Vitamin A for Pediatric Immune Support
BVitamin 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: None
Population: IBD patients (diet and nutrition)
Population: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Population: Pregnant women
Population: children
Population: None
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 |
| None | -- | Mixed | -- |
| None | 260 weeks | Positive | 61 |
| None | -- | Positive | -- |
| None | -- | Mixed | -- |
| Zinc 20mg/day; VitA 20000-45000 IU every 2 months | 52 weeks | Mixed | 584 |
| Probiotics, prebiotics, fatty acids, vitamins | -- | Positive | -- |
| Various nutrients (selenium, vitamins, green tea) | -- | 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
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.