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Hypervitaminosis A
Medical Questions » Hypervitaminosis A
| Name: Hypervitaminosis A |
| Also known as: Carotenaemia |
| Vitamin A is found in leafy green vegetables, dairy products, liver and yellow colored foods such as carrots, pumpkin, mangoes, paw paws, oranges and apricots that contain large quantities of a yellow substance known as carotene. Excess levels of carotene and vitamin A (hypervitaminosis A) therefore occur simultaneously in most cases. |
Causes of Hypervitaminosis A
Eating excessive amounts of vitamin A tablets or yellow fruit and vegetables. Huge quantities must be consumed, but patients who develop a craving for one particular type of food can consume sufficient for the symptoms to appear in a few weeks. |
Symptoms of Hypervitaminosis A
Loss of appetite and weight, yellow coloring of the skin (particularly the palms and soles, but unlike liver diseases, not the whites of the eyes), brittle nails, dry and cracked skin, sore gums, headaches and other more bizarre symptoms. |
Tests for Hypervitaminosis A
All blood tests normal, but yellow palms and soles are diagnostic features. |
Treatment for Hypervitaminosis A
Not eating the offending foods and vitamin supplements.
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Complications of Hypervitaminosis A of its treatment
Can cause deformities to the fetus of a pregnant woman, and therefore large doses of vitamin A should be avoided during pregnancy. |
Likely Outcome of Hypervitaminosis A
Almost invariably resolves slowly over a few weeks without long-term damage. |
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