Vitamin A Acetate (Retinyl Acetate)

Vitamin A acetate, chemically all-trans-retinyl acetate (CAS 127-47-9, C22H32O2, molecular weight 328.49), is the acetate ester of retinol and the most widely traded stabilised form of vitamin A for nutritional use. Vitamin A is an established essential nutrient with a defined role in normal vision, in the maintenance of epithelial tissue and skin, and in normal immune system function; the acetate ester is used because it is markedly more stable to oxidation than free retinol while delivering the same nutritional activity after hydrolysis. Potency is expressed in International Units, with 1 IU of vitamin A corresponding to 0.344 µg of all-trans retinyl acetate, giving a theoretical maximum of approximately 2,907,000 IU per gram. Thovek supplies the material in the forms the trade actually buys. Crystalline vitamin A acetate is offered at minimum 2,800,000 IU/g as a pale yellow to yellow crystalline powder, melting at 57-58 °C. Oil dilutions are supplied at 1.0 and 1.5 million IU/g in refined vegetable oil, stabilised with all-rac-alpha-tocopherol, for oil-miscible softgels, emulsions and edible oil fortification. Dry grades are spray-dried, starch-coated beadlets at 500,000 IU/g and cold-water-dispersible grades at 325,000 IU/g, in which the vitamin is finely dispersed in a gelatin, sucrose and modified starch matrix and protected with BHT and BHA; these are supplied at a 60 mesh cut as standard and are the preferred choice for tabletting, dry-blend premixes, sachets and beverage powders. The compound is practically insoluble in water and soluble in ethanol, chloroform and vegetable oils; CWS and CWD beadlets disperse in cold water to give clear to opalescent solutions. Every consignment is despatched against a batch certificate of analysis covering identity, potency by the relevant pharmacopeial method, loss on drying, residue on ignition, heavy metals and microbiological limits, with residual solvent and elemental impurity (ICH Q3D) data available on request. Because retinyl acetate is sensitive to light, oxygen, heat and moisture, all grades are filled under nitrogen into light-tight, moisture-barrier packing and are recommended for storage below 25 °C in the unopened original container. Export documentation includes COA, MSDS, allergen, GMO, BSE/TSE and halal/kosher declarations as required, with samples available for qualification before bulk despatch.