retinol
Retinol is a fat-soluble form of VITAMIN A that is essential for vision, immune function, cell growth, and reproductive health.
Vitamin A is used as a dietary supplement when the amount of vitamin A in the diet is not enough. People most at risk for vitamin A deficiency are those with a limited variety of food in their diet and in those with cystic fibrosis (an inborn disease that causes problems with breathing, digestion, and reproduction) and malabsorption problems (problems absorbing food). Vitamin A is used to prevent and treat xerophthalmia (unable to see in low light) and night blindness. Vitamin A is in a class of medications called an antioxidant. It is needed by the body to help with vision, reproduction, cell growth, and to support the immune system. It works to protect your cells against free radicals and to support cell growth and function.
Full drug information on MedlinePlus →This is general information, not medical advice. Pregnancy and breastfeeding decisions should always be made with your healthcare provider.
Can taking retinol affect fertility or make it harder to get pregnant?
According to the source, it is not known whether taking the recommended amount or more than the recommended amount of vitamin A (retinol) affects the ability to get pregnant. Not getting enough vitamin A might be linked to infertility. Anyone with questions about fertility and vitamin intake should discuss them with their healthcare provider.
Does taking retinol increase the risk of miscarriage?
The source notes that miscarriage can occur in any pregnancy for many reasons, and studies have not been done to determine whether vitamin A deficiency, the recommended amount, or higher than recommended amounts of vitamin A affect the chance of miscarriage. This is a good topic to bring up with a healthcare provider.
Does taking retinol increase the risk of birth defects?
The source explains that high doses of preformed vitamin A (retinol) have been linked in some studies to an increased chance of birth defects, with mixed findings at intakes around 10,000 IU/day and more concern at doses above 20,000–25,000 IU/day; one case report described birth defects after very high daily doses (150,000 IU). Beta-carotene (provitamin A) is generally considered less concerning because the body converts it as needed. Following dosage guidance and reviewing all supplement labels with a healthcare provider is recommended.
Can taking retinol during pregnancy cause other pregnancy-related complications?
The source states that taking vitamin A in recommended amounts is not expected to increase the chance of other pregnancy-related problems such as preterm delivery or low birth weight, and it is not known whether higher than recommended amounts increase such complications. Vitamin A deficiency has been linked to lower hemoglobin levels, anemia, infections, heavy bleeding, low birth weight, preterm delivery, and weakened infant immunity. Specific concerns should be reviewed with a healthcare provider.
Can taking retinol during pregnancy affect the child's brain development, learning, or behavior?
The source reports that taking vitamin A in recommended amounts is not expected to affect future behavior or learning, and one study of children exposed to 23,000 IU before birth and as newborns found no effects on intelligence, memory, or motor skills at age 8. Vitamin A deficiency, however, has been linked to lower hemoglobin and iron stores that can affect growth and brain development. A healthcare provider can help review individual circumstances.
Is it safe to breastfeed while taking retinol?
The source notes that vitamin A passes into breast milk in small amounts and is a typical part of breast milk, and that people who are breastfeeding should continue to get the daily recommended amount unless otherwise directed by their healthcare provider. Specific nutritional needs for the parent and child should be discussed with a healthcare provider and the child's pediatrician.
retinol