Hypervitaminosis A: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.

What kind of doctor treats Hypervitaminosis A?

A primary care doctor, or a pediatrician for a child, can diagnose and treat hypervitaminosis A, which means too much vitamin A in the body. If the liver is harmed, you may be sent to a hepatologist, a doctor who treats liver disease. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.

What is hypervitaminosis A?

Hypervitaminosis A is a disorder in which there is too much vitamin A in the body. It is also called vitamin A toxicity. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that is stored in the liver. Too much vitamin A can make you sick.

Acute vitamin A poisoning occurs quickly. Chronic vitamin A poisoning may occur over time in adults.

Symptoms

Symptoms may include:

  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Headache and dizziness.
  • Blurred vision or other vision changes.
  • Bone pain or swelling.
  • Decreased appetite.
  • Irritability.
  • Hair changes, such as hair loss and oily hair.
  • Skin changes, such as cracking at the corners of the mouth, higher sensitivity to sunlight, oily skin, peeling, itching, and a yellow color to the skin.
  • Liver damage.

Babies and children can have other signs. These include abnormal softening of the skull bone, a bulging soft spot on a baby's head, double vision in young children, and poor weight gain.

Causes and who gets it

Many foods contain vitamin A, including meat, fish, egg yolks, and dairy products. Some dietary supplements also contain it. Taking too many supplements is the most common cause of vitamin A toxicity. It only rarely occurs just from eating vitamin A-rich foods.

Babies and children are more sensitive to vitamin A. Swallowing products that contain vitamin A, such as skin cream with retinol in it, can also cause vitamin A poisoning. Some medicines are made from vitamin A. Taking them together with a vitamin A supplement could cause dangerously high levels in the blood.

Some people take vitamin A and beta carotene supplements in the belief that they will help prevent cancer. This may lead to chronic hypervitaminosis A if people take more than is recommended. Studies do not show that these supplements prevent cancer.

How doctors diagnose it

These tests may be done if a high vitamin A level is suspected:

  • A blood test to check the vitamin A level.
  • Blood tests to check other vitamin levels.
  • A blood calcium test.
  • A cholesterol test.
  • A liver function test.
  • Bone x-rays.

Treatment

Treatment involves simply stopping supplements, or in rare cases foods, that contain vitamin A. Most people fully recover. Complications can include a very high blood calcium level, kidney damage due to high calcium, and liver damage. Taking too much vitamin A during pregnancy may cause birth defects.

When to see a doctor

Contact your provider if you think that you or your child may have taken too much vitamin A. Also call if you have symptoms of excess vitamin A. If you are or might be pregnant or breastfeeding, you should not take high-dose supplements of preformed vitamin A.

Call 911 or go to the emergency room if someone who may have taken too much vitamin A has trouble breathing, faints, or has a sudden change in mental state, such as being very hard to wake up.

How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in

A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either kind of doctor can review the supplements and medicines you take, order basic tests, and follow up with you. They can also refer you to a specialist if your liver or other organs are affected.

Common questions

Can you get hypervitaminosis A from food?

It only rarely happens from food alone. Taking too many supplements is the most common cause. Foods rich in vitamin A include meat, fish, egg yolks, and dairy products.

Can people recover from hypervitaminosis A?

Yes. Most people fully recover. Treatment involves stopping the supplements, or in rare cases foods, that contain vitamin A. Complications such as liver damage can happen.

Is too much vitamin A harmful during pregnancy?

Yes. Taking too much vitamin A during pregnancy can cause birth defects. Talk to your health care provider about eating a proper diet while you are pregnant.

Are children more at risk from too much vitamin A?

Yes. Babies and children are more sensitive to vitamin A than adults. Swallowing products that contain vitamin A, such as skin cream with retinol, can also cause poisoning.

Does too much beta-carotene cause the same problem?

No. High intakes of beta-carotene do not cause the same problems as preformed vitamin A. High amounts can turn the skin yellow-orange, which is harmless and goes away when you eat less of it. However, smokers who take high-dose beta-carotene supplements have a higher risk of lung cancer and death.

Sources

  1. MedlinePlus - Hypervitaminosis A (Medical Encyclopedia)
  2. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements - Vitamin A and Carotenoids (Consumer Fact Sheet)

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.