Vitamin A Interactions
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The following are the medications and supplements that are more likely to cause a reaction with vitamin A supplements:
- Antacids
Any type of antacids can reduce absorption of vitamin A (as well as any of the other fat-soluble vitamins too). People taking antacids may need vitamin A supplementation. - Calcium supplements
If calcium supplements are taken with high levels of vitamin A supplements, it can reduce the effectiveness of the calcium supplements. It is advisable to take all supplements at no higher than the tolerable upper intake, unless there is medical supervision to monitor the effects of the supplements. - Cholestyramine and Colestipol
People taking the medications Cholestyramine or Colestipol, which are used to lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels may need vitamin A supplementation as these medications may reduce the rate of absorption of vitamin A from foods, so supplementation may be required. - Neomycin
The medications Neomycin, an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infection, can reduce the rate of absorption of vitamin A from foods, so supplementation may be required.
Vitamin A has an interaction with a number of medications and supplements
- Oral contraceptives
Women taking oral contraceptives are advised not take high levels of vitamin A supplements at the same time, as the oral contraceptive increases the amount of vitamin A in the body and could cause some toxicity. Women taking oral contraceptives should consult their doctor if they want to take vitamin A supplements. - Retin-A
Retin-A, a medication used for treating facial acne is high in vitamin A, so people taking vitamin A supplements at the same time as this medication will increase their risk of getting vitamin A toxicity. Vitamin A supplements should not be taken by people taking Retin-A. - Vitamin E
Normally vitamin E supplements work very synergistically with vitamin A supplements, but when the intake of vitamin E supplements is at very high levels, it can deplete the vitamin A stores in the liver and cause a deficiency. It is advisable to only take no more than the tolerable upper limit of any vitamin and only for short periods.