Vitamin Toxicity

[philo351]

Eating a pound of spinach and kale throughout a day is something I find no problem doing. However, according to all the info I've been able to find on it, that amounts to about 100,000 IUs of "vitamin A" which is five times the upper level safe to consume (20,000 or more apparently risks toxicity). I don't know how this can be. Would getting that much vitamin A and any other for the matter really be toxic?

I'm totally confused by this. Does anyone have information to clarify this?

[MysticTree]

but from veggies you are getting carotenoids so there is no issue apparently.

Getting vitamin A from animal sources is where the problem lies I believe.

http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/vitamina/

http://www.bestnaturalfoods.com/newsletter/vitamin-a-too-much.html

[philo351]

Thanks, MysticTree. I read both links and I think my question has been answered. Here's a quote from the second link:

If you’re taking a multivitamin, look for one that contains no more than 3,000 IU of vitamin A in the active form (indicated on the label as retinol, retinyl acetate, or retinyl palmitate). Many manufacturers are reducing levels or replacing with beta-carotene. There are no toxicity issues with beta-carotene or other carotenoids.

When vitamin A is isolated from it's supporting nutrients (something that only occurs when we get vitamin A from "liver" or suppliments"), toxicity can occur. Getting 200,000 IU from a days worth of fresh greens has is completely different. This really demystified the whole issue for me. Thank you!

[Raw Angel Mom]

Thanks, MysticTree. I read both links and I think my question has been answered. Here's a quote from the second link:



When vitamin A is isolated from it's supporting nutrients (something that only occurs when we get vitamin A from "liver" or suppliments"), toxicity can occur. Getting 200,000 IU from a days worth of fresh greens has is completely different. This really demystified the whole issue for me. Thank you!

Exactly. Taking Vitamin supplement is where the problem cans occur. I find that following your body's craving (not from addiction) but natural craving, it knows what it needs to heal.

All is well