{"id":581,"date":"2026-04-10T14:46:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-10T18:46:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/?p=581"},"modified":"2026-06-21T13:58:09","modified_gmt":"2026-06-21T17:58:09","slug":"vitamin-a-retinol-essential-nutrient-for-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/vitamin-a-retinol-essential-nutrient-for-health\/","title":{"rendered":"Vitamin A (Retinol) Benefits, Food Sources &amp; Deficiency Signs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 id=\"h-key-takeaways\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Key Takeaways<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Retinol is the ready to use animal form of vitamin A.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Liver, egg yolks, dairy fat and cod liver oil are top sources.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Low retinol can first show up as poor night vision.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Beta carotene is not retinol and converts very unevenly.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Real food retinol works best when eaten with animal fat.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-what-is-retinol\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What Is Retinol<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"h-ready-to-use\">Retinol is the true animal form of vitamin A. It is already in a form the body can use, store and move through the blood. The main food sources are liver, fish liver oils, eggs and dairy fat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"h-ready-to-use\">Liver stands far above the rest for total amount, while eggs and dairy give smaller but steady amounts through the week (<a href=\"https:\/\/ods.od.nih.gov\/factsheets\/VitaminA-HealthProfessional\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">NIH ODS, 2025<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC8157347\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Carazo et al., 2021<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Beta carotene is often lumped in with vitamin A, but it is not retinol. It is a plant pigment that must be turned into retinol first. That step is not smooth or equal in all people. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Food form, gut health, fat intake, nutrient status and genetics can all change how much gets converted (<a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/23053560\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Haskell, 2012<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC2854912\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Tang, 2010<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-what-the-body-does-with-it\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What The Body Does With It<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Retinol helps the body make retinal and retinoic acid. These are forms used for sight, growth, skin repair, immune defense and cell signaling, which is how cells send and read chemical messages. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A low intake over time can hurt dark vision, dry out the eyes and skin and weaken defense against infection (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/data\/nutrition\/nlis\/info\/vitamin-a-deficiency\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">WHO, 2024<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC3704899\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Al Tanoury, Piskunov and Rochette-Egly, 2013<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The liver stores much of the body\u2019s vitamin A and sends it out when needed. Small, regular servings of rich animal foods can cover needs well without constant snacking or heavy supplement use (<a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC4967333\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Tanumihardjo et al., 2016<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-retinol-benefits\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Retinol Benefits<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-night-vision\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Night Vision<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of retinol\u2019s best known jobs is support for dark vision. The eye needs vitamin A to make the light sensing compounds used in low light. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When status drops, the first sign can be night blindness, which means weak vision in dim places long before full eye disease shows up (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/data\/nutrition\/nlis\/info\/vitamin-a-deficiency\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">WHO, 2024<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.msdmanuals.com\/professional\/nutritional-disorders\/vitamin-deficiency-dependency-and-toxicity\/vitamin-a-deficiency\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">MSD Manual, 2024<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-skin-amp-barrier-health\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Skin &amp; Barrier Health<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Retinol supports the skin, the lining of the gut, the airways and other tissues that act as body barriers. A barrier is the thin layer that helps keep moisture in and irritants out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When vitamin A is low, skin can turn rough, dry and bumpy and mucous tissues can become dry as well (<a href=\"https:\/\/dermnetnz.org\/topics\/vitamin-a-deficiency\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">DermNet, 2023<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/31389093\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Polcz and Barbul, 2019<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This helps explain why many people do better with food sources of retinol than with plant pigments alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The body does not need to guess how much to convert from carotenoids when the meal already contains true retinol in animal fat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-immune-defense\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Immune Defense<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Retinol also helps immune cells mature and helps barrier tissues stay intact. Those jobs work together. