- Kashif Khan
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- Can Vitamin A Be Toxic?
Recently, I came across information that challenges a health “truth” we all know…
Is vitamin A a vitamin or a toxin?
When you look at how vitamin A is processed by the body…
And some of the existing research around it…
It doesn’t seem as “healthy” as people make it up to be.
But before you think I’m making wild claims to grab your attention…
Let’s discuss the nuance behind this topic.
Can Vitamin A Be Toxic?
Vitamin A, also known as retinol (active vitamin A, from liver, eggs, and dairy) or beta carotene (inactive vitamin A, from carrots, sweet potatoes)...
Is commonly talked about as a nutrient.
In small amounts, Vitamin A is extremely beneficial as it supports healthy vision, skin, and immune function.
But the way your body processes it raises some red flags.
#1 - Your body doesn’t flush out excess Vitamin A easily
Instead, it stores it in the liver and specialized stellate cells—areas that are also responsible for managing toxins.
This is where problems can arise.
#2 - Too much vitamin A causes problems
When too much Vitamin A builds up in your system, it can lead to:
Dry, flaky, or scaly skin (similar to what happens with Accutane, a derivative of Vitamin A).
Yellowing of the skin due to Vitamin A stored in fat cells.
Chronic conditions like eczema.
Not everyone processes Vitamin A the same way.
For example, the BCMO1 gene plays a key role in Vitamin A metabolism.
Depending on your genetic makeup, you might:
Struggle to convert beta carotene into usable Vitamin A.
Be more prone to Vitamin A toxicity from supplements.
This is just one of dozens of genes that impact how your body handles nutrients.
#3 - The research checks out
A review in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2000) found that consuming 10,000IU of vitamin A per day…
Can cause liver damage and osteoporosis.
A case study published in Hepatology (1990) found that chronic supplementation of 25,000 IU/day…
Was linked to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis.
A 1995 study in The New England Journal of Medicine found that pregnant women consuming >10,000 IU/day…
Had a higher risk of giving birth to babies with craniofacial, cardiac, and central nervous system defects.
Research in Neurology (1991) reported that excessive vitamin A intake caused…
Headaches, nausea, and blurred vision due to raised intracranial pressure.
Should I Avoid Vitamin A Entirely?
Now, I know this is confusing. Even I wrote a newsletter talking about the benefits of beef liver not long ago.
And it seems that every day we’re bombarded with new information about what we should and shouldn't eat.
The good news is this…
All your “diet questions” can be answered with your genetics.
As I mentioned above, the BCMO1 gene will help you understand how you should consume vitamin A.
There are also dozens of other genes that determine:
How well you process nutrients
Your detox capabilities…
What foods truly work for YOUR body
How to optimize your diet for YOUR biology
Taking these insights, you’d be able to create the perfect diet for:
Optimized energy levels
Optimal nutrient intake and absorption
Increased metabolism
Less bloating, gut problems, and fatigue
… with mathematical certainty.
This is exactly why understanding your unique genetic code is so crucial.
Instead of following the latest nutrition trend or one-size-fits-all advice, wouldn't you rather know exactly what YOUR body needs?
If you’d like to finally stop getting confused about all the information out there…
Until next time,
Kashif Khan
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Information on this site is provided for informational purposes only. It is not meant to substitute for medical advice from your physician or other medical professional. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease or prescribing any medication. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your regular healthcare provider.