Meta Information

ID:vitamin-a

Name:Vitamin A

Schema Version:1.5

Title

Vitamin A

Alternate Names

• Retinol
• Retinal
• Retinoic Acid
• Carotenoids

Intervention Type

therapeutic_agent

Expected Cost Mean

Low Cost:

5

High Cost:

15

Cost Type:

monthly

Description:

Widely available and inexpensive as an over-the-counter supplement.

Summary

Vitamin A is a group of fat-soluble retinoids essential for vision, immune function, cellular communication, and reproduction. While critical for health, its role in longevity is primarily about preventing deficiency. For well-nourished individuals, high-dose supplementation with preformed Vitamin A (retinol) does not confer additional healthspan benefits and can be toxic, potentially increasing all-cause mortality.

Purpose

An essential vitamin for vision, immunity, and cellular health.

Card Summary

An essential fat-soluble vitamin crucial for vision, immune function, and cellular differentiation. Healthspan benefits are primarily associated with correcting deficiency, not high-dose supplementation.

Drug Class

Drugs In Class

Empty Array

Impact

Score:

2.5

Justification:

Benefit is limited to correcting deficiency; excess intake offers no longevity advantage.

Evidence

Grade:

A

Score:

9

Justification:

Extensive human RCTs and meta-analyses exist, often showing no benefit or potential harm.

Safety

Score:

6.5

Justification:

High doses of preformed Vitamin A (retinol) are toxic, causing liver damage.

Flags

• Toxicity (hypervitaminosis A) from preformed Vitamin A is a significant and well-documented risk.
• High intake is teratogenic and should be avoided during pregnancy.
• Beta-carotene supplements have been linked to increased lung cancer risk in smokers.
• Obtain from a balanced diet rather than relying on high-dose supplements.
• Interacts with retinoid drugs (e.g., isotretinoin) and drugs affecting fat absorption.

Verdict

Avoid supplementation unless deficient; obtain from a balanced diet.

Created

2026-04-24T00:16:42.916758Z

Model

Gemini 3.1 Pro (High)

Delivery

Route:

oral

Scope:

• systemic

Indication

Focus:

healthspan

Description:

Vitamin A is a group of fat-soluble retinoids essential for vision, immune function, cellular communication, and reproduction. While critical for health, its role in longevity is primarily about preve...

Typical Protocol

• Supplementation is generally not recommended for healthspan unless a clinical deficiency is diagnosed.
• Dietary intake is preferred, aiming for the RDA of 700-900 mcg RAE daily.