disorders of nutrition
Vitamin A Excess
Symptoms ofVitamin AExcess
Most people withvitamin Atoxicity have a headache and rash. Consuming too muchvitamin Aover 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 ofvitamin Acan cause liver damage. It can also cause birth defects in a fetus. Later symptoms include severe headaches and general weakness. Bone and joint pain are common, especially among children. Fractures may occur easily, especially in older people. Children may lose their appetite and not grow and develop normally. Their skin may itch. The liver and spleen may enlarge. Taking very high doses ofvitamin Aorisotretinoin(a drug derived fromvitamin Aused to treat severe acne) during pregnancy can cause birth defects. Consuming very large amounts ofvitamin Aall at once can cause drowsiness, irritability, headache, nausea, and vomiting within hours, sometimes followed by peeling of the skin. Pressure within the skull is increased, particularly in children, and vomiting occurs. Coma and death may occur unlessvitamin Aconsumption is stopped. Takingisotretinoin(avitamin Aderivative used to treat severe acne) during pregnancy may cause birth defects. Women who are or who may become pregnant should not consumevitamin Ain amounts above the safe upper limit (3,000 micrograms) because birth defects are a risk. 