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A dry eye, dry airway, or weak gut lining can leave the body less prepared to deal with stress and infection (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/data\/nutrition\/nlis\/info\/vitamin-a-deficiency\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">WHO, 2024<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC4967333\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Tanumihardjo et al., 2016<\/a>). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Steady intake from nutrient dense food is a sound base. In real meals, retinol comes with protein, copper, B vitamins, cholesterol and fat, which fit well with how the body stores and uses fat soluble nutrients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-best-food-sources\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Best Food Sources<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-liver\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Liver<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Liver is the richest whole<a href=\"https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/actual-superfoods-real-foods-you-should-be-eating\/\" type=\"post\" id=\"435\"> food <\/a>source of retinol by a wide margin. That is true for beef, lamb, chicken and other animal livers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Since animals store vitamin A in the liver, a modest portion can provide a large amount. This is why many food traditions used liver once or twice each week instead of every day (<a href=\"https:\/\/ods.od.nih.gov\/factsheets\/VitaminA-HealthProfessional\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">NIH ODS, 2025<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC8157347\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Carazo et al., 2021<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A simple food first approach often looks like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>60 to 90 grams of liver once weekly, or a smaller amount twice weekly<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Eggs several times each week, with yolks kept intact<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Full fat dairy such as butter, cream, or cheese as tolerated<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cod liver oil in small amounts when whole food intake is low<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-egg-yolks-amp-dairy-fat\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Egg Yolks &amp; Dairy Fat<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Egg yolks and dairy fat give less retinol per serving than liver, but they are easy to eat often. That makes them useful for steady intake. Whole eggs also bring choline, cholesterol and protein. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dairy fat brings vitamin A in a form many people digest well when the food is minimally processed (<a href=\"https:\/\/ods.od.nih.gov\/factsheets\/VitaminA-HealthProfessional\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">NIH ODS, 2025<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Retinol is fat soluble, which means it is absorbed with fat. Very low fat eating can work against that process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Eating eggs, beef, butter and cheese gives very different nutrients from a low fat meal made up of fortified cereal and sweet fruit juice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-cod-liver-oil\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cod Liver Oil<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cod liver oil is another rich source of preformed vitamin A. It can be useful when a person will not eat liver or needs a short term bridge while food habits improve. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Small amounts make more sense than large spoonfuls. The main goal is still a food base, not living on pills or fortified powders (<a href=\"https:\/\/ods.od.nih.gov\/factsheets\/VitaminA-HealthProfessional\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">NIH ODS, 2025<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Synthetic vitamin A in fortified foods and many supplements deserves more caution than retinol in real meals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Isolated forms such as retinyl palmitate or retinyl acetate can raise intake without the full food matrix, while fortified ultra processed foods add yet another layer of junk to the diet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-deficiency-signs\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Deficiency Signs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-early-clues\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Early Clues<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The earliest and most classic sign is poor vision in dim light. Dry eyes, dry skin, frequent infections and rough bumps around hair follicles can also show up. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In more severe cases, the eye surface can dry and thicken, a condition linked to vision loss if left untreated (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/data\/nutrition\/nlis\/info\/vitamin-a-deficiency\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">WHO, 2024<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.msdmanuals.com\/professional\/nutritional-disorders\/vitamin-deficiency-dependency-and-toxicity\/vitamin-a-deficiency\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">MSD Manual, 2024<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A person may also notice poor tolerance to bright screens after dark, weak tear flow, or dry, flaky lips with rough skin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-who-is-at-risk\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who Is At Risk<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Low retinol status is more likely when intake is low for a long time or absorption is poor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Risk can rise with very low fat diets, heavy reliance on plant foods sold as vitamin A foods, gut disease, bile problems, bowel surgery, or poor overall diet quality (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.msdmanuals.com\/professional\/nutritional-disorders\/vitamin-deficiency-dependency-and-toxicity\/vitamin-a-deficiency\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">MSD