Vitamin A requirements are related to body weight. People who weigh more than the average person need more of this vitamin. Vitamin A a is fat-soluble vitamin and is stored in the body, so it can reach toxic levels if consumed in excess. Vitamin A intake should be limited to a maximum of 5,000IU during pregnancy. Birth defects are associated with high intakes of this vitamin A. Adults consuming more than 50,000IU daily of vitamin A for long periods of time can experience headaches, vomiting, weight loss, joint pain, abdominal discomfort, hair loss, and dry and cracked lips.
Children are more susceptible than adults to vitamin A toxicity.
Beta carotene is relatively free of side effects, even at very high doses. The only side effect is harmless and reversible yellowing of the skin in the palms of the hands and soles of the feet when high doses are taken. Vitamin A is found only in few foods of animal origin, while beta carotene is found in dark green and orange vegetables and fruits. Order Page .