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. Chronic toxicity occurs when large amounts of vitamin A build up in the body over a long period of time. Symptoms include visual changes, bone pain, and skin changes. Chronic toxicity can lead to liver damage and increased pressure on the brain. This condition can be diagnosed using blood tests to check your vitamin A levels. Most people improve simply by decreasing their intake of vitamin A. Part 2 of 8: Causes Causes of Hypervitaminosis AExcess amounts of vitamin A are stored in the liver, allowing it to accumulate over time. Most people develop vitamin A toxicity by taking high-dose dietary supplements, or by taking more than the recommended amount over a long period of time. This may be the result of megavitamin therapy, which involves consuming very large doses of certain vitamins in an attempt to prevent or treat diseases. It may also be caused by long-term use of certain acne treatments that contain high doses of vitamin A. Additionally, liver disease and alcoholism may increase a person’s risk for this condition. According to the Merck Manual for Health Care Professionals, acute vitamin A toxicity is often the result of accidental ingestion by children (Merck Manual, 2007). Part 3 of 8: Symptoms Symptoms of Hypervitaminosis ASymptoms vary based on whether toxicity is acute or chronic; however headaches and rash are common to both types. vitamin A toxicitySymptoms of acute include:
Part 4 of 8: Complications Potential ComplicationsThe correct amount of vitamin A is crucial for the development of a fetus, specifically the heart, ears, eyes, and limbs. However, excess vitamin A consumption during pregnancy is known to cause birth defects that may affect the eyes, skull, lungs, and heart. Other potential complications include:
Diagnosing Hypervitaminosis ATo diagnose this condition, your doctor will perform a physical examination and ask questions about your symptoms and any medications or supplements you are taking. To confirm the diagnosis, your doctor will likely order blood tests to check the levels of vitamin A in your blood. Part 6 of 8: Treatment How Hypervitaminosis A Is TreatedThe most effective way to treat this condition is to stop taking high-dose vitamin A supplements. Most people make a full recovery within a few weeks. Complications, such as liver or kidney damage, must be treated independently. Part 7 of 8: Outlook Long Term OutlookOutlook depends on the severity of the vitamin A toxicity and how quickly it was treated. Most people make a full recovery once they stop taking vitamin A supplements. For those who develop complications, such as kidney or liver damage, outlook will depend on the severity of the damage. Birth defects caused by excessive amounts of vitamin A are irreversible. Part 8 of 8: Sources Sources of Vitamin AYou can get most of the vitamin A your body needs from a healthy diet alone. Foods that contain vitamin A include:
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