Vitamin A is an important fat-soluble vitamin that aids our immune system, skin, and reproductive health. Being fat-soluble, vitamin A is stored to a variable degree in the body, making it more likely to cause toxicity when taken in excess amounts. While higher doses of vitamin A are well tolerated in cases of acute illness, it is important to be familiar with the common signs of vitamin A toxicity.
Common symptoms of vitamin A toxicity include:
- Headache
- Stomach pains, nausea or vomiting
- Irritability
- Blurry vision
- Muscle pain or weakness
If you are taking a vitamin A supplement and experience any of these symptoms, please discontinue and call your healthcare provider.
It is important to note that the appropriate dose of Vitamin A for adults is significantly different from that of children, pregnant women or women who are trying to conceive. Check with your doctor to be sure of the dose that is right for you.