Tag: Synthetic vitamin a

While naturally found in animal products like fish liver oil and dairy, vitamin A palmitate is also widely available as a lab-synthesized ingredient. Whether or not vitamin A palmitate can be vegan depends entirely on its source and production method, necessitating careful product verification for consumers.

In 1948, the first kilograms of synthetic vitamin A acetate were produced by F. Hoffmann-La Roche, marking the beginning of commercial production of this essential nutrient in a laboratory setting. While natural vitamin A is derived from animal and plant sources, a synthetic vitamin A is a man-made version, primarily available as retinyl acetate and retinyl palmitate. This manufactured form is widely utilized in dietary supplements, fortified foods, and cosmetic products.

Approximately 98 percent of dietary supplements contain synthetic nutrients, making it crucial to understand **what is a synthetic version of vitamin A**. These lab-made compounds, known as retinoids, are commonly found in fortified foods, supplements, and skin treatments, and have distinct differences from their natural, food-derived counterparts like beta-carotene.