Vitamin A for Men

  • By Performance Lab
  • 12 minute read
Vitamin A for Men

Ever heard the myth that eating carrots can improve your vision?

Well, like all myths, there’s a grain of truth in this.

Of course, eating carrots won’t have you suddenly throwing your glasses and contacts away, as your eyes return to perfect 20:20 vision...

...However, carrots are rich sources of vitamin A; the “vision vitamin,” which is vital to healthy vision and eyecare.

So, while it’s a myth that carrots improve vision, they do supply the essential micronutrient required for ongoing healthy vision.

Not to mention ongoing healthy skin health, immunity, protein synthesis, tissue repair, bone health, antioxidant capacity, and then some.

  • But are carrots really the only source of vitamin A, let alone the best source?
  • And is this a vitamin that men should be particularly considerate of?

In this article, we cover these questions, as well as provide the answer to what is the best multivitamin for men that contains an optimal dosage of vitamin A?

So, let’s jump into it!

The Beginner’s Guide on Vitamin A and Male Health

Glasses, supplement capsules and vitamin A sources on a white background

Though discussed predominantly in the context of child health and development, vitamin A remains an essential vitamin in adulthood. 

This is because, like all essential micronutrients, vitamin A can’t be synthesized in the body and must be consistently acquired through the diet.

In developing nations, vitamin A deficiency is fairly common,[1] making vitamin A-deficiency one of the world’s leading causes of blindness. Not to mention that vitamin A deficiency may also drastically impair immunity, contributing to greater risk and severity of disease states.

For men, this means that sustaining healthy vitamin A levels is key to sustaining a healthy, active, and energized lifestyle, one uninhibited by being frequently sick or visually impaired.

But What Exactly is Vitamin A?

Commonly associated with vision (specifically, through their relationship to carrots), vitamin A is a fat-soluble group of compounds found in various food sources, namely: 

  1. fruits
  2. vegetables
  3. eggs
  4. dairy
  5. meat
  6. saltwater fish
  7. and, yes, carrots.

Though commonly viewed as a single item, “vitamin A” actually refers to several different compounds linked by their similar structure.

Altogether, the “vitamin A” category includes:

  • Retinol
  • Retinaldehyde
  • Retinoic Acid
  • Beta-Carotene
  • Alpha-Carotene
  • Gamma-Carotene
  • Cryptoxanthin

Of these, beta-carotene and retinol are the two most popular vitamin A forms found in foods and used by health supplements. Due to these compounds’ essential involvement in eye care, skin health, and immunity, vitamin A is one of the more important micronutrients for supporting life-essential functions.

With exception to severe cases of vitamin A-deficiency, supplementing a vitamin-A-containing multivitamin rather than a specific vitamin A supplement may be more beneficial in elevating all aspects of male health.

And the best vitamin-A-containing multivitamin is Performance Lab® NutriGenesis® Multi for Men.

Let’s take a brief glance at this multi stack for men:

Performance Lab® NutriGenesis® Multi for Men

A bottle Performance Lab Multi for Men, a Vitamin A source

A comprehensive multivitamin stack supplying 17+ essential micronutrients, including Inositol (Vitamin B8) with a special emphasis on vitamins and minerals important to male health.

Enhanced with NutriGenesis® natural cofactors for improved bioavailability and delivered in prebiotic-cultivated NutriCaps® capsules, Multi for Men isn’t only the most effective multi for men but also the cleanest.

NutriGenesis® Multi for Men works by:

  • Supporting foundational nutrient replenishment for an all-around boost on male health, vitality, and performance.
  • Combating nutrient-deficiency associated with modern food manufacturing practices and ultraprocessed diets.
  • Improving micronutrient absorption with NutriGenesis® natural cofactors, such as probiotics, enzymes, fibers, and antioxidants.
  • Optimizing production and activity of male sex hormones, namely testosterone, with pro-testosterone vitamins and minerals.

Additionally, Performance Lab® NutriGenesis® Multi for Men supplies both beta-carotene and retinol, the two best vitamin A supplement types, in nature-identical NutriGenesis® forms.

Comprehensive and easy-to-absorb, NutriGenesis® Multi for Men outperforms the standard, inferior multivitamin stack, providing a complete multi formula that’s easy on the stomach (even sensitive stomachs) and safe to use for daily, long-term use.

Get the Best Deal on Performance Lab® NutriGenesis® Multi for Men

Continue reading to learn more about the importance of vitamin A to male health and performance, including what the research has to say on this essential micronutrient.

How Does Vitamin A Work?

