section name header

Nutrient

[F L S A C] Letter Key

Includes provitamin A carotenoids that are dietary precursors of retinol.

Note: Given as retinol activity equivalents (RAEs). 1 RAE = 1 µg retinol, 12 µg beta-carotene, 24 µg alpha-carotene, or 24 µg beta-cryptoxanthin. To calculate RAEs from REs of provitamin A carotenoids in foods, divide the REs by 2. For preformed vitamin A in foods or supplements and for provitamin A carotenoids in supplements 1 RE = 1 RAE.

Functionnavigator

Required for normal vision, gene expression, reproduction, embryonic development, and immune function

Life Stage Groupnavigator

Life Stage GroupRDA/AI* (µg/d)ULa (µg/d)
Infants
0–6 mo400*600
7–12 mo500*600
Children
1–3 yr300600
4–8 yr400900
Males
9–13 yr6001,700
14–18 yr9002,800
19–30 yr9003,000
31–50 yr9003,000
50–70 yr9003,000
>70 yr9003,000
Females
9–13 yr6001,700
14–18 yr7002,800
19–30 yr7003,000
31–50 yr7003,000
50–70 yr7003,000
>70 yr7003,000
Pregnancy
<=18 yr7502,800
19–30 yr7703,000
31–50 yr7703,000
Lactation
<=18 yr1,2002,800
19–30 yr1,3003,000
31–50 yr1,3003,000

Selected Food Sourcesnavigator

Liver, dairy products, fish

Adverse Effects of Excessive Consumptionnavigator

Teratological effects, liver toxicity.

Note: From preformed Vitamin A only.

Special Considerationsnavigator

Individuals with high alcohol intake, pre-existing liver disease, hyperlipidemia or severe protein malnutrition may be distinctly susceptible to the adverse effects of excess preformed vitamin A intake.

beta-carotene supplements are advised only to serve as a provitamin A source for individuals at risk of vitamin A deficiency.

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