5/15/2025
Last update
5/15/2025
Reviewed By
Overview
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Moderately Effective
Based on 7 Researches
8
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 8 Reviews
8.2
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Softgel
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Vitamin A (from Retinyl Palmitate and Fish Liver Oil)
7,500 mcg
833%
Top Medical Research Studies
9
We examined the connection between vitamin A deficiency (VAD) and anemia, particularly how a lack of vitamin A can impact iron metabolism in our bodies. Through reviewing existing research, we discovered that VAD doesn't just lead to general anemia but may cause a specific type known as vitamin A deficiency anemia (VADA).
Our findings reveal that vitamin A plays an essential role in the production of red blood cells. When we lack vitamin A, our bodies struggle to utilize iron effectively. Instead of being available for red blood cell production, iron accumulates in our liver and spleen, leading to reduced levels of circulating iron.
We also saw that inflammation and systemic infections could further exacerbate this issue by triggering the liver to produce more hepcidin, a protein that regulates iron levels. The excess hepcidin can create a situation where there isn’t enough iron for the production of hemoglobin, ultimately causing anemia.
Interestingly, our review highlighted that VADA happens not because of a lack of iron, but due to how iron is managed within the body. By understanding these mechanisms, we can work towards creating better strategies to tackle anemia on a global scale.
Our findings reveal that vitamin A plays an essential role in the production of red blood cells. When we lack vitamin A, our bodies struggle to utilize iron effectively. Instead of being available for red blood cell production, iron accumulates in our liver and spleen, leading to reduced levels of circulating iron.
We also saw that inflammation and systemic infections could further exacerbate this issue by triggering the liver to produce more hepcidin, a protein that regulates iron levels. The excess hepcidin can create a situation where there isn’t enough iron for the production of hemoglobin, ultimately causing anemia.
Interestingly, our review highlighted that VADA happens not because of a lack of iron, but due to how iron is managed within the body. By understanding these mechanisms, we can work towards creating better strategies to tackle anemia on a global scale.
Read More
8
We explored how vitamin A supplementation can help reduce anemia in socially vulnerable children. Our study focused on children aged 6 to 59 months living in favelas in a Northeast Brazilian city. By collecting data on their health and nutrition, we aimed to see if vitamin A could play a key role in combating anemia, which affects more than half of the children in our sample.
Out of the 598 children we assessed, we discovered that 55.6% were anemic. Notably, those who received vitamin A supplementation showed promising results: the likelihood of suffering from anemia decreased by 31%. Furthermore, children who received a full course of vitamin A were found to be 58% less likely to experience anemia than those who had not completed the regimen.
Our findings suggest that vitamin A supplementation serves as an effective protective tool against anemia for kids in these challenging social conditions. This highlights the importance of vitamin A in supporting better overall health for vulnerable populations.
Out of the 598 children we assessed, we discovered that 55.6% were anemic. Notably, those who received vitamin A supplementation showed promising results: the likelihood of suffering from anemia decreased by 31%. Furthermore, children who received a full course of vitamin A were found to be 58% less likely to experience anemia than those who had not completed the regimen.
Our findings suggest that vitamin A supplementation serves as an effective protective tool against anemia for kids in these challenging social conditions. This highlights the importance of vitamin A in supporting better overall health for vulnerable populations.
Read More
9
In a double-blinded, randomised controlled trial involving 651 rural primary schoolchildren aged 8 to 12 in Malaysia, we explored the effectiveness of red palm olein (RPO) biscuit supplements in addressing vitamin A deficiency (VAD). The children were split into two groups: one received biscuits enriched with RPO, while the other group received biscuits made with standard palm olein for a duration of six months.
Our findings revealed that the RPO-enriched biscuits significantly boosted the levels of provitamin A carotenes and iron in the participants. Remarkably, these biscuits also contributed to enhanced erythropoiesis—the process of producing red blood cells—which is crucial for combating anemia. Additionally, we observed anti-inflammatory effects, providing a comprehensive approach to improving the overall health of vitamin A-deficient children.
This study suggests that incorporating RPO into national nutritional programs could be a sustainable and effective strategy to mitigate vitamin A deficiency and its associated health impacts, particularly concerning anemia among children. Overall, the positive results indicate that vitamin A supplementation can indeed play a vital role in improving anemia and related health aspects in vulnerable populations.
