Vitamin A toxicity occurs when all the protein carriers of vitamin A become saturated, allowing retinol to re-enter the cell. High vitamin A concentrations have teratogenic effects, so avoiding consuming liver during pregnancy is recommended.
Symptoms of vitamin A toxicity
If you experience symptoms of vitamin A toxicity, such as headache, rash, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, drowsiness, irritability, increased intracranial pressure, hair loss, itchy skin, muscle and bone pain, elevated blood lipid levels, enlarged liver and spleen, pseudotumor cerebri, dry or cracked skin and lips, and coarse hair, please consult a healthcare professional immediately.
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Blurred vision | Vitamin A toxicity can cause blurred vision, double vision, and other eye problems. |
| Vomiting/nausea | Vitamin A toxicity can cause vomiting, nausea, and abdominal pain. |
| Bone swelling and pain | Vitamin A toxicity can cause bone swelling and pain, especially in the long bones of the arms and legs. |
| Hypercarotenemia | Vitamin A toxicity can cause hypercarotenemia, a yellowing of the skin and eyes. |
| Confusion | Vitamin A toxicity can cause confusion, headaches, and dizziness. |
| Hair loss | Vitamin A toxicity can cause hair loss, especially on the scalp. |
| Infections | Vitamin A toxicity can increase the risk of infections, especially respiratory diseases. |
| Liver damage | Vitamin A toxicity can cause liver damage. |
| Congenital disabilities | Vitamin A toxicity can cause congenital disabilities, especially in the skull, brain, and spinal cord. |