Manual, 2024<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC4967333\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Tanumihardjo et al., 2016<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Beta carotene is often sold as if it were the same as retinol. It is not. Conversion can be weak and highly variable and some people may get far less usable vitamin A from plant carotenoids than label math suggests (<a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/23053560\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Haskell, 2012<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC3798921\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Reboul, 2013<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-a-food-first-fix\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">A Food First Fix<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Add true retinol foods before chasing powders, gummies, or synthetic fortified snack foods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>One weekly serving of liver often changes intake fast<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Whole eggs, butter and cheese can support regular maintenance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Meals built around animal protein and fat help absorption<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Grazing all day is less useful than one to three real meals<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Food based retinol fits well in a broader animal based diet that avoids seed oils, fortified junk and constant snacking. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Before changing your diet, supplements, or health routine, talk with a licensed healthcare professional. For any health concerns or questions about a medical condition, get guidance from a physician or another appropriately trained clinician.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n<style id=\"oi-smart-suggested-posts-css\">\n            .oi-sp,\n            .oi-sp *,\n            .oi-sp *::before,\n            .oi-sp *::after {\n                box-sizing: border-box !important;\n            }\n\n            .oi-sp {\n                display: block !important;\n                width: 100% !important;\n                max-width: 100% !important;\n                margin: 2rem 0 !important;\n                padding: 0 !important;\n                clear: both !important;\n                font-family: inherit !important;\n                color: #111 !important;\n            }\n\n            .oi-sp-heading {\n                display: block !important;\n                width: 100% !important;\n                margin: 0 0 1rem 0 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!important;\n                font-weight: 800 !important;\n            }\n\n            @media (max-width: 900px) {\n                .oi-sp-smart .oi-sp-grid,\n                .oi-sp-similar .oi-sp-grid,\n                .oi-sp-related .oi-sp-grid,\n                .oi-sp-cornerstone .oi-sp-grid,\n                .oi-sp-pillar .oi-sp-grid,\n                .oi-sp-hub .oi-sp-grid,\n                .oi-sp-recent .oi-sp-grid,\n                .oi-sp-trending .oi-sp-grid {\n                    grid-template-columns: repeat(2, minmax(0, 1fr)) !important;\n                }\n\n                .oi-sp-top .oi-sp-grid {\n                    display: flex !important;\n                    flex-direction: column !important;\n                }\n            }\n\n            @media (max-width: 640px) {\n                .oi-sp-smart .oi-sp-grid,\n                .oi-sp-similar .oi-sp-grid,\n                .oi-sp-related .oi-sp-grid,\n                .oi-sp-cornerstone .oi-sp-grid,\n                .oi-sp-pillar .oi-sp-grid,\n                .oi-sp-hub .oi-sp-grid,\n                .oi-sp-recent .oi-sp-grid,\n                .oi-sp-trending .oi-sp-grid {\n                    grid-template-columns: 1fr !important;\n                }\n\n                .oi-sp-top .oi-sp-grid {\n                    display: flex !important;\n                    flex-direction: column !important;\n                }\n\n                .oi-sp-heading {\n                    font-size: 1.2rem !important;\n                }\n            }\n        <\/style><section class=\"oi-sp oi-sp-smart\" data-oi-sp-mode=\"smart\" aria-label=\"Suggested Posts\"><h2 class=\"oi-sp-heading\">Suggested Posts<\/h2><div class=\"oi-sp-grid\"><a class=\"oi-sp-card oi-sp-card-smart\" href=\"https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/tallow-benefits-uses-and-nutrition\/\"><div class=\"oi-sp-thumb\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"600\" data-src=\"https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/tallow-35.webp\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large wp-post-image lazyload\" alt=\"\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/tallow-35.webp 600w, https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/tallow-35-300x300.webp 300w, https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/tallow-35-150x150.webp 150w\" data-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 600px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 600\/600;\" \/><\/div><div class=\"oi-sp-body\"><div class=\"oi-sp-title\">Tallow: Benefits, Uses &amp; Nutrition<\/div><div class=\"oi-sp-excerpt\">Key Takeaways Tallow is a stable cooking fat made from rendered beef or mutton fat. It gives energy,...<\/div><div class=\"oi-sp-read\">Read More<\/div><\/div><\/a><a class=\"oi-sp-card oi-sp-card-smart\" href=\"https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/protein-you-probably-need-more\/\"><div class=\"oi-sp-thumb\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"600\" data-src=\"https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/protein-1.webp\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large wp-post-image lazyload\" alt=\"\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/protein-1.webp 600w, https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/protein-1-300x300.webp 300w, https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/protein-1-150x150.webp 150w, https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/protein-1-100x100.webp 100w\" data-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 600px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 600\/600;\" \/><\/div><div class=\"oi-sp-body\"><div class=\"oi-sp-title\">Protein: You Probably Need More<\/div><div class=\"oi-sp-excerpt\">Key Takeaways Protein helps your body repair muscle, skin, bone, hair and daily wear. Many older adults and...