Our findings revealed that the RPO-enriched biscuits significantly boosted the levels of provitamin A carotenes and iron in the participants. Remarkably, these biscuits also contributed to enhanced erythropoiesis—the process of producing red blood cells—which is crucial for combating anemia. Additionally, we observed anti-inflammatory effects, providing a comprehensive approach to improving the overall health of vitamin A-deficient children.
This study suggests that incorporating RPO into national nutritional programs could be a sustainable and effective strategy to mitigate vitamin A deficiency and its associated health impacts, particularly concerning anemia among children. Overall, the positive results indicate that vitamin A supplementation can indeed play a vital role in improving anemia and related health aspects in vulnerable populations.
Read More
Most Useful Reviews
7.5
Remarkable improvement
5 people found this helpful
Great product! For myself and my 13-year-old son, I prefer this Now Foods product at a dosage of 25,000 IU daily. We take it for a month, then rest for a month, from September to May. The results are remarkable; within a week, my dry skin and enamel sensitivity, as well as my son's acne and peeling fingers, significantly improved. Many endure these unpleasant symptoms for years without help, often due to vitamin A deficiency. It's advisable to use vitamin A in treating iron deficiency anemia, as there's a link between retinol levels and serum iron. Long-term vitamin A intake should also be paired with vitamin E for better absorption.
Read More
9
Essential for absorption
2 people found this helpful
The best vitamin A supplement is vitamin E (tocopherol). This combination allows for quicker absorption. It’s crucial to control doses and take vitamin C, as this pairing improves iron absorption, vital for combating anemia. I typically take these supplements twice a year, during spring and autumn.
Read More
9
Proven effective
A worthy drug! It is a remarkable aid in treating anemia. Vitamin A facilitates iron absorption, and studies have shown that when taken alongside iron supplements, ferritin levels can rise more rapidly.
Read More
Medical Researches
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Moderately Effective
Based on 7 Researches
8
- All Researches
9
We examined the connection between vitamin A deficiency (VAD) and anemia, particularly how a lack of vitamin A can impact iron metabolism in our bodies. Through reviewing existing research, we discovered that VAD doesn't just lead to general anemia but may cause a specific type known as vitamin A deficiency anemia (VADA).
Our findings reveal that vitamin A plays an essential role in the production of red blood cells. When we lack vitamin A, our bodies struggle to utilize iron effectively. Instead of being available for red blood cell production, iron accumulates in our liver and spleen, leading to reduced levels of circulating iron.
We also saw that inflammation and systemic infections could further exacerbate this issue by triggering the liver to produce more hepcidin, a protein that regulates iron levels. The excess hepcidin can create a situation where there isn’t enough iron for the production of hemoglobin, ultimately causing anemia.
Interestingly, our review highlighted that VADA happens not because of a lack of iron, but due to how iron is managed within the body. By understanding these mechanisms, we can work towards creating better strategies to tackle anemia on a global scale.
Our findings reveal that vitamin A plays an essential role in the production of red blood cells. When we lack vitamin A, our bodies struggle to utilize iron effectively. Instead of being available for red blood cell production, iron accumulates in our liver and spleen, leading to reduced levels of circulating iron.
We also saw that inflammation and systemic infections could further exacerbate this issue by triggering the liver to produce more hepcidin, a protein that regulates iron levels. The excess hepcidin can create a situation where there isn’t enough iron for the production of hemoglobin, ultimately causing anemia.
Interestingly, our review highlighted that VADA happens not because of a lack of iron, but due to how iron is managed within the body. By understanding these mechanisms, we can work towards creating better strategies to tackle anemia on a global scale.
Read More
9
In a double-blinded, randomised controlled trial involving 651 rural primary schoolchildren aged 8 to 12 in Malaysia, we explored the effectiveness of red palm olein (RPO) biscuit supplements in addressing vitamin A deficiency (VAD). The children were split into two groups: one received biscuits enriched with RPO, while the other group received biscuits made with standard palm olein for a duration of six months.
