Ingredient
Vitamin A Palmitate
What is Vitamin A Palmitate?
Vitamin A Palmitate is a form of vitamin A where the vitamin is bonded with palmitic acid, a fatty acid, to make it more stable for use in food and supplements. It is often derived synthetically.
It is used to fortify foods like milk and cereals with vitamin A, which is important for vision, immune function, and skin health. Most research supports its safety within recommended daily allowances, though excessive intake of vitamin A can lead to toxicity.
When you see Vitamin A Palmitate on a label, it indicates vitamin fortification which is common in processed foods to ensure adequate nutrient intake.
Commonly found in: fortified milk, cereals, butter, oats, supplements, snack bars
What to watch
- High doses can lead to vitamin A toxicity, with symptoms like blurred vision and liver issues.
Benefits
- Supports vision, immune system, and skin health by contributing to daily vitamin A intake.
Vitamin A Palmitate is considered Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used appropriately.
Research supports its benefits for health in regulated amounts, but excessive intake can cause toxicity.
Vitamin A Palmitate can be derived from animal sources, so vegans should verify product labeling for vegan sourcing.
Sources: Vitamin A Fact Sheet
Scout's take
Standard formulation ingredient — neither beneficial nor harmful at typical use.
The case against
Excessive intake can lead to hypervitaminosis A, but this is unlikely from fortified foods alone.
from the analysis of Blue Diamond Almonds UNSWEETENED ALMONDMILK, VANILLA · echoed in 2 other analysesExcessive intake can lead to hypervitaminosis A, a condition caused by vitamin A toxicity.
from the analysis of Philadelphia Regular Cream Cheese Tub - 12oz · echoed in 1 other analysisExcessive intake of vitamin A can lead to toxicity, but this is unlikely from cheese consumption alone.
from the analysis of Trader Joe's Lite Cheddar CheeseExcessive intake can lead to hypervitaminosis A.
from the analysis of Fairlife CHOCOLATE 2% REDUCED FAT ULTRA-FILTERED MILKThe case for
Supports vision, immune function, and skin health by providing an essential nutrient.
from the analysis of Blue Diamond Almonds UNSWEETENED ALMONDMILK, VANILLA · echoed in 2 other analysesSupports vision and immune health, contributing to overall nutrient intake.
from the analysis of Blue Diamond ALMONDMILK, UNSWEETENED ORIGINALSupports vision and immune function when consumed in appropriate amounts.
from the analysis of Lifeway STRAWBERRY KEFIR CULTURED LOWFAT MILKSupports vision and immune function as a form of vitamin A.
from the analysis of Philadelphia Regular Cream Cheese Tub - 12ozProvides vitamin A, supporting vision and immune health.
from the analysis of Trader Joe's Lite Cheddar CheeseMore from Scout's analyses
Vitamin A palmitate is added to fortify cheese with vitamin A, an essential nutrient for vision and immune function. It is a synthetic form of vitamin A commonly used in food fortification. While beneficial, excessive intake can lead to toxicity.
from the analysis of Trader Joe's Lite Cheddar CheeseSynthetic added vitamin.
from the analysis of I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! Original SprayVitamin A Palmitate is a synthetic form of vitamin A used to fortify foods. It is added to ensure adequate vitamin A intake, especially in reduced-fat products. While beneficial in preventing deficiencies, excessive intake can lead to toxicity.
from the analysis of Kalona Super Natural Organic Cultured Reduced Fat Buttermilk Vitamin A plastic bottleFound in 21 products
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