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Fat-Soluble·Vitamins & Minerals
Prevention and treatment of Vitamin A deficiency, fat-malabsorption syndromes (CF, post-bariatric surgery), measles in pediatrics
Max Dose
3000 mcg RE/day
Half-life
Months
Teratogenic
CRITICAL
Toxicity
HEPATIC/CNS
Overview
Essential fat-soluble vitamin. Crucial for vision (rhodopsin synthesis), immune function, and cellular differentiation. Stored in massive quantities in the liver.
Maximum Dose
Upper limit is 3000 mcg Retinol Equivalents (RE) / day. Acute toxicity doses are much higher.
Clinical Focus
Highly teratogenic in excess. Pregnant women MUST avoid high-dose supplements and liver pate/liver meats.
Bottom Line
Vitamin A is essential for vision, immunity, and skin health, but is teratogenic in high doses during pregnancy and chronic excess causes hepatotoxicity.
Brand Names
Various OTC brands
Oral Routes
Capsules/Tablets. Usually formulated as Retinol or Beta-carotene.
Prescribing & PBS
Over The Counter (OTC).
Primary
Prevention and treatment of Vitamin A deficiency, fat-malabsorption syndromes (CF, post-bariatric surgery), measles in pediatrics.
Clinical Place
Deficiency is rare in Australia outside of severe malabsorption/alcoholism. Systemic retinoids (Isotretinoin) are used for acne.