Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Will I Harm The Baby By Having Vitamin A In Beta Carotene Form During Pregnancy?

Hi. I am 8 weeks pregnant with my first pregnancy. I have been taking vitamin supplements on the advice of my doctor and naturopath for the last 5 years. Included in my multi-vitamin, I have been taking 6640 IU of Vitamin A (in beta-carotene form) consistently for this whole time up until yesterday, when I read about the link between high Vitamin A intake and birth defects. I am aware of the difference between Vitamin A retinol form vs. beta-carotene form. Still, what are you thoughts on this and what are the chances that I have caused harm to the baby?
Wed, 24 Sep 2014
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello ma'am and welcome.

As you already know, the beta carotene form of vitamin A is prescribed in so many different vitamin supplements during pregnancy and is considered safe. Although, there is not much evidence of the use of beta carotene and its effects during pregnanyc, I personally recommend a revisit to your prescribing doctor to check on the large dose that you are recieving and whether or not it can be discontinued for the term of the pregnancy.

Hope this helps.

Best wishes.
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Tocopherol


Loading Online Doctors....
Will I Harm The Baby By Having Vitamin A In Beta Carotene Form During Pregnancy?

Hello ma am and welcome. As you already know, the beta carotene form of vitamin A is prescribed in so many different vitamin supplements during pregnancy and is considered safe. Although, there is not much evidence of the use of beta carotene and its effects during pregnanyc, I personally recommend a revisit to your prescribing doctor to check on the large dose that you are recieving and whether or not it can be discontinued for the term of the pregnancy. Hope this helps. Best wishes.