Vitamin A
Vitamin A is a group of fat-soluble retinoids, including retinol, retinal, and retinoic acid. It plays a vital role in maintaining good vision, particularly in low light conditions, by being a key component of rhodopsin, a light-absorbing molecule in the retina. Beyond vision, it supports healthy immune system function, aiding in the production and activity of white blood cells. This essential vitamin is also instrumental in cell growth and differentiation, which is critical for the proper development and maintenance of various tissues, including skin, hair, and internal organs. It contributes to reproductive health in both males and females and is necessary for embryonic development. As an antioxidant, some forms of Vitamin A (like carotenoids) help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Due to its diverse roles, adequate Vitamin A intake is crucial for overall health and well-being, influencing everything from epithelial tissue integrity to bone health.
CarrotsSweet potatoesSpinachKaleLiverEggsDairy products (milk, cheese)Cod liver oilMangoesApricotsCantaloupe
Cheapest Vitamin A supplements
Compare the most affordable Vitamin A supplements to support your immunity, digestive health, hair, bone, and skin health, plus vision, helping you choose the best value for your wellness goals.
Best Vitamin A supplements
Discover the best Vitamin A supplements to support your immunity, digestive health, hair, bone, and skin health, and crucial vision support.
Value Vitamin A Supplements
Discover and compare value Vitamin A supplements, essential for supporting immunity, vision, skin, and overall health.
RDA (Men)3000 IU
RDA (Women)2333 IU
RDI3000 IU
Minimum2500 IU
Maximum5000 IU
Upper Limit (UL)10000 IU
Toxicity Threshold25000 IU
Toxicity Effectliver damage, headache
Impact
Highest effect
Vitamin A is critical for the differentiation of epithelial cells lining the gut and for the production of Secretory IgA (sIgA), the primary antibody that protects mucosal surfaces from pathogens. Deficiency impairs gut barrier function.
View goal →
Impact
Highest effect
Critical for the health of mucosal surfaces in the respiratory tract and gut, which are the body's first line of defense. Vitamin A is also vital for the proper function of T-cells, B-cells, and Natural Killer cells, making it essential for both innate and adaptive immunity.
View goal →
Impact
High effect
Typical dose:2500–5000 IU
Vitamin A's role in forming rhodopsin is undisputed and essential. However, deficiency is rare in developed nations, and high-dose supplementation carries a risk of toxicity. The AREDS trials replaced its precursor, beta-carotene, due to risks in smokers. Its priority should be slightly lower than the core AREDS2 components to reflect its more specific application (night vision) and need for careful dosing.
View goal →
Impact
Moderate effect
Vitamin A, as retinoic acid, is essential for normal skeletal development and maintenance. It regulates the differentiation of bone cells, ensuring a healthy balance in the bone turnover process. Both deficiency and excess can negatively impact bone health, making adequate but not excessive intake important.
View goal →
Impact
Situational effect
Vitamin A plays a crucial role in cell growth, including hair, the fastest-growing tissue in the human body. It also aids skin glands in making sebum, an oily substance that moisturizes the scalp and keeps hair healthy. However, both deficiency and excess can cause hair loss, so proper dosage is critical.
View goal →
add_circle_outline Positive Interactions
Vitamin D
Vitamin A and Vitamin D often work synergistically in the body for bone health and immune function.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E can protect Vitamin A from oxidation and may improve its absorption and utilization.
Zinc
Zinc is essential for the metabolism of Vitamin A, facilitating its transport and conversion to active forms.
Iron
Vitamin A plays a role in iron mobilization from stores and its incorporation into red blood cells, helping to prevent iron-deficiency anemia.
carotenoids
Carotenoids, such as beta-carotene, are precursors to Vitamin A and are converted into active Vitamin A in the body.
remove_circle_outline Negative Interactions
88 Best 
Life Force Multiple
Source Naturals
4.6
★★★★★
(915 ratings)
Vitamin A: 12500 IU
This is a remarkably comprehensive multivitamin, mineral, and botanical blend designed for broad daily nutritional support and overall wellness, offering great value for its extensive ingredient profile.
88 Best 
Original Formula Unflavored
All One
4.3
★★★★★
(739 ratings)
Vitamin A: 15000 IU
This is a highly comprehensive, high-potency unflavored powder multivitamin and mineral blend, fortified with protein and additional supportive nutrients, ideal for those seeking extensive daily nutritional coverage.
65 Budget 
Children's Multivitamin Gummies
Equate
4.7
★★★★★
(2776 ratings)
Vitamin A: 1000 IU
This product is a practical, palatable multivitamin gummy for children, offering basic daily nutritional support in an easy-to-consume format.
