Vitamin A

(beta carotene)-this vitamin has a bit of a mixed "pedigree". Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin, so it has the potential to accumulate in tissues and cause liver toxicity. Conversely, if an individual has difficulties with fat absorption, they may actually be deficient in Vitamin A. Alcohol can enhance the toxicity of Vitamin A. Elevated levels of Vitamin A are associated with an increased risk of hip fracture in women. On the other hand, Vitamin A is an antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals. There have been some studies which suggest that high levels of Vitamin A may increase the risk of certain cancers, including breast cancer and lung cancer. However, other studies have shown Vitamin A to be useful in combating cervical cancer. This condition has been correlated with infection by the human papilloma virus. Vitamin A is often recommended for children with autism. This may stem from work in Africa, which found that high doses of Vitamin A were useful in reducing the severity of measles viral infection. Subsequent work has shown that while Vitamin A is useful to help eradicate virus if there is a Vitamin A deficiency, it can actually promote viral transmission if there is no deficiency. This may explain some of the divergent results with the use of Vitamin A. In summary, caution should be used when considering the use of high doses of Vitamin A.

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