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Colesevelam

Colesevelam & Vitamin A

Depletes Vitamin A. This medication is commonly used for High Cholesterol

Why Colesevelam affects Vitamin A

Bile acid sequestrants work by binding to cholesterol and bile acids in the intestine, unfortunately, they can also bind to fat soluble vitamins like vitamin A, hindering its uptake into the bloodstream. For individuals taking bile acid sequestrants, supplementing with vitamin A may be advisable to prevent or address potential deficiencies.

Clinical Evidence

Probstfield JL, Lin TL, Peters J, Hunninghake DB. Carotenoids and vitamin A: the effect of hypocholesterolemic agents on serum levels. Metabolism. 1985 Jan;34(1):88-91. doi: 10.1016/0026-0495(85)90066-6. PMID: 3965864.Werbach MR. Foundations of Nutritional Medicine. Tarzana, CA: Third Line Press, 1997, 224 [review]. Threlkeld DS, ed. Cardiovascular Drugs, Antihyperlipidemic Agents, Bile Acid Sequestrants. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, Feb 1999, 171L.

Recommended Replacement

67% Retinol;33% Beta carotene1,500 IU

Related Health Impacts

  • Vision Loss & Dry Eyes

    Vitamin A deficiency can damage the surface of the eye in both children and adults, progressing from dry, uncomfortable eyes and night‑vision problems to xerophthalmia and, in severe cases, permanent blindness if it is missed. Regular vitamin A from food and, when appropriate, thoughtfully used supplements can meaningfully reduce this risk; in one large analysis, children in the highest overall intake group had about a 62 percent lower risk of xerophthalmia than those in the lowest group (multivariate relative risk 0.38, 95 percent confidence interval 0.19–0.74). Vitamin A deficiency and xerophthalmia have been documented not just in low‑resource settings but also in at‑risk children and adults in developed countries, so anyone with unexplained dry eyes, night‑vision changes, or corneal findings should have vitamin A status considered and be referred promptly for ophthalmology review to help protect their sight.

Supplement Recommendation

Vitamin A (Beta Carotene -25% ; Retinyl Palmitate-75%) by Solaray7500 mcg

Other Nutrients Affected by Colesevelam

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