Live Well Vitamins & Lifestyle Guide

Vitamin A (Retinoid)

Vitamin A Supplement Information

Vitamin A is standard in multivitamins. Vitamin A is also available as a prescription cream. Doctors may give vitamin A by injection. Like any supplement, keep vitamin A supplements in a cool, dry place, away from humidity and direct sunlight.

Vitamin A Warnings

• Side effects. Symptoms of vitamin A toxicity include dry skin, joint pain, vomiting, headaches, confusion.
• Interactions. If you take any medicines, ask your doctor if vitamin A supplements are safe. Vitamin A supplements may interact with some birth control pills, blood thinners (Coumadin), acne medicines (Accutane), cancer treatments, and many other drugs.
• Risks. Don’t take more than the RDA of vitamin A unless your doctor recommends it. High doses of vitamin A have been associated with birth defects, lower bone density, and liver problems. People who drink heavily or have kidney or liver disease shouldn’t take vitamin A supplements without talking to a doctor.