What is Vitamin A?

In short

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin. It includes retinol and related compounds. Your body can also make vitamin A from beta-carotene.

What does the body need it for?

Vitamin A contributes to the maintenance of normal vision, normal skin and normal mucous membranes. It contributes to the normal function of the immune system.

How much is good?

NRV (EU reference value)

800 µg

Too much

Safe upper limit (EFSA)

3,000 µg

Maximum per daily dose (BfR)

200 µg

Too much preformed vitamin A over time can damage the liver. During pregnancy, excessive intake can harm the unborn child. The EFSA upper limit for adults is 3000 µg daily from all sources and applies to preformed vitamin A, not beta-carotene.

Other names

Retinol, Vitamin-A, Vitamina A

Source

EU Regulation 432/2012; EFSA 2024