Recommended daily intake of vitamin a
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Recommended Daily Intake of Vitamin A: Guidelines and Population Needs
Vitamin A Daily Intake Recommendations for Adults
Most health authorities recommend a daily intake of vitamin A for adults in the range of 600–700 micrograms (µg) of retinol equivalents (RE) per day. Specifically, the recommended dietary intake (RDI) is 700 µg RE/day for men and 600 µg RE/day for women, according to US and European guidelines 14. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) sets the population reference intake (PRI) at 750 µg RE/day for men and 650 µg RE/day for women, with average requirements (AR) slightly lower at 570 µg RE/day for men and 490 µg RE/day for women . These values are designed to maintain adequate body stores and meet physiological needs.
Special Considerations: Infants, Children, Pregnancy, and Lactation
Vitamin A requirements vary by age and physiological status. For infants aged 7–11 months, the PRI is about 250 µg RE/day, increasing with age through childhood and adolescence up to 750 µg RE/day for adolescent boys . During pregnancy and lactation, needs are higher: PRIs are set at 700 µg RE/day for pregnant women and 1,350 µg RE/day for lactating women to support fetal development and milk production 41.
Vitamin A Intake in Different Populations
Studies show that many populations do not meet these recommended intakes. For example, in China, the average adult intake is around 460–480 µg RE/day, which is below the recommended levels of 700–800 µg RE/day for adults 5810. Similar trends of insufficient intake are seen in other regions, especially where diets are low in animal products and rich in plant-based carotenoids, which are less efficiently converted to retinol 35810. In Western countries, a new form of vitamin A, termed vitamin A5, has been identified, but intake levels are also often below suggested recommendations, with about two-thirds of the population consuming less than 1.1 mg/day .
Sources of Vitamin A and Bioavailability
Vitamin A is obtained from both animal (retinol) and plant (provitamin A carotenoids) sources. Animal sources like eggs, dairy, and liver provide preformed vitamin A, which is more efficiently absorbed. Plant sources, mainly leafy vegetables and fruits, provide carotenoids, which must be converted in the body to retinol. However, the conversion rate is lower than previously thought, meaning higher intakes of carotenoids are needed to meet vitamin A requirements 358.
Safety: Tolerable Upper Intake Levels
While adequate intake is essential, excessive vitamin A can be toxic. The tolerable upper intake level (UL) for preformed vitamin A is set at 3,000 µg RE/day for adults, including pregnant and lactating women 79. Chronic intake above this level can lead to adverse effects such as liver damage and birth defects. Most populations are unlikely to exceed this UL through diet alone, but caution is advised with supplements and liver products 79.
Conclusion
The recommended daily intake of vitamin A for adults is generally 600–750 µg RE/day, with higher needs during pregnancy and lactation. Many populations, especially in Asia and those following Western diets, fall short of these recommendations, highlighting the need for dietary improvements and possible fortification. While ensuring adequate intake, it is also important to avoid excessive supplementation to prevent toxicity.
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