<\/div><div class=\"oi-sp-read\">Read More<\/div><\/div><\/a><a class=\"oi-sp-card oi-sp-card-smart\" href=\"https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/cod-liver-oil-health-benefits\/\"><div class=\"oi-sp-thumb\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"600\" data-src=\"https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/cod-liver-oil.webp\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large wp-post-image lazyload\" alt=\"\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/cod-liver-oil.webp 600w, https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/cod-liver-oil-300x300.webp 300w, https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/cod-liver-oil-150x150.webp 150w\" data-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 600px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 600\/600;\" \/><\/div><div class=\"oi-sp-body\"><div class=\"oi-sp-title\">Cod Liver Oil Benefits For Heart, Joint &amp; Bone Health<\/div><div class=\"oi-sp-excerpt\">Key Takeaways Cod liver oil delivers natural vitamin D, Retinol, EPA and DHA together. Gentle traditional oils keep...<\/div><div class=\"oi-sp-read\">Read More<\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-research\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Research<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements (2025) <em>Vitamin A and Carotenoids &#8211; Health Professional Fact Sheet<\/em>. Available at: <a href=\"https:\/\/ods.od.nih.gov\/factsheets\/VitaminA-HealthProfessional\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements, 2025<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">World Health Organization (2024) <em>Vitamin A deficiency<\/em>. Available at: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/data\/nutrition\/nlis\/info\/vitamin-a-deficiency\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">World Health Organization, 2024<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Haskell, M.J. (2012) \u2018The challenge to reach nutritional adequacy for vitamin A: beta-carotene bioavailability and conversion\u2019, <em>Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition<\/em>, 21(4), pp. 501\u2013517. Available at: <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/23053560\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Haskell, 2012<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tang, G. (2010) \u2018Bioconversion of dietary provitamin A carotenoids to vitamin A in humans\u2019, <em>The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition<\/em>, 91(5), pp. 1468S\u20131473S. Available at: <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC2854912\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Tang, 2010<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Al Tanoury, Z., Piskunov, A. and Rochette-Egly, C. (2013) \u2018Vitamin A and retinoid signaling: genomic and nongenomic effects\u2019, <em>Journal of Lipid Research<\/em>, 54(7), pp. 1761\u20131775. Available at: <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC3697293\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Al Tanoury, Piskunov and Rochette-Egly, 2013<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tanumihardjo, S.A. et al. (2016) \u2018Biomarkers of Nutrition for Development (BOND)-Vitamin A Review\u2019, <em>The Journal of Nutrition<\/em>, 146(9), pp. 1816S\u20131848S. Available at: <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC4967333\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Tanumihardjo et al., 2016<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Carazo, A. et al. (2021) \u2018Vitamin A update: forms, sources, kinetics, detection, function, deficiency, therapeutic use and toxicity\u2019, <em>Nutrients<\/em>, 13(5), 1703. Available at: <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC8157347\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Carazo et al., 2021<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">MSD Manual Professional Edition (2024) <em>Vitamin A deficiency<\/em>. Available at: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.msdmanuals.com\/professional\/nutritional-disorders\/vitamin-deficiency-dependency-and-toxicity\/vitamin-a-deficiency\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">MSD Manual, 2024<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">DermNet (2023) <em>Vitamin A deficiency<\/em>. Available at: <a href=\"https:\/\/dermnetnz.org\/topics\/vitamin-a-deficiency\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">DermNet, 2023<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Polcz, M.E. and Barbul, A. (2019) \u2018The role of vitamin A in wound healing\u2019, <em>Nutrition in Clinical Practice<\/em>, 34(5), pp. 695\u2013700. Available at: <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/31389093\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Polcz and Barbul, 2019<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Goodman, D.S. (1984) \u2018Vitamin A and retinoids in health and disease\u2019, <em>The New England Journal of Medicine<\/em>, 310(16), pp. 1023\u20131031. Available at: <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/6369133\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Goodman, 1984<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sheftel, J. and Tanumihardjo, S.A. (2021) \u2018Systematic review and meta-analysis of the relative dose-response tests to assess vitamin A status\u2019, <em>Advances in Nutrition<\/em>, 12(3), pp. 904\u2013941. Available at: <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/33130884\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Sheftel and Tanumihardjo, 2021<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Huang, J. et al. (2021) \u2018Association between serum retinol and overall and cause-specific mortality in a 30-year prospective cohort study\u2019, <em>Nature Communications<\/em>, 12(1), 6418. Available at: <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/34741009\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Huang et al., 2021<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Micha\u00eblsson, K. et al. (2003) \u2018Serum retinol levels and the risk of fracture\u2019, <em>The New England Journal of Medicine<\/em>, 348(4), pp. 287\u2013294. Available at: <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/12540641\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Micha\u00eblsson et al., 2003<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bjelakovic, G. et al. (2024) \u2018Effects of primary or secondary prevention with vitamin A supplementation on clinically important outcomes: a systematic review of randomised clinical trials with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis\u2019, BMJ Open, 14(5), e078053. doi: 10.1136\/bmjopen-2023-078053. PMID: 38816049.