Vitamin A deficiency is very rare in developed countries. Symptoms of deficiency include:
Low vitamin A levels are associated with a weakened immune system (increasing your risk of infection).
A varied and balanced diet should provide you with all the vitamin A you need. Too much vitamin A can also be harmful. For example, it can increase your risk of osteoporosis (a condition that weakens your bones) if you have more than 1.5 mg per day for years. To make sure you don’t have too much:
If you’re pregnant, it’s important to avoid having large amounts of vitamin A — this can be harmful to your baby. Also, avoid taking a supplement containing vitamin A or eating liver and liver products.
The NHS recommends that the amount of vitamin A adults aged 19 to 64 years need is:
British Nutrition Foundation (2020). Vitamins: Vitamin A. Retrieved 23 April 2020 from https://www.nutrition.org.uk/nutritionscience/nutrients-food-and-ingredients/vitamins.html?limit=1&start=2
National Health Services (2017). Health: A-Z: Vitamins and minerals: Vitamin A. Retrieved 23 April 2020 from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-a/