Hypervitaminosis is the excessive accumulation of a vitamin; this condition involves too much vitamin A .
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
There are two types of vitamin A toxicity, one caused by taking too much vitamin A over a short period of time (acute form) and one that occurs when the excess of the vitamin is present over a longer period (chronic hypervitaminosis A). In an infant, the suddenly intake of too much vitamin A may cause a bulging fontanelle ("soft spot" on the head) and symptoms resembling those of a brain tumor . This group of symptoms is called "pseudotumor cerebri" and it includes a bulging fontanelle, papilledema ( swelling of the optic disc), and double vision . Vomiting and drowsiness are common. The symptoms in adults are less specific. Headache, visual changes, and impaired consciousness suggestive of pseudotumor cerebri may occur. Other symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and blurry vision. Chronic vitamin A toxicity develops after taking excessive doses of the substance for extended periods. Bone pain and swelling of the bones is common, often associated with high levels of calcium in the blood. Other symptoms include hair loss, high cholesterol, liver damage, and vision problems. Symptoms are often subtle and may include fatigue, malaise, and nausea. In children, hypervitaminosis A can cause craniotabes (abnormal softening of the skull bones). Irritability, decreased appetite , itchy skin, and poor weight gain are common. There may be skin changes with seborrhea (extremely oily skin and hair) and cracking at the corners of the mouth. Increased intracranial pressure is seen in both acute and chronic forms.
Signs and tests
Serum vitamin A levels A history of either acute vitamin A ingestion or long-term ingestion at levels above recommended values
Periosteal calcification (hands) High blood calcium levels High serum creatinine (suggestive of kidney damage)
Treatment
Treatment involves simply stopping the use of excess vitamin A .
Expectations (prognosis)
Full recovery is the most likely outcome.
Complications
Failure to thrive Excessively high calcium levels Kidney damage due to high calcium Osteoporosis Liver damage
Recent studies show that too much vitamin A taken during pregnancy can cause abnormal development in the fetus. Consult your physician about a proper diet.
Calling your health care provider
Call your health care provider if you think that you or your child may have taken vitamin A in excess or if you have symptoms that may be linked with excess vitamin A.
Prevention
To avoid hypervitaminosis A, avoid taking more than the recommended daily allowance of this vitamin. Recent emphasis on vitamin A and beta carotene as anti-cancer vitamins may contribute to chronic hypervitaminosis A if well-meaning people increase the dosage of vitamins beyond recommended values. More is not always better!