Who Makes the Best Vitamin A? An In-Depth Guide

October 28, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the National Institutes of Health, vitamin A is crucial for vision, immune function, and cell growth. For those considering supplementation, knowing who makes the best vitamin A is essential for selecting a high-quality, effective product that meets their individual needs.

Quick Summary

This article explores the landscape of vitamin A supplements by reviewing top brands and comparing popular product forms. We evaluate key factors such as sourcing, potency, and third-party testing to help you make an informed decision for your health.

Key Points

Choose the Right Form: Select preformed vitamin A (retinol) for direct use or provitamin A (beta-carotene) for a safer, regulated intake.
Verify Third-Party Testing: Confirm a brand’s commitment to quality by looking for products tested by independent labs, like those from Pure TheraPro Rx and Pure Encapsulations.
Match to Your Dietary Needs: Opt for beta-carotene or vegan-sourced retinol if you are vegan or vegetarian, as many preformed vitamin A supplements are animal-derived.
Consider Dosage and Potency: Be mindful of potency, especially with preformed vitamin A, to avoid toxicity. High-dose options should always be medically supervised.
Evaluate Budget vs. Quality: Affordable options from brands like Swanson exist, but premium, extensively tested products from brands like Pure Encapsulations and Thorne Research may offer superior quality.
Don't Overlook Whole-Food Sources: Cod liver oil from brands like Nordic Naturals is a great option for those who prefer a natural source providing additional nutrients like vitamin D and omega-3s.
Consult a Healthcare Provider: Before starting any new supplement, particularly high-potency options, discuss it with a doctor to ensure it's appropriate and safe for your health.

Understanding the Different Types of Vitamin A

Vitamin A supplements come in various forms, each with unique characteristics related to absorption, safety, and suitability for different dietary needs. The primary forms include preformed vitamin A (retinoids) and provitamin A carotenoids.

Preformed Vitamin A (Retinol): This active form is found in animal-based products, such as fish liver oil. In supplements, it is often present as retinyl palmitate or retinyl acetate. The body can use this form directly, but it carries a higher risk of toxicity if consumed in very high doses over time.
Provitamin A (Beta-Carotene): This plant-based precursor, found in many fruits and vegetables, is converted into retinol by the body as needed. Since the body regulates the conversion process, beta-carotene is generally considered a safer source regarding potential toxicity, even in high amounts.
Cod Liver Oil: A popular and traditional supplement source that provides preformed vitamin A along with vitamin D and beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. The vitamin A concentration is typically lower compared to single-nutrient vitamin A supplements.

Top Vitamin A Supplement Brands and Products

When evaluating who makes the best vitamin A, several brands consistently receive high ratings for product quality, manufacturing standards, and efficacy. These brands cater to different preferences, including vegan formulas, specific potencies, and formats like softgels or liquids.

Best Overall & Vegan Option: Pure TheraPro Rx Vegan A-D-K Full Spectrum Drops

These liquid drops are frequently praised for their comprehensive, vegan-friendly formula that combines vitamins A, D, and K. They are third-party tested and free from common allergens, GMOs, and fillers. The micellized delivery system is designed for enhanced absorption, making it an excellent choice for individuals with absorption challenges or those seeking a clean formula.

Best for Vision Support: Pure Encapsulations Vitamin A + Carotenoids

Pure Encapsulations is a brand widely trusted by healthcare professionals for its meticulous third-party testing. Their vision-support formula includes a combination of vitamin A and carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin, which are vital for retinal health. The capsules are also certified gluten-free, catering to specific dietary needs.

Best Budget-Friendly High Potency: Swanson Vitamin A

For those on a tighter budget, Swanson offers a reliable and third-party tested vitamin A softgel at a very competitive price. Sourced from cod liver oil and vitamin A palmitate, these supplements deliver a high dose, making them a cost-effective option for addressing deficiency, though high-potency use should be medically monitored.

