NutriStack
Isotretinoin and Vitamin A, contraindicated.
Isotretinoin is a retinoid (13-cis-retinoic acid) that acts as a potent form of vitamin A. Adding supplemental vitamin A to isotretinoin therapy creates severe hypervitaminosis A, causing potentially fatal liver damage, intracranial hypertension (pseudotumor cerebri), severe skin reactions, and teratogenic effects.
One pair, every claim cited. The two substances, the type, the mechanism, the recommendation, and the primary literature.
Same shape as the other 1,729 pairs in the public database.
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What the row says.
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At a glance
- Substances
- Isotretinoin and Vitamin A
- Pair type
- Contraindicated
- Evidence (highest tier)
- Strong
- Source citations
- 1 source
- Stack Score effect
- −25 to your Stack Score (per scored contraindication row).
- Scope
- Supplement × Prescription
- Last verified
- May 30, 2026
Contraindicated · Strong evidence
Contraindicated
What is happening. Isotretinoin is a retinoid (13-cis-retinoic acid) that acts as a potent form of vitamin A. Adding supplemental vitamin A to isotretinoin therapy creates severe hypervitaminosis A, causing potentially fatal liver damage, intracranial hypertension (pseudotumor cerebri), severe skin reactions, and teratogenic effects.
Mechanism. Isotretinoin is itself a retinoid that activates retinoid receptors (RAR/RXR). Additional vitamin A provides more retinoid activity, causing toxic accumulation. Hypervitaminosis A leads to hepatic stellate cell activation (liver fibrosis), increased intracranial pressure, and severe mucocutaneous toxicity.
Recommendation. Do not take any vitamin A supplements, cod liver oil, or multivitamins containing vitamin A while on isotretinoin. This includes beta-carotene at high doses. Check all supplement labels for vitamin A content.
Sources (1)
Stack Score
How this pair moves the number.
Effect on the composite score
If both Isotretinoin and Vitamin A are in the same stack, this pair applies −25 to your Stack Score (per scored contraindication row).
The full algorithm, the clamping rules, and four worked stacks are documented at /methodology/stack-score.
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