How long does it take the body to flush excess vitamin A?

candface1
#1. May 29th, 2008, at 6:39 PM.

As a doctor

Shawnie
#2. June 1st, 2008, at 6:28 PM.

There are four families of fat-soluble vitamins: vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K. These vitamins need to be dissolved in fat before they can be absorbed in the intestine. Low-fat and low-calorie diets, whether by chance or by purpose, risk not providing enough of these vitamins.

Dietary fats and the fat-soluble vitamins are absorbed into the lymph vessels, bypassing the portal blood system that takes water-soluble nutrients to the liver. After a long climb up to your shoulder, they are dumped into the left subclavian artery.

Vitamins A and D can be toxic in large amounts when taken over a long period. They are stored in fatty tissues and the liver, and they can accumulate over time. Unlike vitamin C and the B complex, the fat-soluble vitamins are very stable. They are better able to stand up to the heat of cooking and processing.

Vitamin A, Retinol, Retinal, Retinoic Acid, Retinyl Esters

The vitamin A or retinoid family contains several forms, natural and synthetic, that have vitamin A activity. In addition, a number of vegetable foods contain compounds that the body can convert into vitamin A, such as the alpha, beta, and gamma carotenes. Absorption of retenol requires bile, pancreatic enzymes, and antioxidants. In the form of retinoic acid, it is absorbed directly. A six-month supply of vitamin A is stored in the liver as retinyl esters.

Vitamin A can be toxic in dosages over 15,000 RE, but much of this toxicity can be prevented by also taking vitamin E. Vitamin E and vitamin A work together.

Vitamin A can promote differentiation in epithelial cells and regression of premalignant lesions. It inhibits the development of cancerous tumors. A lack of vitamin A will decrease antibody formation, while vitamin A supplementation increases cytotoxic action of T cells, NK cells, and macrophages.

hanusak
#3. June 2nd, 2008, at 5:40 AM.

The good news is not all of it absorbed into your blood stream. It should only take a week at most to exit your body. I only have one question. What kind of moron in what professional setting told you this!? That is dangerous!