Your liver is your body's biggest multi-tasker, working around the clock to convert food into energy, detox the body, filter blood, protect against infection, control cholesterol production and regulate metabolism. For all it can do, the liver can, and sometimes does, become overburdened. Stored in the liver, fat-soluble vitamins may prove toxic if taken in large doses. While the body needs these vitamins to remain healthy, it is important not to exceed the recommended daily allowance and to consult a doctor if you experience signs of toxicity.
Vitamin A
Your body stores vitamin A in the liver, which can make it toxic in large amounts. However, you would need to ingest an exceedingly large amount of vitamin A--approximately 100,000 IU a day over a period of months-- to experience signs of toxicity, says New York City nutritionist, Shari Lieberman. Stay well below 25,000 IU to avoid vitamin A toxicity. Signs of vitamin A toxicity include nausea, blurred vision, loss of hair and enlargement of the liver.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that promotes healing and slows the aging process. Too much vitamin E can be toxic however, causing symptoms such as flatulence, fainting, headache, diarrhea and heart palpitations. The recommended daily allowance of vitamin E is between 16.5 and 22.5 IU per day. While ingesting too much vitamin E is rare under normal conditions, people taking blood-thinning medications need to watch for signs of toxicity.
Vitamin D
As a fat-soluble vitamin stored in the liver, large doses of vitamin D accumulate over time and become toxic. The recommended upper limit of vitamin D you should take every day is 200 IU. Symptoms of vitamin D toxicity include weakness, vomiting, loss of appetite, fatigue, headache and a metallic taste in the mouth.
Vitamin K
The recommended daily intake of vitamin K is between 90 and 120 micrograms per day for adults. While there is no exact upper limit established for vitamin K, Colorado State University Extension reports that excessive amounts can lead to liver damage and the breakdown of red blood cells.
References
- Hepatitis Foundation International: Caring for Your Liver
- "American Academy of Family Physicians"; Preventive Strategies in Chronic Liver Disease: Part I. Alcohol, Vaccines, Toxic Medications and Supplements, Diet and Exercise; Thomas R. Riley III, M.D., M.S. and Ahsan M. Bhatti, M.D.; Nov. 1, 2001
- American Dietetic Association: The Role of Vitamin K
- National Institutes of Health: Medline Plus: Vitamin D
- Colorado State University Extension: Fat Soluble Vitamins
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