21st Century A 3000 mcg (10,000 IU)
Brand: 21st Century · Form: SOFTGEL CAPSULE [E0161] On Market
Our assessment
The evidence shows that this product delivers a very high dose of vitamin A, specifically 3,000 mcg (10,000 IU) per serving. For context, the recommended daily allowance for adult men is 900 mcg and for women is 700 mcg [NIH ODS]. Taking this amount daily puts you well above the tolerable upper intake level of 3,000 mcg per day for adults, which means you should only use this supplement under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
How it works
Vitamin A is a potent regulator of cell growth and differentiation, playing a critical role in vision, immune function, and reproduction [NIH ODS]. This particular product contains preformed vitamin A (retinol), which your body can use immediately. While vitamin A is essential, the high dose in this supplement is designed for specific therapeutic purposes, not for routine daily maintenance.
Safety profile
Data not available for this specific product's adverse events. The general FDA database contains 592,059 total reports across all supplements, but specific side effect counts for this high-dose vitamin A product are not provided [FDA data]. Taking 10,000 IU daily for extended periods can lead to toxicity, including liver damage, bone pain, and birth defects if taken during pregnancy [NIH ODS]. Because this is more than three times the RDA, the risk of chronic toxicity increases with long-term use.
Our recommendation
Our assessment: do not take this supplement without a doctor's approval. For most people, a standard multivitamin providing 700-900 mcg of vitamin A is sufficient [NIH ODS]. If your healthcare provider has prescribed this high dose for a specific condition like a documented deficiency, follow their dosing instructions carefully and have your blood levels monitored. Pregnant women should avoid this dose entirely due to risk of birth defects [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | 21st Century |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 110.0 Softgel(s) |
| Market Status | On Market |
How to Read This Label
Supplement labels contain several key sections regulated by the FDA:
- Serving Size — The recommended amount per dose. Always check this — some products require multiple capsules per serving.
- Amount Per Serving — Shows the quantity of each nutrient in the product, typically in IU (International Units), mg (milligrams), or mcg (micrograms).
- % Daily Value (%DV) — Indicates how much a nutrient in a serving contributes to a daily diet. 5% DV or less is low; 20% DV or more is high.
- Other Ingredients — Lists inactive ingredients like fillers, binders, and capsule materials (e.g., gelatin, cellulose, magnesium stearate).
- Suggested Use — The manufacturer's recommended directions for taking the supplement, including timing and dosage.
Source: FDA Dietary Supplement Labeling Guide