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Retinyl Palmitate

Low concern

Retinyl palmitate is FDA-approved for vitamin A fortification. Vitamin A is essential, but preformed vitamin A has a defined Tolerable Upper Intake Level (3,000 mcg RAE/day for adults) due to teratogenicity and hepatic toxicity at chronic high doses, especially relevant for pregnancy.

Found in
34,334 products

What it is

Ester of retinol (vitamin A) and palmitic acid; preformed vitamin A.

Vitamin A fortificant in dairy and other foods.

Why it's flagged

What regulators actually say

"Excessive intake of preformed vitamin A can have toxic effects... High preformed vitamin A intakes during pregnancy can cause birth defects."

Regulatory status

United States — FDA

GRAS for fortification (21 CFR 184.1930)

European Union — EFSA

Permitted as fortificant

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