Know what excess of this essential vitamin A does to your body

Overconsumption of essential vitamins leads to toxicity

Vitamins are essential to the body, no doubt. But contrary to what many believe, an overdose of it does not give the body extra benefit or does not make the body retain the benefits. In fact, having excess vitamins, no matter how essential they are, leads to toxicity and has severe side effects on the body.

According to experts the side effects due to overconsumption of vitamin A can range from headache to liver damage to even birth defects.

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Vitamin A or retinol improves vision

Vitamin A is known for its role in improving the vision of human eyes. Also known as retinol, vitamin A helps the body's immune system work efficiently against illness and infection.

Apart from this, it also keeps the skin including the lining of the nose healthy.

It is also known to lower the risk of certain cancers like cervical, lung and bladder cancer.

​What is the normal intake amount of vitamin A?

As per the data gathered from several health agencies, the amount of vitamin A adults need is 700 micrograms for men and 600 micrograms for women.

Experts have said that one should always try to fulfill the vitamin A requirement from the diet itself.

Another interesting fact is that most of the vitamin A is stored in the body in the liver as retinyl esters.

What happens when you over consume vitamin A?

Several research studies have confirmed the worst side effects of vitamin A on the human body.

Overconsumption of vitamin A, which is having it in the form of food or supplements more than the required amount is likely to affect the bone. If left unchecked, this can lead to severe fractures in old age.

Irrespective of food or supplements one should be extra careful with vitamin A consumption. If you are having vitamin A rich food, make sure you do not take supplements.

The various side effects are:

• Vision issues
• Poor appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sensitivity to sunlight
• Hair loss
• Headache
• Dry skin; which gets itchy sometimes
• Stunted growth
• Confusion

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​What are the critical side effects of an overdose of vitamin A?

Apart from the mild signs mentioned above, which should not be ignored and taken to the notice of a doctor, there are several critical signs of a vitamin A overdose. These signs are:

• Liver damage
• Jaundice
• Severe pain in joint areas
• Unexplained headache