Indications
Vitamin A Acetate (retinyl acetate) is a stable form of vitamin A used in supplements, often in children’s multivitamins. It is used to prevent and treat vitamin A deficiency, which can cause night blindness, dry eyes, dry skin and lowered resistance to infection. It also supports normal growth and healthy eyes, skin and immunity.
How It Works
After it is swallowed, vitamin A acetate is changed in the gut into retinol, the active vitamin. Retinol is needed to make the light-sensitive pigment in the eye that allows vision in dim light. It also helps keep the skin and the linings of the eyes, gut and airways healthy and supports the immune system. Extra vitamin A is stored in the liver.
Dosage and Administration
Take as directed on the label or by your doctor. The recommended daily intake is about 700 micrograms (around 2,300 IU) for adult women and 900 micrograms (around 3,000 IU) for adult men; children need less according to age. Treatment of a diagnosed deficiency uses higher doses for a limited time and should only be done as prescribed. Take with food, as fat helps absorption.
Interactions
Do not combine with other vitamin A products or with retinoid medicines such as Isotretinoin or Acitretin, because the risk of vitamin A toxicity increases. High doses may increase the effect of Warfarin. Orlistat, Cholestyramine and mineral oil can reduce absorption. Tell your doctor about all medicines and supplements you take.
Contraindications
Do not use if you have high vitamin A levels (hypervitaminosis A) or are allergic to any ingredient. High-dose vitamin A should not be used in pregnancy.
Side Effects
At normal amounts, side effects are uncommon. Too much over time can cause headache, dry or peeling skin, hair loss, bone or joint pain, tiredness, loss of appetite and liver problems.
Get urgent medical help if you have a severe headache with vomiting or blurred vision, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or signs of a serious allergic reaction such as swelling of the face or difficulty breathing.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Vitamin A is needed in pregnancy, but too much can harm the unborn baby. Pregnant women should not take more than about 3,000 micrograms (10,000 IU) a day from supplements, and should only use vitamin A supplements on a doctor’s advice. Normal amounts are suitable during breastfeeding.
Precautions and Warnings
Check labels of all your supplements to avoid taking vitamin A from several sources. Use with caution in liver disease, kidney disease and in people who drink a lot of alcohol. Keep children’s vitamins out of their reach, as they may treat them as sweets.
Overdose
A large single dose can cause nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, severe headache, blurred vision and, in infants, a bulging soft spot on the head. Long-term overdose causes liver and bone damage. Seek medical help straight away if too much is taken, especially by a child.
Therapeutic Class
Vitamin (fat-soluble vitamin A).
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.