No image
Extra Strength Hair Skin & Nails
Nature's Bounty Optimal Solutions
4.7
★★★★★
(69 ratings)
Vitamin A: 5000 IU
This supplement provides a comprehensive mix of high-dose biotin, essential vitamins, and minerals, plus supporting beauty ingredients like collagen and hyaluronic acid, all aimed at enhancing hair, skin, and nail health.
70 Value 
One Daily Men's Health
Equate
4.7
★★★★★
(2147 ratings)
Vitamin A: 1050 IU
This is a standard daily multivitamin for men, providing a broad mix of essential vitamins and minerals, including lycopene, in a convenient one-tablet dose for general nutritional support.
82 Best 
Twice Daily Multi Energy Multi-Vita-Min
Solaray
4.7
★★★★★
(19 ratings)
Vitamin A: 15000 IU
This Solaray multivitamin provides a comprehensive range of vitamins and minerals, featuring diverse ingredient forms and a twice-daily dosing schedule for broad foundational support.
78 Budget 
Flintstones Gummies Complete
Bayer
4.7
★★★★★
(2230 ratings)
Vitamin A: 2000 IU
A popular and trusted children's multivitamin gummy, offering a comprehensive blend of essential nutrients in an appealing format, backed by a well-known brand.
57 Budget 
Macro Greens
MacroLife Naturals
4.4
★★★★★
(1903 ratings)
Vitamin A: 450 IU
Macro Greens is a comprehensive greens powder formulated to support a wide array of health goals, including general wellness, immunity, and energy. It provides essential vitamins and minerals, along with various proprietary blends of superfoods, antioxidants, adaptogens, fibers, and enzymes. However, the extensive use of proprietary blends makes it challenging to ascertain the precise dosages and efficacy of many beneficial ingredients.
60 Value 
Norwegian Cod Liver Oil 1000 mg Fresh Orange Flavor
AN Amazing Nutrition Amazing Omega
4.7
★★★★★
(1244 ratings)
Vitamin A: 5000 IU
An orange-flavored Norwegian Cod Liver Oil softgel offering substantial amounts of Vitamins A and D, plus Vitamin E, for comprehensive fat-soluble vitamin support.
90 Best 
Heart Science
Source Naturals
4.6
★★★★★
(154 ratings)
Vitamin A: 25000 IU
A highly comprehensive supplement packed with a wide array of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and botanical extracts specifically formulated to support cardiovascular health and overall wellness.
68 Value 
Cod Liver Oil Plus Vitamins A & D3
Spring Valley
4.7
★★★★★
(1348 ratings)
Vitamin A: 1250 IU
This product offers a basic blend of cod liver oil with moderate amounts of Vitamin A and low Vitamin D3 in an easy-to-take softgel form for general daily nutritional support.
88 Best 
Life Force Multiple
Source Naturals
4.4
★★★★★
(739 ratings)
Vitamin A: 12500 IU
This is a very comprehensive multivitamin and multimineral formula, enhanced with a broad spectrum of botanicals, antioxidants, and specialized nutrients for extensive daily support.
67 Value 
Norwegian Cod Liver Oil with EPA/DHA
Nature's Truth
4.7
★★★★★
(88 ratings)
Vitamin A: 1250 IU
A cod liver oil softgel providing modest amounts of Vitamin A and D3, aimed at general wellness, with the product name implying omega-3 benefits.
65 Value 
Complete Multivitamin
Equate
4.7
★★★★★
(1663 ratings)
Vitamin A: 3500 IU
This multivitamin offers a broad range of basic vitamins and minerals to support general daily health and fill common nutritional gaps at an economical price.
75 Value 
One Daily Women's Health
Equate
4.7
★★★★★
(5571 ratings)
Vitamin A: 2500 IU
This multivitamin provides essential vitamins and minerals in a convenient daily tablet, formulated to help meet the general nutritional needs of women.
75 Budget 
Extra Strength Hair Skin & Nails
Spring Valley
4.6
★★★★★
(6754 ratings)
Vitamin A: 5000 IU
This supplement offers a broad mix of vitamins, minerals, and specialty compounds like biotin, collagen, and hyaluronic acid, designed to support the health and appearance of hair, skin, and nails.
90 Best 
Ocu Support
NOW
4.6
★★★★★
(918 ratings)
Vitamin A: 25000 IU
This supplement provides a thorough combination of vitamins, minerals, and plant extracts like Lutein, Zeaxanthin, and Bilberry, all aimed at supporting vision health.
