Vitamin A Side Effects

Vitamins are essential to a health body. However, even too much of a good thing may be harmful. The recommended daily allowance (RDA) of vitamin A is 2,600 IU for children and up to 5,000 for adults. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that promotes healthy skin, hair, bones and aids in repairing tissue.

Decrease Beta-Carotene

• Beta-carotene converts to vitamin A too, so if a beta-carotene supplement is being taken, the vitamin A supplements should decrease.
  Also, watch the amount of carrots, beef liver or fish oil you ingest since they contain vitamin A. Too much will raise your amount of the vitamin to above the RDA.

Toxicity

• Toxic levels of vitamin A could result from low levels of the vitamin. The symptoms could include dizziness, nausea, headaches, changes in skin or irritability. Long term effects of toxic levels of vitamin A could include loss of hair, liver damage or elevated blood lipid concentrations.

Birth Defects

• Pregnant women must be cautious when taking vitamin A. It has been linked to birth defects.

Children

• Vitamin A is stored in the liver and in children could be very toxic.

RDA

• A dosage larger than the RDA in adults could lead to a bigger chance of bone fractures as we get older.