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.