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A Vitamin Overdose in Vitamin A Can Kill YouVitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin, which means that it is stored in the body fat for later use. Hence, a small quantity goes a long way and it very easy to overdose on Vitamin A. Take extra caution when using the vitamin for supplementation. The vitamin is very harmful in high doses and may lead to toxicity. Pregnant women, in particular, should avoid Vitamin A overdose. They should not take more than 5,000 IU daily. Higher doses may cause birth defects. If you are taking higher doses of Vitamin A and do not want to become pregnant, safe birth control is recommended to avoid both vitamin overdose and potential birth defects in case pregnancy occurs. Vitamin A overdose may also occur if you take Vitamin A with a skin drug called isotretinoin. Talk to your doctor before adding supplementation if you are on prescription medication. Vitamin A overdose may cause severe effects. A dose of 500,000 IU immediately causes vomiting and weakness. As little as 25,000 IU can lead to liver problems like cirrhosis. Signs of Vitamin A overdose include dry skin, brittle nails, hair loss, weight loss, nausea, fatigue and bleeding gums. Most multivitamins supply the right amount of Vitamin A. It is recommended that you do not take more than 10,000 IU per day. Take your Vitamin A supplements with food as consuming it with fat speeds absorption, preventing overdose. Take it with Vitamin E and zinc for speedy absorption. Also Read: |