A pair of glasses placed on top of an eye test

Unlike water-soluble vitamins, vitamin A is fat-soluble, meaning that our bodies can store this compound.

As a result, vitamin A-deficiency is relatively rare compared to certain water-soluble vitamins (such as vitamin B12) which is a commonly deficient vitamin as we age.

However, this shouldn’t undermine the importance of vitamin A, which helps form:

  • Healthy Teeth
  • Skeletal and Connective Tissue
  • Skin Tissue
  • Mucus Membranes

And, famously, the pigments in the retina in the eye, when in the form of retinol. (Remember: retinol supports the retina.) Vitamin A’s structural importance to the retina supports good eyesight under low light, which also explains why carrots aren’t only recommended for “good vision” but “good night vision.”

As an “anti-inflammatory” vitamin, vitamin A also plays a critical role in support immune function, which becomes especially pertinent in our older, hyper-inflammatory years.

Why Men Should Supplement Vitamin A

Though macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats) tend to get the most attention in the discussion on nutrition for male health and performance, micronutrients, such as vitamin A, are rarely recognized for their importance in regulating macronutrient homeostasis.

Meaning that micronutrients largely determine the use and function of the macronutrients in your body.

As an essential micronutrient, vitamin A plays a vital role in general health and well-being.

However, vitamin A also seems to be specifically involved in the regulation of carbohydrate, protein, and lipid (fat) metabolism in all of the major metabolically active organs.[2] This goes deeper than the typical “metabolic” concerns of health and fitness enthusiasts, who typically discuss “metabolism” in the context of fat-burning and muscle-building.

What’s more, vitamin A status also correlates with spermatogenesis, the creation of sperm, in conjunction with testosterone and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).[3]

Granted, vitamin A’s complex involvement in virtually all health systems make it difficult to draw a direct link between vitamin A’s biomechanisms and sperm health; however, regardless, research suggests that vitamin A is vitally important to male fertility.

The Relationship Between Vitamins and Vision

Performance Lab Vision Icon

Vitamin A is known as the “vision vitamin,” but vitamin A isn’t the only important nutrient for eyecare.

For age-related degeneration of vision and eye health, research suggests paying special attention to the following nutrients:[4]

  • Vitamin A
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin E
  • Zinc
  • Lutein
  • Zeaxanthin
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Even though many people consider vision to be the most important for the five senses, few seem unaware of the importance micronutrients have in supporting healthy long-term vision.

Vitamin A is important to visual health and performance; however, this vitamin works best in conjunction with all essential vitamins and minerals.

Vitamin A Review: Benefits for Male Health

To call vitamin A’s bio-actions “benefits,” as if they’re just health “bonuses” or “enhancements,” misses the life-essential importance of this vitamin.

You need vitamin A, and you can easily acquire a sufficient amount of vitamin A through a healthy, whole-food diet.

Even so, the health “benefits” of vitamin A are worth considering:

  • Visual Longevity and Performance
  • Skin Health and Complexion
  • Immune Function
  • Protein Synthesis
  • Bone and Teeth Health
  • Sperm Quality
  • Male Fertility

And countless other indirect benefits. Considering how aging impacts many of these measures of male health and performance, in ways that overlap with vitamin A’s bio-mechanisms, it’s a smart move for men to ensure they’re receiving sufficient vitamin A by taking an effective, comprehensive multivitamin.

What Does the Research Say on Vitamin A?

Despite the anecdotal popularity of recommendations such as “eat carrots to improve your eyesight,” the bio-benefits of vitamin A are backed by legitimate science.

Research suggests that vitamin A may help:

Protect male reproductive system against toxicity (animal study)

Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) is a synthetic chemical commonly used as an insecticide on fruit, vegetables, and other plant crops. In addition to protecting crops against insects, HCH also seems to have a deleterious effect on the male reproductive system. In a rat study, a group of researchers observed the effects of vitamin A, as compared to placebo, on various measures of testicular and sperm quality under conditions of HCH exposure.

  • The results found that vitamin A helped combat HCH toxicity in the male reproductive system, leading to the conclusion that vitamin A may possess a protective effect in support of healthy male sexual health and function.[5]

Support healthy sperm motility, morphology, and quality

In a 2013 study on the effects of dietary antioxidant intake, including vitamin A, on semen quality in healthy young men, a group of researchers noted changes in semen volume, total sperm count, concentration, motility, total motile count, and morphology under various nutritional conditions including such dietary micronutrients as vitamin A, C, E, and pro-vitamin A carotenoids.

  • The results demonstrated a significant association between carotenoid intake and higher sperm motility and better sperm morphology, leading to the conclusion that “dietary carotenoids may have a positive impact on semen quality.”[6]

Protect against nuclear cataracts in older adults

In a study on the relationships between a wide range of macro- and micronutrients, including vitamin A, on three main types of cataracts among older adults, 2900 people aged 49 through 97 were assessed to determine any specific correlations between nutrient statuses and risk of developing cataracts later in life.

  • The results noted that higher intakes of protein, vitamin A, niacin, thiamin, and riboflavin were associated with a reduced prevalence of nuclear cataract, a type of cataract commonly associated with aging that forms in the center of the lens (or “nucleus”), leading to the conclusion that “the nucleus of the lens is particularly sensitive to nutrient deficiencies [in] protein, vitamin A, niacin, thiamin, and riboflavin,”[7] suggesting, again, the importance here of comprehensive multivitamin supplementation.

Support antibody-mediated immune responses

In areas where dietary vitamin A is low or relatively inaccessible, infectious diseases tend to spread more readily and at a greater severity in a way that seems associated with vitamin A deficiency. Vitamin A deficiency correlates with impaired immunity due to vitamin A’s role in the development of T-helper (Th) cells and B-cells, making this micronutrient a centrally important vitamin for lowering your risk of infection disease.

  • Research suggests that, in particular, “vitamin A deficiency diminishes antibody-mediated responses directed by Th2 cells, although some aspects of Th1-mediated immunity are also diminished.”[8]

Retinol vs. Beta-Carotene: What’s the Difference?

The two most common vitamin A ingredients in supplements, retinol and beta-carotene differ in the following ways:

  • Retinol – pure vitamin A, a lipid-soluble compound primarily found in fat-containing animal sources; the body stores pure vitamin A in the liver and fatty tissue.
  • Beta-Carotene – a precursor to vitamin A, classified as a “pro-vitamin A” compound, beta-carotene is primarily found in vegetable food sources.

Essentially, the body stores retinol, which stays in the body for a relatively long period of time, whereas beta-carotene is not stored and is, thus, a weaker “vitamin A” ingredient form. However, due to beta-carotene’s significant antioxidant capacity, this means that dietary beta-carotene is required at a greater frequency and dosage to sustain its health-supportive and -maintenance benefits.

Both retinol and beta-carotene together complete a “vitamin A” supplement.

Look for NutriGenesis® Vitamin A+

The best vitamin A for men ingredient, NutriGenesis® Vitamin A+ conjoins both retinol and beta-carotene, in addition to a complex of natural cofactors that increase the absorption rate and bioavailability of vitamin A.

Taken as part of the complete NutriGenesis® multivitamin formula, vitamin A+ is paired with many other key nutraceuticals that assist with male health, performance, virility, immunity, and longevity.

Best Vitamin A Supplement Source: Performance Lab® NutriGenesis® Multi for Men

Suboptimal nutrition negative impacts health and performance.

The modern renaissance man knows this, which is why the modern renaissance man has moved beyond eating just meat, butter, and maybe a little bit of potato to also include green leafy veggies and sprouts and other nutrient-dense foods in their diet.

However, this is easier said than done, considering how nutrient-deprived the modern diet is, thanks to modern food processing and food preservation strategies...

...Which is why the modern renaissance man is also turning towards clean, comprehensive, effective multivitamin supplements such as Performance Lab® NutriGenesis® Multi for Men.

In fact, it’s specifically this formula they’re turning towards to elevate the nutrient foundation of their overall health and fitness.

Get the Best Deal on Performance Lab® NutriGenesis® Multi for Men

Performance Lab® NutriGenesis® Multi for Men Formula Analysis

Supplying all the essential vitamins and minerals, with a special emphasis on the micronutrients key to male health (e.g., zinc), Performance Lab® NutriGenesis® Multi for Men is the be-all, end-all multivitamin supplement for men.

And, yes, NutriGenesis® Multi for Men, in addition to these various life-essential micronutrients, also supplies a healthy dose of vitamin A in both retinol and beta-carotene ingredient forms.

However, what sets this formula apart from other multivitamin supplements, many of which also supply all the essential vitamins and minerals, is how this formula delivers its contents.

The two key components of NutriGenesis® Multi for Men’s delivery system include:

  1. NutriGenesis® - a patented, probiotic-cultured process that creates nature-identical micronutrients complexed with natural cofactors, such as prebiotics, enzymes, fibers, and antioxidants, for enhanced absorption and bioavailability.
  2. NutriCaps® - a plant-based, prebiotic-infused capsule constructed out of fermented tapioca (pullulan) for enhanced digestive comfort and safety.

Sticking with all-natural ingredients and capsules, while avoiding all synthetics and artificial additives, Performance Lab® NutriGenesis® Multi for Men is just as clean as it is effective.

 Which is to say that: Performance Lab® NutriGenesis® Multi for Men is the cleanest and most effective multivitamin supplement for men.

  • All-natural
  • vegan-friendly
  • eco-friendly
  • synthetic-free
  • stim-free
  • non-GMO
All the above mean that this multivitamin formula is safe to use for men of all dietary lifestyles and stomach sensitivities.

Get the Best Deal on Performance Lab® NutriGenesis® Multi for Men

Stack with Performance Lab® Vision to Maximize Visual Performance

A bottle of Performance Lab Vision

If you’re looking into vitamin A to improve your visual health and performance, Performance Lab® Vision needs to be on your radar.

Supplying plant-based pigments and antioxidants backed by clinical research, Vision may boost your ocular fitness by:

  • Protecting macula from harmful blue light emitted from electronic screens, such as the screen you’re staring at right now![9]
  • Reducing oxidative stress build up in the eye with a rich, diverse mix of botanical extracts and eye-healthy antioxidants.[10]
  • Increasing blood flow to the eye to reduce visual fatigue and to keep your eyes well-nourished with oxygen and essential nutrients.[11]
  • Boosting macular pigment ocular density (MPOD) for improved macular health care and all-around better visual performance.[12]

And more.

The combination of these natural bio-benefits result in better visual acuity, motion detection, contrast sensitivity, reaction time, hand-eye coordination, and more.  Protecting the life and longevity of your two most precious organs to ensure healthy, competitive vision for the long run.

A must-have supplement for men who work on computers.

  • Learn more about the Best Vision Supplements here.

Get the Best Deal on Performance Lab® Vision Here

Conclusion

In most developed nations, vitamin A deficiency is a rare occurrence. Even so, as we age, certain health conditions associated with vitamin A deficiency become more and more apparent.

Not to mention that vitamin A status does have a central link to male sexual health and function, making this one of the more important micronutrients to keep in mind as you look for an effective multi for men supplement.

One of the best ways to ensure your vitamin A levels are up to par is to take a daily multi for men supplement: Performance Lab® NutriGenesis® Multi for Men, an ultramodern multivitamin stack for the ultramodern man.

Devoid of any harmful synthetics or artificial additives, Performance Lab® NutriGenesis® Multi for Men is safe to use for daily, long-term use by men of all ages and lifestyles.

References

  1. Allen LH, Haskell M. Estimating the potential for vitamin A toxicity in women and young children. J Nutr. 2002 Sep; 132(9 Suppl): 2907S-2919S.
  2. Chen W, Chen G. The Roles of Vitamin A in the Regulation of Carbohydrate, Lipid, and Protein Metabolism. J Clin Med. 2014 Jun; 3(2): 453-479.
  3. Hogarth CA, Griswold MD. The key role of vitamin A in spermatogenesis. J Clin Invest. 2010 Apr 1; 120(4): 956-962.
  4. Rasmussen HM, Johnson EJ. Nutrients for the aging eye. Clin Interv Aging. 2013; 8: 741-748.
  5. Pius J et al. Protective role of vitamin A in the male reproductive toxicity of hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) in the rat. Reprod Toxicol. 1990; 4(4): 325-30.
  6. Zareba P et al. Semen Quality in Relation to Antioxidant Intake in a Healthy Male Population. Fertil Steril. 2013 Dec; 100(6): 1572-1579.
  7. Cumming RG et al. Diet and cataract: the Blue Mountains Eye Study. Ophthalmology. 2000 Mar; 107(3): 450-6.
  8. Stephensen CB. Vitamin A, infection, and immune function. Annu Rev Nutr. 2001; 21: 167-92.
  9. Vicente-Tejedor J et al. Removal of the blue component of light significantly decreases retinal damage after high intensity exposure. PLoS One. 2018; 13(3): e0194218.
  10. Yildirim Z et al. The role of oxidative stress and antioxidants in the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration. Clinics (Sao Paulo). 2011 May; 66(5): 743-746.
  11. Nomi Y et al. Therapeutic Effects of Anthocyanins for Vision and Eye Health. Molecules. 2019 Sep; 24(18): 3311.
  12. Koh HH et al. Plasma and macular responses to lutein supplement in subjects with and without age-related maculopathy: a pilot study. Exp Eye Res. 2004 Jul; 79(1): 21-7.