68 Value 
One Daily Men's Health
Equate
4.7
★★★★★
(2147 ratings)
Vitamin A: 3500 IU
This is a comprehensive and budget-friendly multivitamin for men, providing a wide array of essential vitamins and minerals for daily nutritional support.
88 Best 
Elan Vital Multiple
Source Naturals
4.6
★★★★★
(483 ratings)
Vitamin A: 29188 IU
This is an extremely comprehensive multi-nutrient formula packed with high-potency vitamins, diverse minerals, and a wide range of additional compounds for broad daily support.
68 Budget 
Miracle Reds
MacroLife Naturals
4.4
★★★★★
(1585 ratings)
Vitamin A: 174 IU
A comprehensive 'reds' powder with many beneficial blends, but severely lacks ingredient transparency, has critically low doses of some vitamins/minerals, and an ineffective probiotic component.
62 Budget 
Multi-Vitamins With Minerals
Thompson
4.7
★★★★★
(2858 ratings)
Vitamin A: 10000 IU
A very economical multivitamin offering a wide range of basic nutrients, best suited for general nutritional support rather than high-potency needs due to some low dosages.
68 Value 
Complete Multivitamin
Equate
4.8
★★★★★
(3010 ratings)
Vitamin A: 2500 IU
This multivitamin delivers a wide range of essential vitamins and minerals at a highly affordable price, making it a sensible choice for basic daily nutritional support for many adults.
72 Value 
Complete Multivitamin Adults 50+
Equate
4.8
★★★★★
(2164 ratings)
Vitamin A: 2500 IU
This multivitamin is designed for adults over 50, offering higher Vitamin D3 and eye-supporting nutrients at a very cost-effective price, providing good daily nutritional support.
88 Best 
PreserVision AREDS Soft Gels
Bausch & Lomb
4.6
★★★★★
(288 ratings)
Vitamin A: 14320 IU
<p>This supplement provides a specific blend of vitamins and minerals, including Beta-Carotene, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Zinc, and Copper, which is designed to support vision health as part of the AREDS formulation.</p>
65 Value 
Mature Multi
Kirkland Signature
4.8
★★★★★
(53 ratings)
Vitamin A: 2500 IU
This multivitamin for mature adults provides a comprehensive nutrient blend with higher B12 and Folic Acid, offering good value for general daily support despite some unspecified ingredient forms.
88 Best 
Carotenoid Complex
Country Life
4.7
★★★★★
(294 ratings)
Vitamin A: 25000 IU
This complex offers a broad spectrum of carotenoids and Vitamin A, specifically formulated to support vision health and contribute to skin well-being with added botanical extracts.
88 Best 
Source of Life Gold Tablets
Natures Plus
4.7
★★★★★
(1924 ratings)
Vitamin A: 15000 IU
This is an incredibly comprehensive daily supplement packed with a vast array of vitamins, minerals, whole foods, enzymes, and specialized compounds, aiming for broad-spectrum wellness support.
Average$28.90
Median$25.46
Average$0.73
Median$0.61
Average$0.79
Median$0.13
Reference amount: 1000 IU
Beta-Carotene is a red-orange pigment found in many fruits and vegetables. It is a precursor to Vitamin A, meaning the body can convert it into active Vitamin A as needed. This form also functions as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage.
- Antioxidant properties beyond just Vitamin A conversion
- Body regulates conversion to Vitamin A, reducing toxicity risk compared to preformed Vitamin A
- Plant-derived source
- Conversion efficiency to Vitamin A varies among individuals
- Does not provide instant Vitamin A for severe deficiencies
- High doses in smokers may be linked to an increased risk of lung cancer
Avg$29.71
Med$27.03
Avg$0.69
Med$0.57
Avg$0.28
Med$0.07
Price distribution
Vitamin A Palmitate is synonymous with Retinyl Palmitate. It is a preformed, active form of Vitamin A that the body can use directly. It is commonly found in supplements and is a fat-soluble vitamin, requiring dietary fat for optimal absorption.
- Directly provides active Vitamin A for immediate use
- High bioavailability and efficient absorption
- Widely available and understood
- Increased risk of toxicity (hypervitaminosis A) with excessive intake
- Often synthetically produced
Avg$37.61
Med$30.99
Avg$1.02
Med$0.90
Avg$0.22
Med$0.14
Price distribution
Retinyl Palmitate is a fat-soluble ester of retinol, which is a direct, active form of Vitamin A. It is readily absorbed and utilized by the body to support various physiological functions. This form is common in supplements and fortified foods.
