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:
- Acute: caused by taking too much vitamin A over a short period of time
- Chrinic: occurs when the excess of the vitamin is present over a longer period
In an infant, the sudden 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 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 may 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.
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!
