Natural Flavor Vitamin A Palmitate

The ingredient name "Natural Flavor Vitamin A Palmitate" is unusual. Vitamin A palmitate is a synthetic form of vitamin A, an essential nutrient, made by combining retinol (vitamin A) with palmitic acid. The "natural flavor" part of the name is ambiguous; it might refer to a naturally derived carrier or a natural source for the vitamin, but vitamin A palmitate itself does not function as a flavor.

It is primarily added to foods such as milk, cereals, and margarine to fortify them with vitamin A. This helps ensure people get enough of this important nutrient, especially in products where vitamin A is naturally low or lost during processing.

The FDA considers vitamin A palmitate safe for use as a nutrient fortifier within established limits. Vitamin A is an essential nutrient, vital for vision, immune function, and reproduction. However, excessive intake of preformed vitamin A (like vitamin A palmitate) can be harmful, though this is usually from high-dose supplements rather than fortified foods. JECFA has evaluated vitamin A and set an acceptable daily intake. The US National Academies have set Upper Intake Levels (ULs) for vitamin A.