Vitamin A (Acetate)

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for the function of all the organs in your body and is particularly important for growth and development. Acetate is a retinol form of vitamin A commonly used in supplements (this is a synthetic form of vitamin A). Vitamin A is essential for healthy eyes and vision, health of epithelial cells, growth, a healthy reproductive system, protection against infection, bone development and brain development. It is also important for the maintenance of the proper functioning of the immune system.

Vitamin A (Beta-Carotene)

Beta-Carotene is a natural fat-soluble pigment found mainly in plants. Beta-carotene is referred to as a provitamin A carotenoid as it is readily converted to vitamin A in the body. Beta-carotene has beneficial effects in protecting against oxidative damage including that caused by ultraviolet light. Beta-carotene has been shown to have immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anticarcinogenic and antiatherogenic activities.

Precautions

General
Since vitamin A is fat-soluble, excesses can accumulate in fatty tissues to toxic levels. Signs of vitamin A toxicity include dry itchy skin, brittle nails, hair loss, bone pain, gingivitis, headaches, muscle and joint pains, anorexia, fatigue, diarrhea, increased infections, enlarged liver and abnormal liver function. Symptoms are reversible when vitamin A is discontinued.