# Vitamin A Palmitate

> Source URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/vitamin-a-palmitate
> Markdown URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/vitamin-a-palmitate.md

**Safety rating:** SAFE
**CAS number:** 79-81-2
**Category:** colorant
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-04

## Summary

Vitamin A Palmitate is a fat-soluble form of vitamin A used as both a colorant and nutritional supplement in food products. It provides the essential nutrient retinol in a stable, shelf-stable form suitable for fortification of foods and beverages.

## Regulatory status

| Country | Status |
| --- | --- |
| United States | approved |
| European Union | not_evaluated |
| United Kingdom | approved |
| Canada | approved |
| Australia | approved |
| Japan | approved |
| South Korea | approved |
| Brazil | approved |
| China | approved |
| India | approved |

## Detailed analysis

## Key Studies

Longitudinal research on vitamin A fortification programs demonstrates significant public health benefits, particularly in reducing childhood mortality and morbidity in deficient populations. Studies published in nutrition journals confirm that vitamin A Palmitate remains biochemically stable in fortified foods throughout shelf life when proper packaging and storage conditions are maintained. The esterification process that creates vitamin A Palmitate has been shown to improve bioavailability compared to some alternative vitamin A forms, as the palmitic acid facilitates absorption in the small intestine. Research on fortification efficacy shows that vitamin A Palmitate effectively increases circulating retinol levels in deficient populations when consumed as part of fortified staple foods. Standard toxicology studies, including those conducted for regulatory approval, found no adverse effects at levels far exceeding those used in food fortification.

## Brands using Vitamin A Palmitate

- Abbott (22 products)
- Silk (20 products)
- Breyers (13 products)
- Hot Pockets (13 products)
- Enfamil (11 products)
- Bob Evans (10 products)
- Abbott Nutrition (9 products)
- Philadelphia (9 products)
- Halo Top (8 products)
- KSF Acquisition Corporation (8 products)
- Klondike (8 products)
- Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (7 products)
- Abbott Laboratories Inc (5 products)
- HOT POCKETS (5 products)
- Johanna Foods, Inc. (5 products)
- Bimbo (4 products)
- Earth's Best (4 products)
- Kraft (4 products)
- Oikos (4 products)
- Rexall Sundown, Inc. (4 products)
- Velveeta (4 products)
- Bob Evans Farms Inc (3 products)
- Conagra Brands, Inc (3 products)
- Kellogg's (3 products)
- Kemps LLC (3 products)
- Safeway, Inc. (3 products)
- Upfield US Inc (3 products)
- Yocrunch (3 products)
- Apple & Eve,  LLC (2 products)
- Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc. (2 products)

## Sources

- FDA Substances Added to Food (CFSAN)
- OpenFDA Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS)
- OpenFDA Food Recalls
- EFSA OpenFoodTox
- EU Food Additive Portal

## Citation

Additive Facts. "Vitamin A Palmitate — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/vitamin-a-palmitate. Accessed 2026-05-20.