Yes, Eggs Contain Vitamin A: A Nutritional Breakdown

October 13, 2025 •

2 min read

According to the USDA, one large hard-boiled egg provides approximately 8% of the Daily Value (DV) for vitamin A. This essential fat-soluble nutrient, which supports vision, immunity, and skin health, is found almost exclusively in the nutrient-rich egg yolk.

Quick Summary

Eggs are a good source of vitamin A, with the majority concentrated in the yolk. The nutrient content can be influenced by a hen's diet and provides significant benefits for eye and immune health.

Key Points

Nutrient-Dense Yolk: The vitamin A in eggs is concentrated in the yolk, along with other essential nutrients and healthy fats.
Vital for Vision: Eggs provide a readily available form of vitamin A (retinol), which is essential for maintaining eye health and preventing vision issues.
Immunity Booster: The vitamin A found in eggs helps support a healthy immune system, aiding in the fight against infections.
Diet-Dependent Content: The amount of vitamin A in an egg can vary depending on the hen's diet; pasture-raised or enriched eggs may contain higher levels.
Excellent Source: Incorporating eggs into your diet is a simple and delicious way to contribute significantly to your daily vitamin A needs.

Do Eggs Contain Vitamin A?

Eggs are a nutritious food that contains vitamin A. This important nutrient is primarily located in the egg yolk and is easily absorbed by the body due to the presence of healthy fats. Consuming a single large egg can contribute a significant percentage of your daily vitamin A needs.

The Role of Vitamin A in the Body

Vitamin A, also known as retinol, is a fat-soluble vitamin vital for various bodily functions, including vision and immune support.

Eye Health

Vitamin A is essential for vision, contributing to pigment production in the retina and protecting eye structures like the cornea. Antioxidants in the yolk, lutein and zeaxanthin, also help protect against age-related eye conditions.

Immune System Support

This vitamin supports a strong immune system by aiding in the development of immune cells and maintaining the integrity of protective mucosal surfaces. Adequate intake helps the body defend against illness.

Skin Health and Growth

Vitamin A is necessary for cell growth and differentiation, supporting healthy skin and reproduction. It is also crucial for proper growth and development in children.

Factors Influencing an Egg's Vitamin A Content

The vitamin A content in eggs can vary, mainly influenced by the hen's diet. Eggs from hens fed diets rich in vitamin A sources or those marketed as "enriched" may contain higher levels. Pasture-raised eggs often have more fat-soluble vitamins, including A and E, due to the hen's varied diet.

Comparison of Vitamin A Sources

Vitamin A comes as preformed vitamin A (retinol) from animal products or provitamin A carotenoids from plants. Here's how eggs compare to other sources:

Eggs vs. Other Vitamin A Sources


Food (per standard serving)	Vitamin A (mcg RAE)	Source Type	Location in Eggs
Beef Liver (3 oz)	6,582	Retinol	N/A
Sweet Potato (1 whole, baked)	1,403	Carotenoid	N/A
Carrots (1/2 cup raw)	459	Carotenoid	N/A
One Large Hard-Boiled Egg	~75	Retinol	Yolk
Spinach (1/2 cup boiled)	573	Carotenoid	N/A
Milk (1 cup, fortified)	149	Retinol	N/A

Eggs are a good source of easily absorbable preformed vitamin A, making them a valuable addition to the diet.

Delicious Ways to Incorporate Eggs for Vitamin A

Eggs are versatile and can be enjoyed in numerous ways to increase vitamin A intake:

Add spinach or peppers to scrambled eggs or omelets.
Enjoy hard-boiled eggs as a snack or on salads.
Prepare frittatas or quiches with vitamin A-rich vegetables.
Combine egg salad with fruits like mango or cantaloupe.
Use eggs in various baked dishes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, eggs are a good source of vitamin A, important for vision, immune function, and skin health. This nutrient is found mainly in the yolk, along with other beneficial compounds. While the amount can vary based on the hen's diet, including eggs in a balanced diet is an easy way to help meet daily vitamin A needs. Understanding the nutrients in eggs allows for informed dietary choices. For further information on vitamin A deficiency, you can consult the Cleveland Clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions

The vitamin A in an egg is found almost entirely in the yolk. The egg white contains negligible amounts of this fat-soluble vitamin.

A single large, hard-boiled egg contains approximately 75 micrograms (mcg) of Retinol Activity Equivalents (RAE), which is about 8% of the Daily Value (DV).

Eggs are a source of preformed vitamin A (retinol), which is highly bioavailable. Vegetables contain carotenoids that the body must convert to vitamin A. While some vegetables may contain higher quantities of precursors, the body absorbs retinol from eggs more efficiently.

The vitamin A content in eggs is relatively stable during standard cooking methods like boiling or frying. Although some loss is possible, it is minimal, and most of the vitamin A remains intact.

Yes, enriched eggs, which come from hens fed a diet supplemented with extra nutrients, can contain higher amounts of vitamin A compared to regular eggs.

Eggs are rich in many other vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D, vitamin B12, selenium, and choline. They also contain high-quality protein and antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin.

The retinol in egg yolks is crucial for forming visual pigments in the retina, which are essential for vision, especially in low light. It also protects the eye's surface and may reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration.