Vitamin A: essential for your vision and your immunity

It plays a fundamental role in vision, immune system function and cell renewal. During pregnancy, vitamin A requirements increase slightly to support foetal development and the maintenance of maternal tissues.

In the postpartum period and during breastfeeding, it contributes to the quality of breast milk and to skin recovery. The form of vitamin A used and its dosage are essential, as an excess of retinol can be problematic during pregnancy — which is why it is important to favour appropriate forms and controlled dosages.

In its natural form, vitamin A is found in two forms: retinol, present in liver, butter, eggs, dairy products and certain oily fish, and beta-carotene, abundant in carrots, sweet potato, spinach, red kuri squash, mango and apricots. The absorption of vitamin A depends on the presence of fats in the meal, as it is a fat-soluble vitamin. Plant-based carotenoids require conversion by the body, the efficiency of which varies between individuals and according to dietary context. Dietary intake can fluctuate with the seasons, culinary habits and certain dietary restrictions, particularly in people following a vegan diet who rely solely on plant-based sources.

In supplement form, vitamin A comes in the form of retinol, retinyl acetate, retinyl palmitate or beta-carotene. Prenatal formulas such as pregnancy food supplements generally contain beta-carotene, a safer form during pregnancy as the body only converts it according to its needs. A supplementary intake may be beneficial for women whose diet lacks variety or who consume few animal-derived products. Traceability of origin, a dosage appropriate for pregnancy and the absence of controversial excipients are quality criteria to look out for. Vitamin A in beta-carotene form is suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets.