Vitamin A for Pediatric Immune Support
B Good Evidence At least one randomized trial supports this, with mostly consistent results.Vitamin A supplementation in deficient children may significantly reduce morbidity and mortality from measles and diarrheal disease. No nutritional deficiency is more consistently associated with increased infectious disease susceptibility than vitamin A deficiency.
The Bottom Line
Vitamin A supplementation in deficient children may significantly reduce morbidity and mortality from measles and diarrheal disease. No nutritional deficiency is more consistently associated with increased infectious disease susceptibility than vitamin A deficiency.
Key Study Findings
Population: Bladder cancer patients
Population: General population
Key Statistics
10
Studies
5000
Participants
Positive
Grade
Referenced Papers
Dosage & Usage
mg = milligrams · mcg = micrograms (1,000× smaller) · IU = International Units
Commonly Used Dosages
- general:
- 700-900 mcg RAE/day
- immunesupport:
- 900 mcg RAE/day
Upper limit: 3,000 mcg RAE/day (preformed vitamin A)
Dosages Studied in Research
| Dosage | Duration | Effect | N |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45% | 988 weeks | Positive | 26282 |
| Zinc 20mg/day; VitA 20000-45000 IU every 2 months | 52 weeks | Mixed | 584 |
| Various nutrients (selenium, vitamins, green tea) | -- | Positive | -- |
| Probiotics, prebiotics, fatty acids, vitamins | -- | Positive | -- |
Best taken: With meals containing fat
Safety & Side Effects
Reported Side Effects
- ⚠ Hepatotoxicity at chronic high doses
- ⚠ Birth defects (teratogenic at high doses during pregnancy)
- ⚠ Nausea and headache
- ⚠ Bone density reduction with long-term excess
Known Interactions
- ● Retinoid medications (additive toxicity risk)
- ● Orlistat (reduces absorption of fat-soluble vitamins)
- ● Alcohol (increases hepatotoxicity risk)
- ● Tetracycline antibiotics (increased intracranial pressure risk)
Tolerable upper intake: 3,000 mcg RAE/day (preformed vitamin A)
Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Vitamin A help with Pediatric Immune Support?
How much Vitamin A should I take for Pediatric Immune Support?
Are there side effects of Vitamin A?
How strong is the evidence for Vitamin A and Pediatric Immune Support?
Related Evidence
Other ingredients for Pediatric Immune Support
References
- [1] Carroll A Reider et al.. Nutrients. 2020. Inadequacy of Immune Health Nutrients: Intakes in US Adults, the 2005-2016 NHANES. doi:10.3390/nu12061735 PubMed
- [2] Danuta Owczarek et al.. World J Gastroenterol. 2016. Diet and nutritional factors in inflammatory bowel diseases. doi:10.3748/wjg.v22.i3.895 PubMed
- [3] Neha R Santucci et al.. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2014. Vitamin and zinc status pretreatment and posttreatment in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. doi:10.1097/MPG.0000000000000477 PubMed
- [4] Nils Hovdenak et al.. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2012. Influence of mineral and vitamin supplements on pregnancy outcome. doi:10.1016/j.ejogrb.2012.06.020 PubMed
- [5] Linda A Linday. J Am Coll Nutr. 2010. Cod liver oil, young children, and upper respiratory tract infections. doi:10.1080/07315724.2010.10719894 PubMed
- [6] J L Rosado et al.. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2009. Interaction of zinc or vitamin A supplementation and specific parasite infections on Mexican infants' growth: a randomized clinical trial. doi:10.1038/ejcn.2009.53 PubMed
- [7] Philip C Calder et al.. Br J Nutr. 2002. The immune system: a target for functional foods? doi:10.1079/BJN2002682 PubMed
- [8] Ashish M Kamat et al.. Urol Clin North Am. 2002. Chemoprevention of bladder cancer. doi:10.1016/s0094-0143(02)00022-8 PubMed
FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products and information on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The evidence grades presented are based on our analysis of published peer-reviewed research and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.