Best for High-Dose Needs: Thorne Research Vitamin A

For individuals with clinically confirmed deficiencies, Thorne Research provides a premium, high-potency supplement (25,000 IU) suitable for use under a doctor's supervision. The brand is known for its rigorous testing and clean formulation, ensuring a reliable product for therapeutic applications.

Best Cod Liver Oil Choice: Nordic Naturals Arctic Cod Liver Oil

If your goal is to supplement with a natural, whole-food source, Nordic Naturals is a top contender. Their cod liver oil undergoes molecular distillation to remove heavy metals and other contaminants, providing a pure source of vitamins A and D, along with beneficial omega-3s.

Best for Cautious Intake: Standard Process Cataplex A

This tablet provides a moderate dose of beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A as needed, offering a safer approach to supplementation. It is not third-party tested but is produced with stringent in-house quality controls, using whole food compounds from their organic farms.

Comparison Table: How Top Brands Stack Up


Brand	Form	Vitamin A Type	Third-Party Tested?	Best For
Pure TheraPro Rx	Liquid Drops	Preformed & Provitamin	Yes	Vegans, high absorption, comprehensive
Pure Encapsulations	Capsules	Cod Liver Oil, Carotenoids	Yes	Vision support, high quality
Swanson	Softgels	Preformed (Retinyl Palmitate)	Yes	Budget-conscious, high dose
Nordic Naturals	Softgels/Liquid	Preformed (Cod Liver Oil)	Yes	Natural source, omega-3s
Why Not Natural	Liquid Drops	Vegan Retinyl Palmitate	Not Specified	Strict vegans, high absorption
Thorne Research	Capsules	Preformed (Retinyl Palmitate)	Yes	Therapeutic high doses (with doctor oversight)
Standard Process	Tablets	Provitamin (Beta-Carotene)	No (in-house QC)	Cautious intake, whole-food focus

Conclusion: Making the Best Choice for Your Needs

Ultimately, the quest for who makes the best vitamin A has no single answer, as the ideal choice is highly individual. For comprehensive, clean, and vegan-friendly support, Pure TheraPro Rx is a top contender. If vision support is a primary concern, the third-party tested formulas from Pure Encapsulations are an excellent option. Those needing a budget-friendly high-potency product can look to Swanson, while Thorne Research is best reserved for medically supervised, high-dose needs. For a natural, whole-food source, Nordic Naturals offers a trustworthy cod liver oil. Always consider the form, source, potency, and third-party testing before purchasing, and consult a healthcare provider to determine the right course of action for you.

For more in-depth information, refer to the authoritative resources available from the National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminA-Consumer/.

Frequently Asked Questions

Retinol is preformed, active vitamin A, which the body can use directly but carries a higher risk of toxicity in large doses. Beta-carotene is a provitamin A that the body converts to retinol as needed, making it generally safer.

For vegans, the best options are supplements that use plant-derived beta-carotene or vegan-sourced retinyl palmitate. Brands like Pure TheraPro Rx and Why Not Natural offer suitable vegan products.

No, not all supplements are third-party tested. It is an important quality indicator, so you should actively seek brands like Pure Encapsulations and Pure TheraPro Rx that provide this level of assurance.

For most people, a balanced diet rich in vitamin A sources like liver, fish, and colorful vegetables can provide enough. Supplements are typically recommended for those with deficiencies or dietary limitations.

Yes, cod liver oil is a natural source of preformed vitamin A, along with other beneficial nutrients like vitamin D and omega-3s. However, its vitamin A content is often lower than in single-nutrient supplements.

Excessive intake of preformed vitamin A (retinol) can lead to toxicity, as it accumulates in the body. Symptoms can include dizziness, nausea, and potentially more serious issues. Beta-carotene, however, poses a much lower risk.

Supplements formulated for eye health often contain a blend of vitamin A and other nutrients like lutein and zeaxanthin. Pure Encapsulations offers such a specialized formula that is well-regarded.