Retinol (preformed vitamin A) is one of the most overlooked nutrients in modern nutrition. In Morley Robbins’ Root Cause Protocol (RCP), retinol is actually the first essential supplement, long before copper, because retinol drives iron balance, supports energy production, and enables the body to activate copper properly.
According to Robbins, iron dysregulation, rather than deficiency, is a prevalent issue. The root cause often stems from copper and retinol insufficiency. This highlights the importance of maintaining a balance of essential nutrients for optimal health.
For anyone looking to restore metabolic balance, improve immunity, or enhance mitochondrial function, retinol-rich cod liver oil is one of the most powerful tools available. This article explains how retinol works, why Morley Robbins prioritizes it, the benefits it provides, and how to use it safely and effectively.
What Is Morley Robbins Retinol (Cod Liver Oil-Vitamin A)?
Morley Robbins recommends whole-food retinol from cod liver oil as a foundational part of the Root Cause Protocol. Unlike beta carotene (a plant precursor), retinol is the active form of vitamin A that the body can use immediately.
Retinol plays a major role in:
Building ceruloplasmin (the copper-carrying protein)
Regulating iron metabolism
Supporting thyroid and adrenal function
Enhancing mitochondrial energy production
Strengthening immune and mucosal barriers
Maintaining healthy skin, eyes, and reproductive systems
Robbins emphasizes that without adequate retinol, copper cannot load properly into enzymes, iron cannot be mobilized, and energy production becomes unstable.
In other words: retinol is the on-switch for mineral balance and metabolic health.
Good Sources of Retinol?
Morley Robbins recommends obtaining retinol from animal-based food sources that are rich in preformed vitamin A. He specifically mentions:
Grass-fed butter
Beef liver
Pastured egg yolks
Raw milk
Cod liver oil (especially Rosita brand)
How Retinol Works & Benefits for the Body
In the RCP, Retinol has a global impact on many biochemical pathways. Here’s why it’s central to RCP:
1. Supports Iron Metabolism
Retinol is required for the production of ferroportin, the protein that exports iron from tissues into circulation. Without retinol, iron becomes trapped in cells, leading to:
Elevated ferritin
Fatigue
Inflammation
Oxidative stress
Retinol also supports ceruloplasmin production — the copper-dependent protein that converts iron into its safe, usable form.
2. Enables Copper Utilization
Copper only becomes biologically active when attached to ceruloplasmin. Retinol is required for the liver to build ceruloplasmin correctly.
Without retinol:
copper remains “unbound”
copper supplements don’t work
oxidative stress rises
This is why Robbins insists retinol comes before copper in the protocol.
3. Strengthens Immune Function
Retinol is necessary for:
T-cell regulation
mucosal immune barriers
anti-inflammatory signaling
healthy skin and epithelial tissue
Low retinol = weak immune resilience.
4. Enhances Mitochondrial Function
Retinol is essential for mitochondrial membranes and helps control oxidative phosphorylation. A deficiency can lead to:
fatigue
low metabolic output
poor exercise tolerance
5. Supports Thyroid and Hormone Production
Retinol influences:
T4 → T3 conversion
steroid hormone synthesis
cortisol balance
reproductive hormone regulation
Healthy hormones require adequate retinol.
6. Protects Vision and Skin Health
Retinol is required for:
visual pigment regeneration
collagen production
healthy skin turnover
acne and eczema resistance
It is one of the most widely beneficial fat-soluble nutrients. And works with copper supplement in the MLP Formulary.
Conclusion
The Morley Robbins Retinol supplement is one of the most important components of the Root Cause Protocol. Retinol’s unique role in iron regulation, copper activation, immune support, hormone balance, and mitochondrial function makes it a cornerstone nutrient for restoring metabolic health.
By incorporating retinol from whole-food cod liver oil into your daily routine, you build the foundation for stable mineral balance, improved energy, and long-term wellness — exactly as the Root Cause Protocol intends.