Why Retinyl Acetate? (Vitamin A)

Doubling as both a potent antioxidant and a fat-soluble nutrient, getting enough Vitamin A plays an important role in supporting cognitive health.* But did you know that Vitamin A is actually available in two primary forms?

Here's the breakdown.

→ First—Preformed Vitamin A (active)

Retinyl Acetate, a type of preformed Vitamin A, is often added to nootropics (and fortified foods) rather than being naturally present in high amounts in specific foods.

→ Second—Provitamin A (Beta-Carotene)

Beta-Carotene is obtained from dark-colored fruits and vegetables. Most nootropics use Beta-Carotene because it's naturally sourced, is relatively easy to incorporate into formulations, and is stable (it doesn't break down easily).

Many believe natural sources are the best, but is that always the case?

Yes, for some, but a major NO for others. Why? The body can't use Beta-Carotene directly. After Beta-Carotene is digested, mixed with fats, and absorbed, it must be converted into retinal and, finally, into retinol.*

It's a complex multi-step process that can end up being a problem in some cases, especially since the conversion efficiency can vary greatly among people.*

Take people with certain metabolic challenges. Some individuals have difficulty converting Beta-Carotene into active Vitamin A due to genetic variations or underlying health challenges.*

Since Beta-Carotene to retinol conversion uses the β-Carotene 15,15'-monooxygenase enzyme (BCMO1 or BCO1 gene), which transforms Beta-Carotene into retinal, genetic alterations in the BCO1 gene cause varying amounts of BCMO1 to be produced.*

This can result in a considerable loss or complete blocking of Vitamin A produced from dietary Beta-Carotene.*^1,2

The body also has a system—a feedback loop—where if there's a lot of retinoic acid, it will produce less BCMO1 enzyme, thus decreasing the amount of Beta-Carotene converted to retinal.*²

Retinyl Acetate bypasses the need for conversion.*

That's right. Retinyl Acetate is different from provitamin A carotenoids (like Beta-Carotene) and the body can use it directly. Retinyl Acetate breaks down in the intestines into retinol, bypassing the need for conversion.*³

Plus, people exposed to harmful chemicals and those struggling with addictive challenges may benefit more from supplementing with Retinyl Acetate, as research indicates that Beta-Carotene may increase the risk of developing serious health conditions.*^4,5,6

Let's illustrate it for you—why Retinyl Acetate (preformed Vitamin A) is more readily absorbed and used by the body than Beta-Carotene (provitamin A).*

Up to 45% of Americans do not meet the daily requirement for Vitamin A.*

A 2011 study found that a large percentage of adults in the United States do not meet the dietary requirements for Vitamin A. Even when accounting for Vitamin A from fortified food, which is a significant source, 34% of adults fall short of the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR).*⁷

This conclusion aligns with the data from the NHANES 2005-2016 survey, which reported that 45% of the US population does not meet the daily requirement for Vitamin A.*⁸

These statistics highlight the importance for many of a balanced diet rich in essential neuro-nutrients and/or the use of quality nootropics (such as HCF® nootropics), when necessary, to meet the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) and support Vitamin A deficiencies.*