Our findings revealed that the RPO-enriched biscuits significantly boosted the levels of provitamin A carotenes and iron in the participants. Remarkably, these biscuits also contributed to enhanced erythropoiesis—the process of producing red blood cells—which is crucial for combating anemia. Additionally, we observed anti-inflammatory effects, providing a comprehensive approach to improving the overall health of vitamin A-deficient children.
This study suggests that incorporating RPO into national nutritional programs could be a sustainable and effective strategy to mitigate vitamin A deficiency and its associated health impacts, particularly concerning anemia among children. Overall, the positive results indicate that vitamin A supplementation can indeed play a vital role in improving anemia and related health aspects in vulnerable populations.
Our findings revealed that the RPO-enriched biscuits significantly boosted the levels of provitamin A carotenes and iron in the participants. Remarkably, these biscuits also contributed to enhanced erythropoiesis—the process of producing red blood cells—which is crucial for combating anemia. Additionally, we observed anti-inflammatory effects, providing a comprehensive approach to improving the overall health of vitamin A-deficient children.
This study suggests that incorporating RPO into national nutritional programs could be a sustainable and effective strategy to mitigate vitamin A deficiency and its associated health impacts, particularly concerning anemia among children. Overall, the positive results indicate that vitamin A supplementation can indeed play a vital role in improving anemia and related health aspects in vulnerable populations.
Read More
8
We explored how vitamin A treatment impacts anemia in infants, particularly those born with low birth weight. The evidence suggests that vitamin A supplementation plays a significant role in reducing anemia rates in these vulnerable populations.
Our findings indicated that this intervention not only helps in managing anemia but also aids overall infant health, supporting their development during crucial early months. By enhancing vitamin A levels, we can potentially prevent severe health issues and boost resilience against infections.
However, it’s worth noting that the benefits of vitamin A are often observed alongside other nutritional strategies, making it essential to consider a comprehensive approach in dietary interventions for these infants.
Overall, vitamin A emerges as a vital component of nutritional strategies aimed at improving health outcomes for low birth weight infants.
Our findings indicated that this intervention not only helps in managing anemia but also aids overall infant health, supporting their development during crucial early months. By enhancing vitamin A levels, we can potentially prevent severe health issues and boost resilience against infections.
However, it’s worth noting that the benefits of vitamin A are often observed alongside other nutritional strategies, making it essential to consider a comprehensive approach in dietary interventions for these infants.
Overall, vitamin A emerges as a vital component of nutritional strategies aimed at improving health outcomes for low birth weight infants.
Read More
8
We explored how vitamin A supplementation can help reduce anemia in socially vulnerable children. Our study focused on children aged 6 to 59 months living in favelas in a Northeast Brazilian city. By collecting data on their health and nutrition, we aimed to see if vitamin A could play a key role in combating anemia, which affects more than half of the children in our sample.
Out of the 598 children we assessed, we discovered that 55.6% were anemic. Notably, those who received vitamin A supplementation showed promising results: the likelihood of suffering from anemia decreased by 31%. Furthermore, children who received a full course of vitamin A were found to be 58% less likely to experience anemia than those who had not completed the regimen.
Our findings suggest that vitamin A supplementation serves as an effective protective tool against anemia for kids in these challenging social conditions. This highlights the importance of vitamin A in supporting better overall health for vulnerable populations.
Out of the 598 children we assessed, we discovered that 55.6% were anemic. Notably, those who received vitamin A supplementation showed promising results: the likelihood of suffering from anemia decreased by 31%. Furthermore, children who received a full course of vitamin A were found to be 58% less likely to experience anemia than those who had not completed the regimen.
Our findings suggest that vitamin A supplementation serves as an effective protective tool against anemia for kids in these challenging social conditions. This highlights the importance of vitamin A in supporting better overall health for vulnerable populations.
Read More
8
Vitamin A improves anemia outcomes
We explored the connection between dietary intake, especially focusing on vitamin A, and anemia levels in pregnant women. This research involved 1,014 pregnant women and looked at their consumption of key nutrients, including plant and animal-based foods rich in vitamin A.
In our findings, we observed that many of these women had inadequate dietary intake, with a significant number suffering from anemia. However, those who incorporated foods rich in vitamin A, alongside iron supplements, showed a marked improvement in their hemoglobin levels compared to those who didn’t.
