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Vitamin A Supplements Review, Including Beta-Carotene and Cod Liver Oil

Find the Best Vitamin A Supplement. Best Quality Vitamin A Supplements Identified, Including Cod Liver Oil

Reviewed and edited by Tod Cooperman, M.D. cooperman.png

Initially Posted: 10/20/2018 | Last Updated: 08/06/2019
Vitamin A Supplements (Including Cod Liver Oil) Reviewed by ConsumerLab.com

Vitamin A supplements with beta-carotene / retinol, including cod liver oil, compared in this review

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Puritan's Pride Beta-Carotene

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Pure Encapsulations Vitamin A

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Bluebonnet Vitamin A

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Bronson Vitamin A

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Carlson Kid's Norwegian Cod Liver Oil

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GNC Beta-Carotene

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NOW Vitamin A

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Nutrilite Multi Carotene

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Solaray Vitamin Dry A

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Spring Valley (Walmart) Vitamin A

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The Vitamin Shoppe Cod Liver Oil

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Vitacost Cold Water Arctic Cod Liver Oil

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Vitamin A is necessary to maintain good vision, skin and immune functioning. Vitamin A supplements may slow the progression of macular degeneration, enhance healing after laser eye surgery, and reduce the risk of certain cancers. At the same time, getting too much vitamin A can be dangerous.

So how do you know if you need a vitamin A supplement and, if you do, how can you tell which is best?

In this comprehensive review about vitamin A supplements, you'll get test results and quality ratings for 12 supplements (two of which failed to contain all the vitamin A they claimed), including products tested through CL's voluntary Quality Certification Program. You'll learn:
  • Which vitamin A supplements passed or failed ConsumerLab.com's testing and review and which were selected as CL's Top Picks
  • Which vitamin A supplements and which products exceed tolerable intake limits and, therefore, pose a greater risk of causing adverse effects
  • Who should take a vitamin A supplement, and what it can and cannot do for your health
  • Which cod liver oils passed our tests for freshness and purity
  • Direct comparisons and quality ratings of vitamin A supplements, including cost comparisons
  • How vitamin A supplement labels are changing from IUs to micrograms RAE (retinol activity equivalents) and what you need to know when reading them
  • Recommended daily intake and dosages of vitamin A
  • Which foods are rich in vitamin A or beta-carotene
  • Cautions when using vitamin A, including potential drug interactions, interactions with other supplements, potential side-effects of vitamin A from retinol forms (such as retinyl palmitate) and beta-carotene

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Related CL Answers (13)

Can supplements with antioxidants like beta-carotene and vitamins A and E cause you to die sooner?

Learn more about antioxidants like beta-carotene, vitamin A, vitamin E, and their effect on mortality, or premature death. ConsumerLab's answer explains.

How likely are Americans to be deficient in vitamins or minerals?

Read info based on the CDC about vitamin deficiencies such as vitamin A, B-6, B-12, C, D, and E, folate, and iron in the United States. ConsumerLab's answer explains.

Do any supplements help prevent sunburn or skin damage from sun exposure?

Find out which supplements may help protect from sunburn and sun-related skin damage, including beta-carotene, vitamins A and C, and cocoa. ConsumerLab's answer explains.

What is fermented cod liver oil, such as Blue Ice? Is it better than regular cod liver oil?

Fermented cod liver oil information including if Rosita & Blue Ice (Green Pastures) is as good a source of vitamins and DHA as regular. ConsumerLab's answer explains.

Do any supplements help prevent or improve cataracts?

Find out which supplements may help with cataracts, including selenium and vitamins A, B1, B3, C, and E. ConsumerLab's answer explains.

Why is beta-carotene still an ingredient in some supplements? Isn't it dangerous?

Beta-carotene can be found in supplements. Get clinical evidence from studies on beta-carotene's impact on mortality, smoking, and vision. ConsumerLab's answer explains.

Is it true that fish oil supplements may contain soy? I'm allergic!

Learn about soy content in fish oil and cod liver oil, including safety for those with soy allergies. ConsumerLab's answer explains.

Are the "% DV" numbers on vitamin supplement labels really based on what I need?

Learn more about percent daily values, including if they are good standards of measure or if better upper and lower limits exist. ConsumerLab's answer explains.

I've heard it's best to take fat-soluble supplements, like CoQ10, curcumin, and vitamin D, with fats or oils to increase absorption. Would taking them with a fish oil capsule be enough?

Find out how best to take fat-soluble supplements including CoQ10, curcumin, and vitamins A, D, E, and K, to maximize their absorption. ConsumerLab's answer explains.

Is it true that overdoses of vitamin D only occur when you don't get enough vitamin K?

Is it true that vitamins like vitamin K and vitamin A can help prevent you from absorbing too much vitamin D? ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

Does taking a laxative interfere with the absorption of vitamins or minerals?

Information on laxative interactions with other medications and supplements such as Maalox, antibiotics, and statins and diabetes medications. ConsumerLab's answer explains.

What is the difference between fish oil and cod liver oil? Is one better than the other?

Find out how regular fish oil and cod liver oil differ including amounts of omega-3s EPA and DHA, vitamin A and vitamin D, which is best to suit your needs. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

I enjoy oat milk in my coffee, but how healthy is it for me?

Is oat milk healthy? Information about oat milk contents, how much sugar and calcium is in oat milk, and if it is a healthy alternative to cow milk. ConsumerLab's answer explains.

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