Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin commonly found in eggs, liver and dairy products in the form of retinoids. Vitamin A is also found in the form of carotenoids in dark or yellow vegetables, and in carrots. According to the National Institutes of Health, adequate levels of vitamin A promote a healthy immune system and good vision. Consistently high levels of vitamin A can lead to long-term biological function problems.
Birth Defects
Excessive consumption of vitamin A during pregnancy is known to cause birth defects, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. Using synthetic forms of vitamin A for acne treatments can lead to severe birth defects if pregnancy occurs during treatment. Women of child-bearing age are sometimes required to take monthly pregnancy tests when taking these medications. The Linus Pauling Institute recommends that pregnant women avoid multi-vitamins or prenatal vitamins providing more than 1,500 mcg of vitamin A.
Cerebral Edema
Consuming too much vitamin A over a long period of time can lead to chronic problems including cerebral edema. Cerebral edema is an excessive amount of fluid accumulation in the area around the brain. An increased pressure in the brain can lead to bulging fontanelles in an infant with acute vitamin A toxicity. Symptoms may be similar to a brain tumor.
Liver Damage
Severe cases of vitamin A toxicity over a long period of time can lead to liver damage. "Persons with liver disease and high alcohol intake may be at risk for hepatotoxicity from vitamin A supplementation," according to the MayoClinic.com. Alcoholics and patients with liver disease are at greatest risk for liver damage caused by hypervitaminosis of vitamin A. Liver damage can cause hemorrhage and coma that can lead to death.
Decreased Bone Density
Decreased bone density and bone pain may result from hypervitaminosis A, an excess of the vitamin, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. It warns that bone reduction may lead to osteoporosis, a condition characterized by porous bones that puts you at risk of fractures. However, ODS acknowledges further research is needed.
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