retinyl acetate

Retinyl acetate is a synthetic acetate ester of retinol (vitamin A alcohol) and a lipid-soluble *provitamin A* compound used as a dietary supplement or food additive to fortify foods with vitamin A[4][2][3]. After ingestion, retinyl acetate is hydrolyzed in the intestine to release retinol, which is then absorbed and converted in the body to retinal (necessary for vision), and retinoic acid (which acts as a ligand for retinoic acid receptors, regulating gene transcription critical for cell differentiation, immune function, and epithelial maintenance)[1][4]. Used primarily for vitamin A supplementation or to treat/prevent vitamin A deficiency, it has good stability compared to retinol.

Brand names

MyvakMyvaxCrystaletsDavitan A 650

Other names

retinol acetateall-trans-retinol acetateall-trans-retinyl acetateall-trans-vitamin A acetatetrans-retinyl acetatevitamin A acetatevitamin A1 acetatetrans-vitamin A acetatevitamin A alcohol acetate