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Darlow, B.A. and Graham, P.J. (2007) \u2018Vitamin A supplementation to prevent mortality and short and long-term morbidity in very low birthweight infants\u2019, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (4), CD000501. doi: 10.1002\/14651858.CD000501.pub2. PMID: 17943744.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Gholizadeh, M. et al. (2022) \u2018Influence of Vitamin A supplementation on inflammatory biomarkers in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials\u2019, Scientific Reports, 12(1), 21384. doi: 10.1038\/s41598-022-23919-x. PMID: 36496428.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">da Cunha, M.de.S.B. et al. (2019) \u2018Effect of vitamin A supplementation on iron status in humans: A systematic review and meta-analysis\u2019, Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 59(11), pp. 1767\u20131781. doi: 10.1080\/10408398.2018.1427552. PMID: 29336593.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mendu, V.V.R. et al. (2019) \u2018Systematic review and meta-analysis approach on vitamin A fortified foods and its effect on retinol concentration in under 10 year children\u2019, Clinical Nutrition ESPEN, 29, pp. 39\u201349. doi: 10.1016\/j.clnesp.2019.01.005. PMID: 30904212.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Knapik, J.J. and Hoedebecke, S.S. (2021) \u2018Vitamin A and Bone Fractures: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis\u2019, Journal of Special Operations Medicine, 21(2), pp. 100\u2013107. doi: 10.55460\/OGLF-K9ZU. PMID: 34105132.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Zhang, X. et al. (2012) \u2018Vitamin A and risk of cervical cancer: a meta-analysis\u2019, Gynecologic Oncology, 124(2), pp. 366\u2013373. doi: 10.1016\/j.ygyno.2011.10.012. PMID: 22005522.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bjelakovic, G. et al. (2007) \u2018Mortality in randomized trials of antioxidant supplements for primary and secondary prevention: systematic review and meta-analysis\u2019, JAMA, 297(8), pp. 842\u2013857. doi: 10.1001\/jama.297.8.842. PMID: 17327526.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Awasthi, S. et al. (2013) \u2018Vitamin A supplementation every 6 months with retinol in 1 million pre-school children in north India: DEVTA, a cluster-randomised trial\u2019, Lancet, 381(9876), pp. 1469\u20131477. doi: 10.1016\/S0140-6736(12)62125-4. PMID: 23498849.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tomiya, M.T.O. et al. (2017) \u2018The effect of vitamin A supplementation with 400 000 IU vs 200 000 IU on retinol concentrations in the breast milk: A randomized clinical trial\u2019, Clinical Nutrition, 36(1), pp. 100\u2013106. doi: 10.1016\/j.clnu.2015.11.018. PMID: 26725194.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bahl, R. et al. (1997) \u2018The impact of vitamin A supplementation on physical growth of children is dependent on season\u2019, European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 51(1), pp. 26\u201329. doi: 10.1038\/sj.ejcn.1600352. PMID: 9023463.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Wald, N.J. et al. (1985) \u2018The effect of vitamin A supplementation on serum retinol and retinol binding protein levels\u2019, Cancer Letters, 29(2), pp. 203\u2013213. doi: 10.1016\/0304-3835(85)90160-0. PMID: 3907818.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Willett, W.C. et al. (1984) \u2018Vitamin A supplementation and plasma retinol levels: a randomized trial among women\u2019, Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 73(6), pp. 1445\u20131448. PMID: 6595452.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Key Takeaways What Is Retinol Retinol is the true animal form of vitamin A. It is already in a form the body can use, store and move through the blood. The main food sources are liver, fish liver oils, eggs and dairy fat. Liver stands far above the rest for total amount, while eggs and &#8230; <a title=\"Vitamin A (Retinol) Benefits, Food Sources &amp; Deficiency Signs\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/openintegrative.com\/blog\/vitamin-a-retinol-essential-nutrient-for-health\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Vitamin A (Retinol) Benefits, Food Sources &amp; Deficiency Signs\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2404,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_wpscppro_dont_share_socialmedia":false,"_wpscppro_custom_social_share_image":0,"_facebook_share_type":"default","_twitter_share_type":"default","_linkedin_share_type":"default","_pinterest_share_type":"default","_linkedin_share_type_page":"default","_instagram_share_type":"default","_medium_share_type":"default","_threads_share_type":"default","_google_business_share_type":"default","_selected_social_profile":[],"_wpsp_enable_custom_social_template":false,"_wpsp_social_scheduling":{"enabled":true,"datetime":"2026-04-10 18:46:00","platforms":[],"status":"pending_publication","dateOption":"today","timeOption":"now","customDays":"","customHours":"","customDate":"","customTime":"","schedulingType":"absolute"},"_wpsp_active_default_template":true},"categories":[149,20],"tags":[267,391,249,274],"class_list":["post-581","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-animal-foods","category-nutrition","tag-animal-fats","tag-cod-liver-oil","tag-liver","tag-retinol","no-featured-image-padding"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.9 (Yoast SEO v27.9) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Vitamin A (Retinol) Benefits, Food Sources &amp; 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