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When taken by mouth: Vitamin A is LIKELY SAFE for most people in amounts less than 10,000 units (3,000 mcg) daily. Keep in mind that vitamin A is available in two different forms: pre-formed vitamin A and provitamin A. The maximum daily dose of 10,000 units per day relates to only pre-formed vitamin A. Some supplements contain vitamin A in both pre-formed and provitamin A forms. For these supplements, the amount of pre-formed vitamin A should be used to determine if the amount of vitamin A is safe. In some cases, a vitamin A supplement with vitamin A in amounts greater than 10,000 units may still be safe if a portion of the vitamin A is the provitamin A form. For instance, a supplement containing 23,000 units of vitamin A, of which 60% is the provitamin A form, would still be safe. This is because only 40% of the vitamin A content, or 9,200 units, is pre-formed Vitamin A.
Vitamin A is POSSBILY UNSAFE when taken by mouth in doses greater than 10,000 units (3,000 mcg) daily. Some research suggests that higher doses might increase the risk of osteoporosis and hip fracture, particularly in older people. Adults who eat low-fat dairy products, which are fortified with vitamin A, and a lot of fruits and vegetables usually do not need vitamin A supplements or multivitamins that contain vitamin A.
Long-term use of large amounts of vitamin A might cause serious side effects including fatigue, irritability, mental changes, anorexia, stomach discomfort, nausea, vomiting, mild fever, excessive sweating, and many other side effects. In women who have passed menopause, taking too much vitamin A can increase the risk of osteoporosis and hip fracture.
There is also growing concern that taking high doses of antioxidant supplements such as vitamin A might do more harm than good. Some research shows that taking high doses of vitamin A supplements might increase the chance of death from all causes and possibly other serious side effects.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information available to know if vitamin A is safe or what the side effects might be.
When given as a shot: Vitamin A is LIKELY SAFE when given as a shot into the muscle in amounts less than 10,000 units (3,000 mcg) daily.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Vitamin A is
LIKELY SAFE for pregnant or breast-feeding women when taken in recommended amounts of less than 10,000 units (3,000 mcg) of pre-formed vitamin A per day. Larger amounts are
POSSIBLY UNSAFE. Vitamin A can cause birth defects. It is especially important for pregnant women to monitor their intake of vitamin A from all sources during the first three months of pregnancy. Forms of vitamin A are found in several foods including animal products, primarily liver, some fortified breakfast cereals, and dietary supplements.
Children: Vitamin A is
LIKELY SAFE for children when taken in the recommended amounts. The maximum amounts of vitamin A that are safe for children are based on age:
- • Less than 2000 units (600 mcg)/day in children up to 3 years old.
- • Less than 3000 units (900 mcg)/day in children ages 4 to 8 years old.
- • Less than 5667 units (1700 mcg)/day in children ages 9 to 13 years old.
- • Less than 9333 units (2800 mcg)/day in children ages 14 to 18 years old.
Vitamin A is
POSSIBLY UNSAFE for children when taken by mouth in high doses. When amounts greater than those recommended are taken, side effects can include irritability, sleepiness, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of consciousness, headache, vision problems, peeling skin, increased risk of pneumonia and diarrhea, and other problems.
Excessive use of alcohol: Drinking alcohol may increase vitamin A's potentially harmful effects on the liver.
Disorders in which the body does not absorb fat properly: People with conditions that affect fat absorption, such as celiac disease, short gut syndrome, jaundice, cystic fibrosis, pancreatic disease, and cirrhosis of the liver, are not able to absorb vitamin A properly. To improve vitamin A absorption, these people should use vitamin A preparations that are water-soluble.
A type of high cholesterol called "Type V hyperlipoproteinemia": This condition might increase the chance of vitamin A poisoning. Do not take vitamin A if you have this condition.
Intestinal infections: Intestinal infections such as hookworm can reduce how much vitamin A the body absorbs.
Iron deficiency: Iron deficiency might affect the body's ability to breakdown and use vitamin A.
Liver disease: Too much vitamin A might make liver disease worse. Do not take vitamin A if you have liver disease.
Malnutrition: In people with severe protein malnutrition, taking vitamin A might result in having too much vitamin A in the body.
Zinc deficiency: Zinc deficiency might cause symptoms of vitamin A deficiency to occur. Taking a combination of vitamin A and zinc supplements might be necessary to improve this condition.
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