Vitamins And Minerals: Vitamin A Palmitate

Vitamin A palmitate is a form of vitamin A, an essential nutrient for vision, immune function, and cell growth. It is made by combining vitamin A (retinol) with palmitic acid, which can be derived from animal sources or synthesized from plant-based sources.

Manufacturers add vitamin A palmitate to fortify foods, helping consumers meet their daily vitamin A needs. It is commonly found in fortified dairy products, cereals, and infant formulas.

Vitamin A palmitate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a nutrient supplement. The National Academies have established upper intake levels for vitamin A. JECFA and EFSA have evaluated vitamin A and its derivatives. Excessive intake of vitamin A can lead to health problems, but typical dietary intake from fortified foods is unlikely to cause harm.