Dosages of vitamin A below 250,000 IU per day for several months rarely cause toxicity symptoms. Chapped lips and dry skin, which may be early symptoms, will generally occur in the majority of patients, particularly in dry weather.
The first significant toxic symptom is usually headache followed by fatigue, emotional lability, and muscle and joint pain. Laboratory tests appear unreliable for monitoring toxicity, since serum vitamin A levels correlate poorly with toxicity, and SGOT and SGPT are elevated only in symptomatic patients. More importantly, there is concern about the teratogenicity of massive dosages of vitamin A. Women of child-bearing age should use effective birth control during treatment and for at least one month after discontinuation.
Signs, symptoms & indicators of Vitamin A Toxicity
Constant fatigue
Chapped lips
Chapped lips and dry skin, which may be early symptoms, will generally occur in the majority of patients, particularly in dry weather.
Emotional instability
Tender muscles
Joint pain/swelling/stiffness
Conditions that suggest Vitamin A Toxicity
Dry skin
Chapped lips and dry skin, which may be early symptoms, will occur in a majority of patients with vitamin A toxicity, particularly in dry weather.
Male Hair Loss
Vitamin A toxicity symptoms include skin that has a rough and dry appearance, hair loss and brittle nails.
Female Hair Loss
Vitamin A toxicity symptoms include skin that has a rough and dry appearance, hair loss and brittle nails.
Vitamin A Toxicity can lead to
Dry skin
Chapped lips and dry skin, which may be early symptoms, will occur in a majority of patients with vitamin A toxicity, particularly in dry weather.
Male Hair Loss
Vitamin A toxicity symptoms include skin that has a rough and dry appearance, hair loss and brittle nails.
Female Hair Loss
Vitamin A toxicity symptoms include skin that has a rough and dry appearance, hair loss and brittle nails.
Recommendations for Vitamin A Toxicity
Key
| Weak or unproven link |
| Strong or generally accepted link |
| Proven definite or direct link |
| Avoid absolutely |
Glossary
Vitamin A
A fat-soluble vitamin essential to one's health. Plays an important part in the growth and repair of body tissue, protects epithelial tissue, helps maintain the skin and is necessary for night vision. It is also necessary for normal growth and formation of bones and teeth. For Vitamin A only, 1mg translates to 833 IU.
Provitamin
A substance found in certain foods, that the body may convert into a vitamin. Also called previtamin.
Beta-Carotene
The most abundant of the carotenoids, beta-carotene has strong provitamin A activity and is a stronger antioxidant than vitamin A. It is widely accepted today as a cancer preventative. It is found in leafy green and yellow vegetables, often missing in children's diets. Beta-Carotene is believed to be a superior source of Vitamin A because it is readily converted into a more active form of the substance: your body converts it to Vitamin A as needed.
Carotene
Converted into vitamin A in the body from a yellow pigment that has several forms (i.e., alpha-, beta-, and gamma-carotene).
Zinc
An essential trace mineral. The functions of zinc are enzymatic. There are over 70 metalloenzymes known to require zinc for their functions. The main biochemicals in which zinc has been found to be necessary include: enzymes and enzymatic function, protein synthesis and carbohydrate metabolism. Zinc is a constituent of insulin and male reproductive fluid. Zinc is necessary for the proper metabolism of alcohol, to get rid of the lactic acid that builds up in working muscles and to transfer it to the lungs. Zinc is involved in the health of the immune system, assists vitamin A utilization and is involved in the formation of bone and teeth.
Vitamin E
An essential fat-soluble vitamin. As an antioxidant, helps protect cell membranes, lipoproteins, fats and vitamin A from destructive oxidation. It helps protect red blood cells and is important for the proper function of nerves and muscles. For Vitamin E only, 1mg translates to 1 IU.
IU
International Units. One IU is 1/40th (0.025) of a microgram (mcg).
Chapped
Roughened, reddened, or cracked skin, especially as a result of cold or exposure.
Serum
The cell-free fluid of the bloodstream. It appears in a test tube after the blood clots and is often used in expressions relating to the levels of certain compounds in the blood stream.
Teratogenicity
Property of an agent that causes physical defects in the developing embryo.