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Evaluation of vitamin A toxicity
J N Hathcock1, D G Hattan, M Y Jenkins
1Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration, Washington, DC 20204.
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|August 1, 1990
Summary
Excessive vitamin A intake from supplements or diet can cause toxicity, especially in vulnerable groups like children and pregnant women. Beta-carotene is a safer alternative with much lower toxicity risks.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Toxicology
Background:
- Vitamin A is essential but can be toxic in high doses.
- Toxicity is linked to preformed vitamin A from supplements and diet.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the adverse effects and toxicity of vitamin A.
- To identify vulnerable populations and risk factors for vitamin A toxicity.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of vitamin A toxicity studies.
- Analysis of reported cases of vitamin A toxicity.
Main Results:
- High intake (25,000-50,000 IU/d) for months causes adverse effects.
- Compromised liver function, certain drugs, and specific populations (children, pregnant women) increase risk.
- Beta-carotene shows significantly lower toxicity compared to preformed vitamin A.
Conclusions:
- Vitamin A abuse poses significant health risks.
- Vulnerable groups require careful monitoring of intake.
- Beta-carotene offers a safer alternative for vitamin A supplementation.