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Alfa Vitamins Vitamin A Review – 8 Reasons To Consider

By Sasha de Beausset Aparicio, MSc

Reviewed by Rebecca Williams, MD, MA, MB, BChir

Last Updated:

Evidence Based | Overview | Ingredients | Claims | Warnings | Cost | How To Use | Bottom Line

Vitamin A is a dietary supplement offered to promote overall health by providing essential amounts of the fat-soluble nutrient that is Vitamin A. The source of the active substance included in the product manufactured by Alfa Vitamins Laboratories is fish liver.

The American company Alfa Vitamins Laboratories has a market presence of approximately 10 years and is headquartered in Florida, USA. According to the company website, all manufacturing processes follow the guidelines established by specialized U.S. authorities: the Food and Drug Administration, the Department of Agriculture, and the United States Pharmacopoeia. Additionally, the company has well set up Standards of Operation Procedures (SOPS), claimed to be in compliance with the levels of pharmaceutical-grades and with the Good Manufacturing Practices.

The formula is designed for adults who suffer from a vitamin A deficiency or who want to prevent the harmful effects associated with such a deficiency. Some of the approved benefits of this nutrient are supporting a healthy immune system, maintaining the eye’s health, supporting cellular growth, and promoting function and accumulation of iron in the blood.

The manufacturer describes its product as a formula suitable for a vast number of biological processes and reminds of two of the most important ones: vision and cellular growth. No other information about the desired effects or potential side effects is given.

Overview

1) Quick Overview

Vitamin A formula is a vitamin-based nutritional supplement.

The nutrient is recommended for the improvement and maintenance of a broad spectrum of health issues such as: vision (it has been used in the treatment for macular degeneration, glaucoma, or cataracts), immune function (used to strengthen the immune system and prevent associated conditions), skin conditions (healing and cure of acne, eczema, psoriasis, wounds, and burns), slow the aging process due to its anti-oxidant effects, cancers treatment (like breast cancer), etc.

This nutrient is available in two forms: as carotenoids coming from vegetal sources, or vitamin A available in the meat of animals. The most abundant natural sources are carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, broccoli, cod liver oil, egg yolk, milk, kidney, or butter.

Vitamin A supplements are less recommended than the natural nutrient available from dietary food sources. Supplemental amounts are more likely to interact with other drugs, and may cause serious side effects if an overdose of vitamin occurs (as a result of the combination between natural and supplemental substance).
It is considered likely safe if taken in amounts smaller than 10,000 units per day. Larger amounts may lead to osteoporosis or hip fracture especially in older men. Long-term use in excess may cause side effects such as neurological changes, stomach upset and vomiting, headaches, fever, etc.

Ingredients

2) Details on Alfa Vitamins Vitamin A Ingredients and Uses

Vitamin A contains the following ingredients: Vitamin A (as Fish Liver Oil), Soybean Oil, Gelatin, purified water, and Glycerin.

3) Is Alfa Vitamins Vitamin A Right for You?

This product’s formula is based on an essential, fat-soluble nutrient in a highly bioavailable form: vitamin A. The natural sources of this compound include chicken liver, pork, beef, spinach, sweet potatoes, carrots, winter squash, fish, milk, and eggs.

Vitamin A is essential for a healthy immune system, as it improves the integrity of epithelial cells and for the health of the skin by supporting collagen production and the rejuvenation of skin tissue. About vision and eye health, the nutrient has been known to help retina, cornea, and eye membranes to function within normal parameters. The substance is also crucial for the assimilation and maintenance of optimal levels of iron in the blood.

The recommended dietary allowance (upper limit) of vitamin A for adults is 10,000 IU daily. The current formula contains 200% of the suggested daily dose (based on a 2,000 calorie diet).

The active substance in this formula comes from an animal source, and it is generically called preformed vitamin A or retinol. It is considered one of the most active forms of vitamin A. The European Food Safety Authority confirmed the health benefits of the dietary intake of the nutrient as an immune system booster, vision enhancer, cell differentiator, and iron metabolizer.

Side effects may occur when excessive amounts are ingested, and overuse may result in side effects such as bone fragility, fatigue, headache, vomiting, irritability, hair loss, dry lips, and dry skin.

Vitamin A overdose may be controlled by reducing the foods that are rich in this nutrient and increasing intake of vitamin C. The formula is recommended only for adults in doses of 1 soft gel daily, preferably with a meal.

Claims

4) Alfa Vitamins Vitamin A Claims

  • The formula is offered by an experienced manufacturer
  • Vitamin A is a vitamin, a natural substance that can also be obtained from dietary sources
  • A refund is offered for online orders, which may cover the full or partial purchase price
  • Secured online purchasing is available for users
  • Vitamin a is a researched active substance
Warnings

5) Alfa Vitamins Vitamin A Product Warnings

  • There are no clinical trials involving this particular product
  • Animal-derived vitamin A can build up and become toxic if too much is used
  • There is a lack of reviews from consumers
  • The manufacturer offers little information of the main benefit claims of the formula
  • The manufacturer offers no free samples or trial periods
Cost

6) How Much Does Alfa Vitamins Vitamin A Cost?

The formula is available for online purchasing only on the official website of the manufacturer. One bottle contains a supply sufficient for three months of use, which is great when one considers the frequency of purchase as a buying factor. All transactions are secured using SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) technology. Shipping charges may vary depending on the country of delivery. There is no free trial period or any free samples offered for the formula, although sometimes certain promotions may be available to facilitate trial. A 100% quality assurance guarantee is offered; the manufacturer returns the entire purchase value if the product is returned sealed, and only a partial sum if the containers are opened. Shipping charges are not refundable.

How To Use

7) How to Use Alfa Vitamins Vitamin A

A diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables and fortified dairy products is enough to achieve the proper amounts of this vitamin. Alfa Vitamins’ formulation is presented as soft gels. The suggested dose is 1 soft gel daily preferably with a meal.

Bottom Line

8) The Bottom Line – “Does it Work?”

Vitamin A formula is a nutritional supplement based on the animal-derived form of a very important substance for the general health of its consumer. Other than the main ingredients, the manufacturer offers no information regarding the product, as it does for most of its formulations. This is not a unique formula, there are many other manufacturers offering vitamin A-based supplements (either alone or in combination). There are certain risks associated to the use of vitamin A supplements, which anyone should be aware of. Since this dietary supplement is not FDA evaluated, it is or strong recommendation that you always to consult a healthcare professional before beginning to use the product.

4.5/5 - (2 votes)
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Flavia

The doctor recommended I should start taking some vitamin A after my tests showed that I had a deficit of this vitamin. Since I started using this supplement, I feel more energized, the frequency of my headaches decreased considerably and I generally feel better. This formula is affordable and effective.

Antonia

Although the formula contains a relatively high amount of vitamin A, it gave me no side effects. I eat very little amounts of fruits and almost no dairy products, so I had to take something. I’ve previously used other products from Alfa Vitamins and I trust their quality so this was a natural choice.