Vitamin A

Vitamin A describes a group of metabolites involved in cell and tissue growth, and several bodily functions, including vision, bone metabolism, and immune function. Vitamin A metabolites include preformed vitamin A β€” retinols, retinals, retinyl esters, and retinoic acids β€” and precursors (i.e., provitamin A molecules) like beta-carotene, which can be converted by the body into the other forms of vitamin A.

Quick Answer

What it is

Vitamin A describes a group of metabolites involved in cell and tissue growth, and several bodily functions, including vision, bone metabolism, and immune function. Vitamin A metabolites include preformed vitamin A β€” retinols, retinals, retinyl esters, and retinoic acids β€” and precursors (i.e., provitamin A molecules) like beta-carotene, which can be converted by the body into the other forms of vitamin A.

Key findings

  • Grade B: Diarrhea Symptoms (Infant Health)
  • Grade B: Infant Death Risk (Infant Health)
  • Grade C: Collagen Content (Skin Health)

Safety

No specific caution or interaction language was detected in the current summary/outcome notes.

ℹ️ Quick Facts: Vitamin A

Quick Facts: Vitamin A

  • Best Evidence:Grade B
  • Conditions Studied:5
  • Research Outcomes:16
  • Grade B Findings:2
  • Key Effect:Skin Health
Outcomes by grade:
A0
B2
C1
D0
5 conditions Β· 16 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

|
B
Diarrhea Symptoms
Small Improvement
13 studies
small↓Improves
B
Infant Death Risk
Small Improvement
small↓Improves
?
Lung Function
↑Improves
?
Vision problems
2 studies
↑Improves
C
Collagen Content
Small Increase
1 study
small↑Improves
?
Hyperpigmentation
↑Worsens
?
Skin Dryness
3 studies
↑Improves
?
Skin Quality
↑Improves
?
Wrinkles
3 studies
↑Improves
?
Skin Thickness
↑Improves
?
Skin Elasticity
1 study
↑Improves
?
Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia Risk
Small Detriment
5 studies
small
?
Pneumonia Symptoms
↓Improves
?
Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia Risk
Small Detriment
5 studies
small
?
Pneumonia Symptoms
↓Improves
?
Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms
↓Improves

Research Citations (14)

Topical tretinoin for treatment of photodamaged skin. A multicenter study
PMID: 2024983
Topical tretinoin (retinoic acid) treatment of hyperpigmented lesions associated with photoaging in Chinese and Japanese patients: a vehicle-controlled trial
PMID: 8277035
Two concentrations of topical tretinoin (retinoic acid) cause similar improvement of photoaging but different degrees of irritation. A double-blind, vehicle-controlled comparison of 0.1% and 0.025% tretinoin creams
PMID: 7544967
Topical tretinoin improves photoaged skin. A double-blind vehicle-controlled study
PMID: 3336176
Improvement of naturally aged skin with vitamin A (retinol)
PMID: 17515510
Effect of Vitamin A Supplementation on fatigue and depression in Multiple Sclerosis patients: A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
PMID: 26996107
Vitamin A supplementation to prevent mortality and short- and long-term morbidity in very low birth weight infants.
PMID: 27552058
Vitamin A supplements for preventing mortality, illness, and blindness in children aged under 5: systematic review and meta-analysis.
PMID: 21868478
Vitamin A supplementation for the prevention of morbidity and mortality in infants one to six months of age
PMID: 27681486
Vitamin A supplementation for preventing morbidity and mortality in children from six months to five years of age.
PMID: 35294044

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