Hypervitaminosis A, or vitamin A toxicity, occurs when you have too much vitamin A in your body. This condition may be acute or chronic. Acute toxicity occurs after consuming large amounts of vitamin A over a short period of time, typically within a few hours or days.
What can result from too much vitamin A or vitamin A toxicity?
Most people with vitamin A toxicity have a headache and rash. Consuming too much vitamin A over a long period of time can cause coarse hair, partial loss of hair (including the eyebrows), cracked lips, and dry, rough skin. Chronic consumption of large doses of vitamin A can cause liver damage.
Why does vitamin A cause Hypervitaminosis?
Hypervitaminosis A refers to the toxic effects of ingesting too much preformed vitamin A (retinyl esters, retinol, and retinal). Symptoms arise as a result of altered bone metabolism and altered metabolism of other fat-soluble vitamins.
What is the most common cause of vitamin A toxicity?
Supplements are the most common cause of vitamin A toxicity. It tends not to occur just from eating vitamin A-rich foods. Too much vitamin A can make you sick. Taking large doses during pregnancy can cause birth defects.
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