Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin necessary for a healthy immune system and good vision. This eMedTV resource explores other benefits of this vitamin, lists some of its potential side effects, and explains when supplementation is necessary.
Potential side effects of vitamin A include dry skin and lips, dizziness, and weight loss. This page on the eMedTV site provides a more detailed list of side effects seen with this vitamin and explains why they may require prompt medical attention.
It can be hard to determine a vitamin A dosage, as there are different ways to measure vitamin A content. This eMedTV page includes charts that list both Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) and a Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for vitamin A.
Warfarin, tetracycline antibiotics, and retinoids may cause vitamin A drug interactions. This eMedTV article lists specific products from these drug classes that may interact with the vitamin and describes the potential effects of these interactions.
Vitamin A is often claimed to be beneficial for improving vision and treating various skin conditions. This eMedTV Web page lists other claimed benefits of vitamin A and explains whether the vitamin is indeed effective for these uses.
People taking vitamin A for uses other than a deficiency may wonder if vitamin A works. This page from the eMedTV archives explores the effectiveness of vitamin A supplementation for conditions other than nutritional deficiencies.
Liver disease or chronic alcohol consumption can increase the risk of developing vitamin A toxicity. This eMedTV page lists other vitamin A safety warnings and precautions, and explains what to discuss with your doctor before starting treatment.
Side effects that may occur due to vitamin A toxicity include diarrhea, headaches, and blurred vision. This eMedTV Web page lists other possible signs of toxicity and discusses the dangers of taking high-dose vitamin A supplements.
Although pregnant women have an increased need for vitamin A, supplementation is usually not necessary. This eMedTV article offers more information on vitamin A and pregnancy, and explains what the Recommended Dietary Allowance is for this vitamin.
Compared to other adults, breastfeeding women have a higher need for vitamin A. This eMedTV resource further discusses vitamin A and breastfeeding, and explains what problems may occur if a breastfeeding woman takes too much of the vitamin.
Symptoms of a vitamin A overdose may include headache, dizziness, and hair loss. This page on the eMedTV Web site lists other problems that may result from vitamin A toxicity and explains what treatment options are available for an overdose.
Healthy people in developed countries have a low risk of vitamin A deficiency. This article from the eMedTV library explains who is at a higher risk of developing a deficiency and describes possible symptoms of this problem.
