Vitamin A toxicity in a physical culturist patient: a case report and review of the literature

Ann Hepatol. 2006 Oct-Dec;5(4):293-395.

Abstract

Excessive intake of vitamin A may produce acute or chronic toxicity. Vitamin A can be consumed in foods, fortified products and supplements. We present a case of a young physical culturist man who was referred to our Unit because of chronic liver disease of unknown origin. The patient had a history of increased vitamin A intake from natural source with the addition of high dose of vitamin A supplements with the purpose of improving his muscular development. Our patient showed chronic liver disease with severe fibrosis, signs of portal hypertension and marked hyperplasia of Ito cells. In conclusion, chronic vitamin A toxicity may produce severe liver damage and should be recognized in the differential diagnosis of chronic liver diseases.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Biopsy, Needle
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / diagnosis
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / etiology
  • Chronic Disease
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Dietary Supplements / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Hyperplasia
  • Hypertension, Portal / chemically induced*
  • Hypertension, Portal / pathology
  • Hypervitaminosis A / diagnosis*
  • Liver / drug effects
  • Liver / pathology
  • Liver Cirrhosis / chemically induced*
  • Liver Cirrhosis / pathology
  • Male
  • Vitamin A / adverse effects

Substances

  • Vitamin A