{"id":236925,"date":"2025-11-01T01:07:14","date_gmt":"2025-11-01T01:07:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/236925\/"},"modified":"2025-11-01T01:07:14","modified_gmt":"2025-11-01T01:07:14","slug":"dietitians-reveal-when-to-take-vitamin-a-for-the-most-benefits","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/236925\/","title":{"rendered":"Dietitians Reveal When to Take Vitamin A for the Most Benefits"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you are looking to make changes to your diet or wellness routine in order to support your eye health<\/a>, you\u2019ve likely already added vitamin A-rich foods<\/a> to your plate. But if you and your provider have decided it\u2019s time to use a supplement, what is the best time to take vitamin A?<\/p>\n

To answer that question, you have to first understand what it does in the body. \u201cVitamin A isn\u2019t one nutrient, it\u2019s a family of fat-soluble compounds called retinoids (from animal foods like liver, eggs, and dairy) and carotenoids (from plant foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens),\u201d explains Stephanie Crabtree, M.S., R.D.<\/a>, a functionally minded dietitian based in Sarasota, FL. \u201cIn the body, it supports vision, immune defense, skin integrity, and cellular repair. It also helps maintain healthy mucosal barriers in the gut and respiratory tract.\u201d<\/p>\n

Meet the experts: Stephanie Crabtree, M.S., R.D.<\/a>, a functionally minded dietitian based in Sarasota, FL; Lauren Manaker, M.S., R.D.N., L.D.<\/a>, a registered dietitian nutritionist and women’s health expert.<\/p>\n

Here, nutrition experts explain when and how you should take vitamin A, plus the other important factors to know if you plan to supplement with the vitamin. <\/p>\n

When is the best time to take vitamin A?<\/p>\n

\u201cTiming-wise, there\u2019s no specific best time of day to take vitamin A. Just aim to take it with a food source that contains some fat to help your body absorb it properly,\u201d says Lauren Manaker, M.S., R.D.N., L.D.<\/a>, a registered dietitian nutritionist and women’s health expert. Taking it consistently at the same time every day, alongside the nutrients it requires for maximum absorption, is more important than the specific time you choose to take it. \u201cSome people find it works best earlier in the day to align with other morning supplements or a meal that contains healthy fats,\u201d says Crabtree, though she adds that this will vary based on the individual, and it\u2019s always best to consult your provider for a tailored approach. <\/p>\n

Should you take vitamin A with food?<\/p>\n

Yes, this is a must. \u201cSince vitamin A is fat-soluble, it needs dietary fat to be absorbed effectively. Think of it like a team effort. Without fat, your body can\u2019t fully unlock the benefits of vitamin A,\u201d explains Manaker. To ensure optimal absorption, Crabtree recommends taking vitamin A within 30 minutes of a meal that includes healthy fats, such as avocado, olive oil, eggs, or salmon. The fats in these foods will absorb the fat-soluble vitamin A<\/a> from your supplement, allowing it to be transported to the bloodstream and throughout your body where it needs to go.<\/p>\n

Possible vitamin A interactions to know<\/p>\n

There are several potential prescription medication interactions with vitamin A that you should bookmark, the first of which is with prescription retinoids<\/a> that are used to treat acne and other skin conditions. \u201cVitamin A and retinoids are closely related, as retinoids are actually derived from vitamin A,\u201d Manaker explains. \u201cIf you\u2019re using prescription retinoids (like for acne or anti-aging), your doctor might advise against high doses of vitamin A supplements. Too much vitamin A, combined with retinoids, can increase the risk of toxicity.\u201d According to the National Institutes of Health<\/a> (NIH), chronic vitamin A toxicity, or regular consumption of high doses, can cause symptoms like dry skin<\/a>, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, depression, and abnormal liver test results. Considering that many vitamin A supplements contain two or three times as much of the vitamin as you need per day, this is something to be aware of if you use prescription retinoids. <\/p>\n

\u201cLong-term use of high-dose vitamin A can also interact with blood thinners and certain weight-loss medications that reduce fat absorption (like orlistat),\u201d says Crabtree. Per the Mayo Clinic<\/a>, taking vitamin A supplements while taking blood thinners can increase your risk of bleeding, while weight loss drugs that reduce fat absorption could increase your risk of vitamin A deficiency. Taking high doses of vitamin A may also cause liver damage, especially if combined with other medicines that can damage the liver.<\/p>\n

With vitamin A, more isn\u2019t always better, says Crabtree. \u201cPregnant women in particular should avoid excessive intake, since very high levels have been linked to birth defects,\u201d she adds. The NIH<\/a> notes that this risk is only related to taking preformed vitamin A (a.k.a. retinol and retinyl ester, the forms found in animal products) and not beta-carotene, the precursor to vitamin A, which is found in plant foods. Vitamin A supplements contain both forms, so it’s important to check the nutrition facts if you need or prefer one over the other. <\/p>\n

Regardless of what you choose, it\u2019s important to speak with a doctor first. They\u2019ll be able to offer advice on the form and dose of vitamin A that\u2019s best for you. <\/p>\n

Dietary supplements are products intended to supplement the diet. They are not medicines and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure diseases. Be cautious about taking dietary supplements if you are pregnant or nursing. Also, be careful about giving supplements to a child, unless recommended by their healthcare provider.<\/p>\n

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