Vitamin A hepatotoxicity: a cautionary note regarding 25,000 IU supplements.
Vitamin A hepatotoxicity has been reported at doses exceeding 50,000 IU/day. At 25,000 IU vitamin A per day, although elevated liver enzymes may be seen, hepatotoxicity is rare. We report a case of severe hepatotoxicity associated with the habitual daily ingestion of 25,000 IU of vitamin A bought as an over-the-counter dietary supplement. With the general availability of high-dose supplements and recent literature emphasizing the importance of vitamin A adequacy, the potential for vitamin A hepatotoxicity may increase. Health professionals should remain aware of the potential for vitamin A hepatotoxicity and elicit a vitamin A history in all patients being evaluated for liver dysfunction.
Kowalski
T E
TE
Gastroenterology Division, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine, Philadelphia.
Falestiny
M
M
Furth
E
E
Malet
P F
PF
D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017093:Liver Failure / Q000139:chemically induced*; D008875:Middle Aged; D014801:Vitamin A / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*
D014801:Vitamin A