Vitamin A

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for vision, immune function, and cell growth. It occurs naturally in animal products like liver and fish oils, and as beta-carotene in plant foods such as carrots and sweet potatoes. In food manufacturing, it can be added as a nutrient or used in its synthetic forms.

Vitamin A is often added to foods as a nutrient to help consumers meet their dietary requirements, particularly in products like margarine, spreads, and milk. It can also be used as a colourant in some applications. It is commonly found in fortified foods, dairy products, and some processed beverages.

Vitamin A is a permitted nutrient in food, and its addition is regulated. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Food Standards Scotland (FSS) oversee its use in food. Excessive intake of preformed vitamin A can lead to adverse health effects, while deficiency can cause vision problems. Typical intakes from fortified foods are generally considered safe and beneficial.