Is 10,000 IU of vitamin A too much?
10,000 IU (3,000 micrograms) of vitamin A is right at the adult upper limit of 3,000 micrograms (10,000 IU) of preformed vitamin A. Adults need 900 micrograms (3,000 IU) for men and 700 micrograms (2,333 IU) for women.
General information, not medical advice. Check with a doctor or pharmacist before taking a supplement, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take any medicine, or are under 18.
In the UK
10,000 IU (3,000 micrograms) of vitamin A is above the NHS guidance of 1,500 micrograms (1.5 milligrams) a day from food and supplements combined. In the UK, adults need 700 micrograms a day for men and 600 micrograms for women. The NHS advises against cod liver oil or any supplement with vitamin A (retinol) in pregnancy. Doctors sometimes advise more for a set time, so check with yours before taking this much.
The figures
| US (NIH) | UK (NHS) | |
|---|---|---|
| Amount checked | 10,000 IU (3,000 mcg RAE) | |
| Answer | At the upper limit | Above NHS guidance |
| Compared with | 3,000 micrograms (10,000 IU) of preformed vitamin A | 1,500 micrograms (1.5 milligrams) a day from food and supplements combined |
| Share of the limit | 100% of the limit | 200% of the limit |
| Adults need | 900 micrograms (3,000 IU) for men and 700 micrograms (2,333 IU) for women | 700 micrograms a day for men and 600 micrograms for women |
Good to know
- The upper limit covers preformed vitamin A (retinol and retinyl esters). Beta-carotene does not count towards it.
Quick answers
- Is 10,000 IU of vitamin A too much?
- 10,000 IU (3,000 micrograms) of vitamin A is right at the adult upper limit of 3,000 micrograms (10,000 IU) of preformed vitamin A. Adults need 900 micrograms (3,000 IU) for men and 700 micrograms (2,333 IU) for women.
- What does the NHS say about 10,000 IU of vitamin A?
- 10,000 IU (3,000 micrograms) of vitamin A is above the NHS guidance of 1,500 micrograms (1.5 milligrams) a day from food and supplements combined. In the UK, adults need 700 micrograms a day for men and 600 micrograms for women. The NHS advises against cod liver oil or any supplement with vitamin A (retinol) in pregnancy. Doctors sometimes advise more for a set time, so check with yours before taking this much.
- What is the upper limit for vitamin A?
- US: 3,000 micrograms (10,000 IU) of preformed vitamin A. UK (NHS): 1,500 micrograms (1.5 milligrams) a day from food and supplements combined.
Sources
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements fact sheet
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminA-HealthProfessional/ - NHS vitamins and minerals guidance
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-a/
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