Vitamin A

Vitamin

Vitamin A at a glance

Category
Vitamin
Also called
Retinol, Vitamin A Palmitate, Retinyl Palmitate
Commonly found in
Fortified cereals, Dairy products, Margarine, Fortified plant milks
Diets reviewed
26 diets

What is Vitamin A?

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin important for maintaining good vision, supporting the immune system, and promoting skin health. It can exist in several forms, including retinol, retinal, and retinoic acid, as well as in provitamin A carotenoids like beta-carotene found in plants. Vitamin A palmitate is a specific form of vitamin A commonly used in food fortification and supplements. It is often derived from animal sources like fish liver oil, though plant-based synthetic versions are available.

Also known as:

RetinolVitamin A PalmitateRetinyl Palmitate

Diet Compatibility

VeganCaution

Vitamin A can come from animal (fish liver oil) or plant sources. If the label does not provide a source, we recommend calling the manufacturer.

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VegetarianCaution

Vitamin A can come from animal (fish liver oil) or plant sources. If the label does not provide a source, we recommend calling the manufacturer.

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Alpha-Gal FriendlyCaution

Vitamin A can come from animal (fish liver oil) or plant sources. If the label does not provide a source, we recommend calling the manufacturer.

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Barley FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Barley Free diet.

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Corn FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Corn Free diet.

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Dairy FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Dairy Free diet.

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Egg FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Egg Free diet.

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Fish FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Fish Free diet.

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Garlic FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Garlic Free diet.

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GERD FriendlySafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Gerd diet.

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Gluten FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Gluten Free diet.

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Lactose FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Lactose Free diet.

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Low FODMAPSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Fodmap diet.

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Lupin FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Lupin Free diet.

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Milk FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Milk Free diet.

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Nightshade FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Nightshades diet.

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Oat FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Oat Free diet.

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Onion FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Onion Free diet.

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Peanut FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Peanut Free diet.

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PescatarianSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Pescatarian diet.

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Rye FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Rye Free diet.

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Sesame FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Sesame Free diet.

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Shellfish FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Shell Fish Free diet.

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Soy FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Soy Free diet.

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Tree Nut FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Tree Nut Free diet.

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Wheat FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Wheat Free diet.

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Compatibility ratings are general guidelines and may vary by individual. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized dietary advice.

Why People Avoid Vitamin A

Vegans and vegetarians may avoid vitamin A if it is derived from animal sources, such as fish liver oil. Vitamin A palmitate can sometimes also cause concerns regarding animal origin unless it is specified as synthetic or plant-based. For those with particular dietary restrictions or ethical considerations, it can be important to verify the source of vitamin A by contacting the manufacturer.

Potential Reactions

  • Hypervitaminosis A (toxicity from high doses)

This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Individual reactions can vary. Consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns about specific ingredients.

Foods That Commonly Contain Vitamin A

Browse products that match your diet.

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Related to Vitamin A

Other ingredients people often check alongside Vitamin A.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Spoonful reviews ingredients

  • Evidence-based. Diet compatibility ratings are compiled from peer-reviewed nutrition guidance, dietary association recommendations, and ingredient composition data.
  • Continuously updated. Our ingredient database is refreshed as new sources and product data become available.
  • Transparent uncertainty. When an ingredient's safety depends on serving size, preparation, or sub-ingredients, we mark it “caution” rather than forcing a binary answer.
  • Not medical advice. Ratings are general guidance. Always consult a registered dietitian for personalized recommendations.

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