Hospital Virtual Tour

Hypervitaminosis A - Overview

Alternative Names

Vitamin A toxicity

Definition of Hypervitaminosis A:

Hypervitaminosis A is having too much vitamin A in the body.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

There are two types of vitamin A hypervitaminosis:

Acute -- caused by taking too much vitamin A over a short period of time
Chronic -- occurs when too much of the vitamin is present over a longer period

Chronic vitamin A toxicity develops after taking too much vitamin A for long periods.

Vitamin A source

Reviewed last on: 6/17/2008
Elizabeth H. Holt, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Section of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Yale University. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Zile M. Vitamin A deficiencies and excess. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 45.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Home > Medical Reference > Encyclopedia (English)