Retinol; Retinal; Retinoic acid; Carotenoids

The best way to get the daily requirement of essential vitamins is to eat a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, fortified dairy foods, legumes (dried beans), lentils, and whole grains.

The Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine -- Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) Recommended Intakes for Individuals of Vitamin A:

Infants (average intake)

• 0 - 6 months: 400 micrograms per day (mcg/day)
• 7 - 12 months: 500 mcg/day

The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for vitamins is how much of each vitamin most people should get each day. The RDA for vitamins may be used as goals for each person.

Children (RDA)

• 1 - 3 years: 300 mcg/day
• 4 - 8 years: 400 mcg/day
• 9 - 13 years: 600 mcg/day

Adolescents and Adults (RDA)

• Males age 14 and older: 900 mcg/day
• Females age 14 and older: 700 mcg/day

How much of each vitamin you need depends on your age and gender. Other factors, such as pregnancy and your health, are also important. Ask your doctor what dose is best for you.

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Vitamin A benefit

Vitamin A source

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Review Date: 02/08/2011
Reviewed By: Alison Evert, MS, RD, CDE, Nutritionist, University of Washington Medical Center Diabetes Care Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)