Our study highlighted that consuming foods high in both hem-iron and vitamin A can significantly help in boosting hemoglobin levels in pregnant women. Thus, it underlines the essence of enhancing awareness about proper nutrition during pregnancy, which can lead to a reduction in anemia's impact.
In our findings, we observed that many of these women had inadequate dietary intake, with a significant number suffering from anemia. However, those who incorporated foods rich in vitamin A, alongside iron supplements, showed a marked improvement in their hemoglobin levels compared to those who didn’t.
Our study highlighted that consuming foods high in both hem-iron and vitamin A can significantly help in boosting hemoglobin levels in pregnant women. Thus, it underlines the essence of enhancing awareness about proper nutrition during pregnancy, which can lead to a reduction in anemia's impact.
Read More
User Reviews
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 8 Reviews
8.2
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Negative Reviews
7.5
Remarkable improvement
5 people found this helpful
Great product! For myself and my 13-year-old son, I prefer this Now Foods product at a dosage of 25,000 IU daily. We take it for a month, then rest for a month, from September to May. The results are remarkable; within a week, my dry skin and enamel sensitivity, as well as my son's acne and peeling fingers, significantly improved. Many endure these unpleasant symptoms for years without help, often due to vitamin A deficiency. It's advisable to use vitamin A in treating iron deficiency anemia, as there's a link between retinol levels and serum iron. Long-term vitamin A intake should also be paired with vitamin E for better absorption.
Read More
9
Essential for absorption
2 people found this helpful
The best vitamin A supplement is vitamin E (tocopherol). This combination allows for quicker absorption. It’s crucial to control doses and take vitamin C, as this pairing improves iron absorption, vital for combating anemia. I typically take these supplements twice a year, during spring and autumn.
Read More
9
Proven effective
A worthy drug! It is a remarkable aid in treating anemia. Vitamin A facilitates iron absorption, and studies have shown that when taken alongside iron supplements, ferritin levels can rise more rapidly.
Read More
9
Critical for development
Retinol is essential for skin and bone development and supports vision. It participates in biochemical processes with thyroid hormones and vitamin D, ensuring proper growth and blood cell development. A lack of vitamin A can hasten iron deficiency anemia and inhibit iron absorption from food. Its antioxidant properties are also crucial.
Read More
7.5
Supports iron absorption
7 people found this helpful
Vitamin A plays a crucial role in immune function, vision, and skin health, and it notably helps prevent anemia by facilitating iron absorption. It can work synergistically with other nutrients, such as vitamin D for bone health and vitamins A and E for skin health. However, one must avoid overdosing, as vitamin A is fat-soluble and can lead to toxicity if consumed in excess. Therefore, maintaining a balanced diet while monitoring intake is essential.
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
7.5
Remarkable improvement
5 people found this helpful
Great product! For myself and my 13-year-old son, I prefer this Now Foods product at a dosage of 25,000 IU daily. We take it for a month, then rest for a month, from September to May. The results are remarkable; within a week, my dry skin and enamel sensitivity, as well as my son's acne and peeling fingers, significantly improved. Many endure these unpleasant symptoms for years without help, often due to vitamin A deficiency. It's advisable to use vitamin A in treating iron deficiency anemia, as there's a link between retinol levels and serum iron. Long-term vitamin A intake should also be paired with vitamin E for better absorption.
7.5
Nail improvement noted
3 people found this helpful
I experienced severe anemia, and my nails were in terrible shape. After a month of megavitamin therapy, my nails transitioned from cracking and being brittle to becoming sturdier and growing faster. I'm satisfied with the results and plan to continue this course of treatment.
9
Essential for absorption
2 people found this helpful
The best vitamin A supplement is vitamin E (tocopherol). This combination allows for quicker absorption. It’s crucial to control doses and take vitamin C, as this pairing improves iron absorption, vital for combating anemia. I typically take these supplements twice a year, during spring and autumn.
9
Proven effective
A worthy drug! It is a remarkable aid in treating anemia. Vitamin A facilitates iron absorption, and studies have shown that when taken alongside iron supplements, ferritin levels can rise more rapidly.
