Hypervitaminosis A is having too much vitamin A in the body. The condition may be acute or chronic.

Acute toxicity occurs after taking large amounts of vitamin A in a short span of time. Chronic toxicity occurs when excess of vitamin gets accumulated in your body over long period.  

CAUSES

Excess Vitamin A is stored in the human liver. Most people develop Vitamin A toxicity when they take high-dose dietary supplements, as a result of megavitamin therapy and high doses of Vitamin A (Retinol) for acne treatments.

Acute Vitamin A toxicity in children is usually the result of accidental ingestion. How much Vitamin A do you need?
According to the recommended dietary allowances (RDA NIN) for vitamin A are:

SOURCES OF VITAMIN A

• Milk
• Eggs
• Dark fruits
• Leafy, green vegetables
• Orange and yellow vegetables (sweet potatoes, carrots)
• Tomato products
• Some vegetable oils
• Fortified foods (which have added vitamins) like cereal
• Liver
• Fish and fish oils

SYMPTOMS

• Symptoms differ based on whether toxicity is acute or chronic. Headaches and rash are common in both forms of the illness.
• Symptoms of acute Vitamin A toxicity include:
• Drowsiness
• Abdominal Pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting

  Symptoms of chronic Vitamin A toxicity include:

• Blurry vision
• Swelling of the bones
• Poor appetite
• Dizziness
• Nausea / Vomiting
• Sensitivity to Sunlight
• Itchy skin
• Cracked fingernails
• Hair Loss
• Respiratory Infection
• Confusion

COMPLICATIONS

• Liver damage
• Osteoporosis
• Kidney damage due to excess calcium
• In expecting or about to become pregnant woman, too much Vitamin A may result in defects in the foetus. The correct amount of Vitamin A is vital for the development of a fetus. However, excess Vitamin A consumption during pregnancy is known to cause birth defects that may affect a baby’s eyes, skull, lungs, and heart.

TREATMENT

The 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.