Never Take Vitamin A Supplements

Let’s talk about vitamin A—the benefits of vitamin A and the dark side. Vitamin A is a non-keratinizing vitamin. Keratinization is a condition that causes skin issues. Both a vitamin A deficiency and excess vitamin A can affect the internal and external skin in many ways. Vitamin A is involved in supporting the immune system as well. There is an association between vitamin A deficiency and autoimmune conditions like Graves’ and Hashimoto’s. Vitamin A also allows iodine to be absorbed. Signs of vitamin A deficiency: • Poor night vision • Blindness • Dry eyes • Poor immunity • Skin problems • Bone issues Signs of too much vitamin A: • Abnormal bone formation • Dry lips • Dry skin • Double vision • Alopecia • Oily skin • Peeling skin • Heart valve calcification • Hypercalcemia • Intracranial pressure Vitamin A toxicity is rare, but taking a synthetic vitamin A supplement may increase your risk. Synthetic vitamin A may also increase the risk of lung cancer. Accutane, a form of synthetic vitamin A, has serious potential side effects. I suggest getting your vitamin A from food sources or natural food-based supplements. Foods high in vitamin A (retinol): • Cod liver oil • Egg yolks • Grass-fed butter • Grass-fed cheese • Liver Beta carotene is the precursor to the active form of vitamin A (retinol). Beta carotene is in foods like carrots and spinach. But, if you’re relying on beta carotene alone to get your vitamin A or if you have a liver or gallbladder issue, you could be deficient in vitamin A.