7.5
Supports iron absorption
7 people found this helpful
Vitamin A plays a crucial role in immune function, vision, and skin health, and it notably helps prevent anemia by facilitating iron absorption. It can work synergistically with other nutrients, such as vitamin D for bone health and vitamins A and E for skin health. However, one must avoid overdosing, as vitamin A is fat-soluble and can lead to toxicity if consumed in excess. Therefore, maintaining a balanced diet while monitoring intake is essential.
7.5
Helpful for recovery
I purchased vitamin A at a dosage of 25,000 to help overcome anemia. I took one capsule every other day. After falling ill with coronavirus, a nutritionist advised continuing vitamin A for recovery. I usually take it once after lunch but would choose a lower dose for preventive purposes.
8
We explored how vitamin A supplementation can help reduce anemia in socially vulnerable children. Our study focused on children aged 6 to 59 months living in favelas in a Northeast Brazilian city. By collecting data on their health and nutrition, we aimed to see if vitamin A could play a key role in combating anemia, which affects more than half of the children in our sample.
Out of the 598 children we assessed, we discovered that 55.6% were anemic. Notably, those who received vitamin A supplementation showed promising results: the likelihood of suffering from anemia decreased by 31%. Furthermore, children who received a full course of vitamin A were found to be 58% less likely to experience anemia than those who had not completed the regimen.
Our findings suggest that vitamin A supplementation serves as an effective protective tool against anemia for kids in these challenging social conditions. This highlights the importance of vitamin A in supporting better overall health for vulnerable populations.
Out of the 598 children we assessed, we discovered that 55.6% were anemic. Notably, those who received vitamin A supplementation showed promising results: the likelihood of suffering from anemia decreased by 31%. Furthermore, children who received a full course of vitamin A were found to be 58% less likely to experience anemia than those who had not completed the regimen.
Our findings suggest that vitamin A supplementation serves as an effective protective tool against anemia for kids in these challenging social conditions. This highlights the importance of vitamin A in supporting better overall health for vulnerable populations.
8
Vitamin A improves anemia outcomes
We explored the connection between dietary intake, especially focusing on vitamin A, and anemia levels in pregnant women. This research involved 1,014 pregnant women and looked at their consumption of key nutrients, including plant and animal-based foods rich in vitamin A.
In our findings, we observed that many of these women had inadequate dietary intake, with a significant number suffering from anemia. However, those who incorporated foods rich in vitamin A, alongside iron supplements, showed a marked improvement in their hemoglobin levels compared to those who didn’t.
Our study highlighted that consuming foods high in both hem-iron and vitamin A can significantly help in boosting hemoglobin levels in pregnant women. Thus, it underlines the essence of enhancing awareness about proper nutrition during pregnancy, which can lead to a reduction in anemia's impact.
In our findings, we observed that many of these women had inadequate dietary intake, with a significant number suffering from anemia. However, those who incorporated foods rich in vitamin A, alongside iron supplements, showed a marked improvement in their hemoglobin levels compared to those who didn’t.
Our study highlighted that consuming foods high in both hem-iron and vitamin A can significantly help in boosting hemoglobin levels in pregnant women. Thus, it underlines the essence of enhancing awareness about proper nutrition during pregnancy, which can lead to a reduction in anemia's impact.
9
We examined the connection between vitamin A deficiency (VAD) and anemia, particularly how a lack of vitamin A can impact iron metabolism in our bodies. Through reviewing existing research, we discovered that VAD doesn't just lead to general anemia but may cause a specific type known as vitamin A deficiency anemia (VADA).
Our findings reveal that vitamin A plays an essential role in the production of red blood cells. When we lack vitamin A, our bodies struggle to utilize iron effectively. Instead of being available for red blood cell production, iron accumulates in our liver and spleen, leading to reduced levels of circulating iron.
We also saw that inflammation and systemic infections could further exacerbate this issue by triggering the liver to produce more hepcidin, a protein that regulates iron levels. The excess hepcidin can create a situation where there isn’t enough iron for the production of hemoglobin, ultimately causing anemia.
Interestingly, our review highlighted that VADA happens not because of a lack of iron, but due to how iron is managed within the body. By understanding these mechanisms, we can work towards creating better strategies to tackle anemia on a global scale.
Our findings reveal that vitamin A plays an essential role in the production of red blood cells. When we lack vitamin A, our bodies struggle to utilize iron effectively. Instead of being available for red blood cell production, iron accumulates in our liver and spleen, leading to reduced levels of circulating iron.
