Retinol (preformed A, from animal sources) vs beta-carotene (provitamin A, from plants). Preformed A is 12x more bioavailable. Excess preformed A is TERATOGENIC (birth defects — limit to 3,000 μg/day in pregnancy). Beta-carotene does NOT cause toxicity (conversion is regulated). Retinoic acid (active form) regulates 500+ genes. --- *Reviewed by the Dose AI Research Team and Clinical Advisory Board* *Last updated: 2026-04-06*
Reviewed by the Scan Dose Research Team and Clinical Advisory Board | Last updated:
Not medical advice. Based on published clinical research and systematic reviews.