what matters is the unit in which the amount is given and the serving recommended by the manufacturer.
Taking vitamin A safely
Follow the manufacturer's label and do not exceed the recommended daily serving. Higher doses of preformed vitamin A may be unsuitable, especially with long-term use. During pregnancy, the choice of vitamin A supplements must be discussed with a doctor, as too much retinol can harm the unborn baby.
If you take medication or other fat-soluble vitamin supplements, discuss the total amount and compatibility with a doctor or pharmacist.
Frequently asked questions
1. What is the difference between vitamin A and beta carotene?
Beta carotene is a provitamin A that the body can convert into vitamin A. Retinol is the already active form of vitamin A. They are not the same ingredient, although both can be sources of vitamin A.
2. Does vitamin A improve eyesight?
Vitamin A contributes to the maintenance of normal vision, but a supplement is not a treatment for eye diseases. If your eyesight is getting worse, the cause should be assessed by a specialist.
3. Can vitamin A be taken together with multivitamins?
Check the labels before combining products. Multivitamins often already contain vitamin A, so your total intake may end up doubled.
4. Is vitamin A suitable during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, vitamin A supplements, especially in the form of retinol, should only be taken as agreed with a doctor. Do not increase doses on your own.
5. When should I take vitamin A?
Choose the timing and way of taking it according to the label of the specific product. Because vitamin A is fat-soluble, some manufacturers recommend taking it with food.
Vitamin A online
At Fitsport you can compare vitamin A supplements by form, amount per serving and composition. If you already take a vitamin complex, check how much vitamin A you get from your current products before buying a separate one.