- Directly provides active Vitamin A, ensuring immediate availability
- High bioavailability and efficient absorption
- Commonly used and well-understood in supplementation
- Higher risk of toxicity (hypervitaminosis A) with excessive intake compared to provitamin A forms
- Often synthetically produced or derived from animal sources
Avg$22.10
Med$20.32
Avg$0.54
Med$0.43
Avg$0.15
Med$0.04
Price distribution
Vitamin A Acetate is a fat-soluble ester of retinol, providing a direct and active form of Vitamin A. Like retinyl palmitate, it is well-absorbed and readily available for the body's use, particularly in dietary supplements.
- Provides active Vitamin A directly, ensuring high efficacy
- Good absorption and bioavailability
- Stable form for supplement formulation
- Risk of toxicity (hypervitaminosis A) with excessive intake
- Typically synthetically derived
Avg$21.42
Med$15.69
Avg$0.46
Med$0.47
Avg$0.03
Med$0.03
Price distribution
Retinyl Acetate is synonymous with Vitamin A Acetate. It is an active, preformed form of Vitamin A, an ester of retinol, readily absorbed and directly utilized by the body. This fat-soluble form is commonly used in dietary supplements and fortified foods.
- Directly provides active Vitamin A, ensuring immediate benefits
- High bioavailability and stable form for use in products
- Effectively addresses Vitamin A deficiencies
- High risk of toxicity (hypervitaminosis A) if recommended doses are exceeded
- Primarily synthetic source
Avg$16.53
Med$16.49
Avg$0.40
Med$0.32
Avg$0.19
Med$0.19
Price distribution
Mixed Carotenoids refer to a combination of different carotenoid pigments. This blend typically includes provitamin A carotenoids like beta-carotene and alpha-carotene, as well as non-provitamin A carotenoids such as lutein, zeaxanthin, and lycopene. They provide antioxidant support and, through provitamin A components, can contribute to Vitamin A levels.
- Provides broad-spectrum antioxidant protection
- Includes provitamin A forms for Vitamin A conversion
- Offers diverse benefits from multiple carotenoids
- Efficacy can vary depending on the specific blend and ratio of carotenoids
- Some forms may be synthetic, which might differ from natural sources in absorption/bioavailability
- Conversion efficiency to Vitamin A varies per individual
Avg$23.28
Med$24.96
Avg$1.33
Med$1.35
Avg$0.17
Med$0.17
Price distribution
Beta-Carotene is a red-orange pigment found in many fruits and vegetables. It is a precursor to Vitamin A, meaning the body can convert it into active Vitamin A as needed. This form also functions as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage.
- Antioxidant properties beyond just Vitamin A conversion
- Body regulates conversion to Vitamin A, reducing toxicity risk compared to preformed Vitamin A
- Plant-derived source
- Conversion efficiency to Vitamin A varies among individuals
- Does not provide instant Vitamin A for severe deficiencies
- High doses in smokers may be linked to an increased risk of lung cancer
Avg$23.28
Med$24.96
Avg$1.33
Med$1.35
Avg$0.17
Med$0.17
Price distribution
Cod Fish Liver, primarily known through cod liver oil, is a traditional dietary supplement renowned for its natural content of preformed Vitamin A (retinol), Vitamin D, and Omega-3 fatty acids. It provides these essential nutrients in a readily absorbable form from a whole-food source.
- Natural source of both preformed Vitamin A and Vitamin D
- Provides beneficial Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA)
- Traditional whole-food supplement with broad health benefits
- Can have a distinct 'fishy' taste or odor
- Risk of toxicity with excessive intake of both Vitamin A and D
- Potential for contaminants like heavy metals if not from reputable, purified sources
Avg$18.81
Med$16.49
Avg$0.09
Med$0.09
Avg$0.01
Med$0.01
Price distribution
Natural Mixed Carotenoids consist of various pigments like beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and lycopene, derived from whole food sources such as algae or vegetables. This blend offers synergistic antioxidant benefits and provides provitamin A carotenoids that the body converts to Vitamin A as needed.
- Offers a broad spectrum of antioxidant protection beyond single carotenoids
- Includes provitamin A forms that the body safely converts to Vitamin A
- Derived from natural, whole food sources, often seen as more bioavailable than synthetics
- Conversion rate to Vitamin A can vary by individual and specific carotenoid composition
- Higher cost than single carotenoid supplements
Avg$28.47
Med$27.79
Avg$0.76
Med$0.81
Avg$0.03
Med$0.03
Price distribution