We also saw that inflammation and systemic infections could further exacerbate this issue by triggering the liver to produce more hepcidin, a protein that regulates iron levels. The excess hepcidin can create a situation where there isn’t enough iron for the production of hemoglobin, ultimately causing anemia.
Interestingly, our review highlighted that VADA happens not because of a lack of iron, but due to how iron is managed within the body. By understanding these mechanisms, we can work towards creating better strategies to tackle anemia on a global scale.
7
Vitamin A improves anemia outcomes
We assessed the impact of vitamin A treatment on anemia in young children, particularly those under five years old living in least-developed countries. Our investigation revealed compelling insights about the connection between vitamin A deficiency and anemia.
The study highlighted that a significant portion of children in these regions faced both stunting and anemia. Specifically, we found that not taking vitamin A supplements was linked with a higher risk of iron-deficiency anemia. This suggests that vitamin A could play a protective role against anemia, although we also noted that the effects are often intertwined with other nutritional factors.
Additionally, our analysis found that vitamin A deficiency affected a notable percentage of children, and this deficiency was associated with stunting. This emphasizes the importance of addressing vitamin A levels to improve overall health and nutritional status.
Overall, while the study illustrates a relationship between vitamin A status and anemia, it's clear that further exploration is needed to fully understand the dynamics and ensure effective treatment strategies for children facing these challenges.
The study highlighted that a significant portion of children in these regions faced both stunting and anemia. Specifically, we found that not taking vitamin A supplements was linked with a higher risk of iron-deficiency anemia. This suggests that vitamin A could play a protective role against anemia, although we also noted that the effects are often intertwined with other nutritional factors.
Additionally, our analysis found that vitamin A deficiency affected a notable percentage of children, and this deficiency was associated with stunting. This emphasizes the importance of addressing vitamin A levels to improve overall health and nutritional status.
Overall, while the study illustrates a relationship between vitamin A status and anemia, it's clear that further exploration is needed to fully understand the dynamics and ensure effective treatment strategies for children facing these challenges.
References
- Mejia LA, Erdman JW. Impact of Vitamin A Deficiency on Iron Metabolism and Anemia: A Historical Perspective and Research Advances. Nutr Rev. 2025;83:577. 10.1093/nutrit/nuae183
- Azhar M, Yasin R, Hanif S, Bughio SA, Das JK, et al. Nutritional Management of Low Birth Weight and Preterm Infants in Low- and Low Middle-Income Countries. Neonatology. 2025;122:209. 10.1159/000542154
- Silva-Neto LGR, Dos Santos Neto JE, de Menezes Toledo Florêncio TM. Association between vitamin A supplementation and stunting and anemia in socially vulnerable Brazilian children. Eur J Nutr. 2024;63:3281. 10.1007/s00394-024-03480-1
- Dessie G, Li J, Nghiem S, Doan T. Prevalence and Determinants of Stunting-Anemia and Wasting-Anemia Comorbidities and Micronutrient Deficiencies in Children Under 5 in the Least-Developed Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Nutr Rev. 2025;83:e178. 10.1093/nutrit/nuae063
- Jugha VT, Anchang JA, Sofeu-Feugaing DD, Taiwe GS, Kimbi HK, et al. Dietary micronutrients intake and its effect on haemoglobin levels of pregnant women for clinic visit in the Mount Cameroon health area: a cross-sectional study. Front Nutr. 2024;11:1341625. 10.3389/fnut.2024.1341625
- Tan PY, Loganathan R, Teng KT, Mohd Johari SN, Lee SC, et al. Supplementation of red palm olein-enriched biscuits improves levels of provitamin A carotenes, iron, and erythropoiesis in vitamin A-deficient primary schoolchildren: a double-blinded randomised controlled trial. Eur J Nutr. 2024;63:905. 10.1007/s00394-023-03314-6
- Afolabi MO, Sow D, Agbla SC, Fall EHB, Sall FB, et al. Feasibility and safety of integrating mass drug administration for helminth control with seasonal malaria chemoprevention among Senegalese children: a randomized controlled, observer-blind trial. Malar J. 2023;22:348. 10.1186/s12936-023-04784-z
