Retinol — Vitamin A for Vision & Skin
Retinol — Vitamin A for Vision & Skin
What is retinol and why is it important?
Retinol is the active form of vitamin A, essential for vision, immune function, skin renewal, and cell growth. Vitamin A exists in two forms: retinol (from animal sources, immediately usable) and beta-carotene (from plant sources, converted by the body as needed). Retinol supports collagen production, accelerates cell turnover, and is known for its anti-aging properties both internally and externally.
Frequently asked questions about retinol
Retinol is the active form of vitamin A that the body can use immediately. Beta-carotene is a plant precursor that the body converts as needed, making overdose virtually impossible. Retinol has stronger and faster effects, while beta-carotene is a safer choice for long-term daily supplementation.
Yes, retinol is fat-soluble and accumulates in the body. Chronic excess (over 10,000 IU per day) can damage the liver, cause headaches and nausea, and thin bones. Retinol excess is especially dangerous during pregnancy. The tolerable upper limit for adults is 3,000 mcg RAE (10,000 IU) per day.
For adult men 900 mcg RAE and women 700 mcg RAE per day. As a supplement, 1,500-3,000 IU daily is usually sufficient since some vitamin A comes from food. Prefer combined products containing both retinol and beta-carotene for safety and effectiveness.
Vitamin A is necessary for normal vision, especially in the dark. The light-sensitive pigment rhodopsin in eye cells requires retinal, a vitamin A metabolite. Severe deficiency causes night blindness. If vision problems are linked to deficiency, a supplement helps, but it will not correct other vision disorders.