Health Professionals Have Dire Warning For Texans Using Vitamin A

Sometimes, too much of a good thing can be bad, dangerous, and potentially deadly.

Recent outbreaks of measles have had some Texans searching for "safe" and natural cures and preventative measures, but it's important to know what you're doing- even if what you're doing seems effective and harmless.

Vitamin A Toxicity Reported In Texas Children

In Texas, some children have had to receive medical care not for measles but for the "cure," as they were overdosed on Vitamin A and developed Vitamin A toxicity, according to Texas Public Radio.

Since children are smaller and have less tolerance for high doses, they are more likely to develop Vitamin A toxicity.

Covenant Children's Hospital in Lubbock, Texas, has reported treating children with both measles and Vitamin A toxicity, which has resulted in abnormal liver function in these children.

While Vitamin A is absolutely vital in maintaining human health, it is a fat-soluble vitamin that can build up in the body if taken excessively- like frequent doses of cod liver oil, which has been touted as a cure or preventative measure for measles by people like Robert Kennedy Jr.

Is Vitamin A a Good Substitute For Vaccination?

CNN Health argues that Vitamin A is not a substitute for vaccination and may not be the answer for individuals who already get enough in their diet:

However, vitamin A is most useful for measles support in patients who have a specific deficiency. The studies mainly draw on evidence from low-income countries where that deficiency is common.

What Are symptoms of Vitamin A Toxicity?

Vitamin A toxicity, also known as Hypervitaminosis A, is a serious condition that can cause, "nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, irritability, blurred vision, and muscular incoordination," and "dry skin, pruritus, peeling of the palms and soles, and fissuring of the fingertips, " according to the National Library of Medicine.

In severe cases, Vitamin A toxicity can lead to bone pain and intercranial pressure.

Chances are good that if you are already eating a healthy, balanced diet, you are getting enough Vitamin A. And while I would never tell you not to take your vitamins, I would warn you about "too much of a good thing."