Vitamin A is one of the vitamins which works for development and performance of various organs of the body, such as the eyes, skin, reproductive organs, and immune system.
Vitamin A can be found in various foods, such as beef liver, milk, cheese, yogurt, eggs, mangoes, spinach and carrots, and fish oil.
To prevent vitamin A deficiency in toddlers and new mothers (partum period), the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia conducts a program of providing vitamin A through posyandu.
Vitamin A is given free of charge in February and August every year. There are 2 kinds of capsules given, namely blue capsules for babies aged 6-11 months, and red capsules for children aged 1-5 years and mothers who have just given birth.
Vitamin A trademarks: Vitamin A IPI
What's that Vitamin A?
| group | Vitamin |
| Category | Over-the-counter and prescription drugs |
| Benefit | Prevent and treat vitamin A deficiency |
| Consumed by | Adults and children |
| Drug form | Capsules, tablets, liquid medicine |
| Vitamin A for pregnant and lactating women | (For the dose according to the daily nutritional adequacy rate)Category A: Controlled studies in pregnant women have not shown any risk to the fetus, and it is unlikely that harm to the fetus is possible. (For doses exceeding >6000 units per day)Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Vitamin A can be absorbed into breast milk, but it is still safe if consumed in accordance with the value of the daily nutritional adequacy rate. |
Warning Before Taking Vitamin A:
- Do not take vitamin A with other multivitamins that also contain vitamin A because it can cause an overdose and cause serious side effects.
- Women who are planning a pregnancy, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding should not take vitamin A supplements, unless prescribed by a doctor. High doses of vitamin A have the potential to cause birth defects.
- Excessive consumption of vitamin A can increase the risk of osteoporosis, especially in elderly women.
- Tell your doctor what other medicines you are taking before taking vitamin A.
- If you have an allergy or overdose after taking vitamin A, contact your doctor immediately.
Doseand Rules for Use of Vitamin A
Vitamin A supplements serve to prevent and treat several health conditions caused by a lack or deficiency of vitamin A or have the potential to cause vitamin A deficiency. The following are conditions that require vitamin A supplements and their dosage distribution:
Condition: Oral leukoplakia
Dosage: 200,000-900,000 IU/week, given for 6-12 months.
Condition: Diarrhea after childbirth
Dosage: 23,000 IU/week, given before, during, and after pregnancy.
Condition: Prevent night blindness during pregnancy
Dosage: 23,000 IU/week, given before, during, and after pregnancy.
Condition: Treating retinitis pigmentosa
Dosage: 15,000 IU/day, sometimes in combination with 400 IU vitamin E.
Condition: Overcoming xerophthalmia
- Adults and children over 1 year: 200,000 IU/day for 2 days, given again in a single dose after 2 weeks.
- Infants 0-6 months: 50,000 UI/day for 2 days, given again in a single dose after 2 weeks.
- Infants 6-12 months: 100,000 IU/day for 2 days, given again in a single dose after 2 weeks.
Condition: Measles in children
- Age 0-6 months: 50,000 UI/day for 2 days.
- Age 6-11 months: 100,000 UI/day for 2 days.
- Age 12 months: 200,000 UI/day for 2 days.
Daily Requirements and Limits of Vitamin A Intake
The daily nutritional adequacy rate (RDA) for vitamin A varies, depending on age, gender, and health conditions. The amount of intake can be obtained from food, supplements, or a combination of the two. Here is the daily RDA for vitamin A by age:
| Age | Intake (IU/day) |
| 1-3 years | 1000 IU |
| 4-8 years | 1320 IU |
| 9-13 years old | 2000 IU |
| Male 14 years old | 3000 IU |
| Woman 14 years old | 2310 IU |
| Pregnant women aged 14-18 years | 2500 IU |
| Pregnant woman 19 years old | 2565 IU |
| Breastfeeding mother <19 years old | 4000 IU |
| Breastfeeding mother 19 years old | 4300 IU |
It is recommended not to consume vitamin A beyond the upper limit of daily intake. Higher doses are only recommended for people with vitamin A deficiency. The upper limits for vitamin A intake are as follows:
| Age | Upper Intake Limit (IU/day) |
| 0-3 years | 2000 IU |
| 4-8 years | 3000 IU |
| 9-13 years old | 5610 IU |
| 14-18 years old | 9240 IU |
| 19≤ years | 10000 IU |
Method Mengconsumption Vitamin A Properly
Make sure you always take vitamin A supplements according to the information on the packaging or doctor's recommendations.
Swallow whole if taking vitamin A in tablet or capsule form. For vitamin A supplements in liquid form, we recommend using the spoon or measuring cup included in the package. Do not use a regular tablespoon because the measurements may be different.
For patients who forget to take vitamin A supplements, it is advisable to do so immediately if the break with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it is close, do not double the dose.
Store at room temperature and away from heat and humidity, and avoid direct sunlight.
Interaction Vitamin A denganother medicine
There are a number of drugs that have the potential to cause interactions if taken together with vitamin A. Some interactions that can arise include:
- Decreased absorption of vitamin A from food, if taken with orlistat.
- Causes bleeding, if used with warfarin drugs.
- Increased risk of developing serious conditions due to increased pressure in the brain when used with doxycycline, minocycline, oxytetracycline and tetracycline.
- Increases risk of liver disorders, if used with the drug simvastatin.
- Causes excessive levels of vitamin A in the blood, if used together with retinoids, tretinoin, and isotretinoin.
- Decreases the effectiveness of vitamin A, when used with cholestyramine, sevelamer, and colestipol.
Side effects and Danger Vitamin A
If consumed in appropriate doses, vitamin A will not harm. However, if taken in high doses or in the long term, excess vitamin A can cause the following side effects:
- Diarrhea.
- Loss of appetite.
- Stomach ache.
- Throw up.
- Dry or cracked skin and lips.
- Drowsiness and fatigue.
- Weak.
- Irritable.
- Hair loss.
- Headache.
- Fever.
- Increased frequency of urination, especially at night.
- Blurred vision.