When we have too much of a certain vitamin in our bodies, it is called hypervitaminosis or vitamin toxicity. It is possible to overdo consumption of Vitamin A in both, short and long periods of time. This happens either by consuming large amounts of Vitamin A in a small amount of time or by gradually overdoing Vitamin A intake over an extended period of time leading to the accumulation of a large amount of the substance in our bodies.
Generally speaking, conditions that happen in short time-frame are called ‘Acute’ and those that build up over longer periods of time are called ‘Chronic’.
Symptoms
If you’ve been overdoing your Vitamin A, here are some of the possible symptoms. If the condition has happened over a short span of time (acute), its symptoms are different than if it developed over a longer period of time (chronic).
Symptoms of Acute Vitamin A Hypervitaminosis
- Abdominal pain
- Drowsiness
- Increased pressure on the brain
- Irritability
- Nausea/vomiting
Symptoms of Chronic Vitamin A Hypervitaminosis
- Blurred vision
- Bone pain
- Confusion
- Cracked fingernails
- Dizziness
- Dry/rough skin that may itch or peel
- Hair loss
- Ulcers in the mouth
- Nausea/vomiting
- Reduced appetite
- Respiratory infection
- Sensitivity to sunlight
- Cracked skin at the corners of the mouth
- Swelling of the bones
- Yellowed skin
If you have two or more of the symptoms above, it would be a good idea to visit a doctor and seek treatment.
References:
- https://www.healthline.com/health/hypervitaminosis-a
