Maybe your doctor has told you to take vitamin A pills. Or maybe you've heard about it somewhere. What exactly is vitamin A? What does it do to our bodies? What are the things we need to be careful about when using this medicine? Let's talk about all of this in detail, very simply, today.
What exactly is vitamin A?
Simply put, vitamin A is essential for the health of our bodies. Vitamin A is especially important for maintaining your eyesight , skin health , immune system function , and reproductive system health .
Also, vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant . Now you might be wondering what an antioxidant is. Think about it, there are little enemies in our body that damage our cells. These antioxidants are like little soldiers that protect our cells from those enemies. So vitamin A protects our cells and helps us avoid diseases.
These pills are usually used to treat and prevent people with low levels of vitamin A in the body (vitamin A deficiency).
What are the things I need to tell the doctor before taking this medicine?
Before you start taking vitamin A, there are a few things you should tell your doctor about, as these things can directly affect your health.
| Situation to be reported | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Increased levels of vitamin A in the body | If you already have too much vitamin A in your body, taking more can be toxic. |
| Kidney disease | When the kidneys are not functioning properly, the process of removing vitamin A from the body can be disrupted. |
| Liver disease | If someone with liver problems takes too much vitamin A, there is a risk of further liver damage. |
| Allergies to vitamin A or other substances | If you have any allergies to vitamin A, other medications, foods, or preservatives, be sure to mention it. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | Taking too much vitamin A during pregnancy can harm the unborn baby. Therefore, it is essential to talk to your doctor about this. |
| If you are a breastfeeding mother | The vitamin A you take can pass to your baby through breast milk. So consult your doctor about the dosage. |
How exactly do I use this medicine?
This is very simple.
- Swallow this pill with a glass of water.
- For best results, take this medication with a meal. This will help the body absorb the medication better and reduce the risk of stomach upset.
- Take your medicine exactly as your doctor tells you to take it. Never take more than the recommended dose in one day.
- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more than the recommended dose, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Do not take this lightly.
Can there be problems with other medications?
Yes, vitamin A can interact with some things. So tell your doctor about every medication, vitamin, and supplement you take.
Especially avoid taking vitamin A with:
- Other products containing vitamin A or `(Retinoid)` (e.g. some creams for skin diseases)
Problems can also occur with these things:
- Beta-carotene supplements
- Some cholesterol-lowering medications (e.g., Cholestyramine)
- Mineral oil
- Some medications used to lose weight (e.g. Orlistat)
This list is not complete, so it's safest to tell your doctor about everything you take.
Other things to be careful about when using vitamin A
The most important thing is that taking a vitamin pill should not be a substitute for a balanced diet. A vitamin pill is not a substitute for food.
We can easily find many foods that naturally contain vitamin A. For example:
- Dark green vegetables and herbs: Gotu Kola, Kale, Spinach
- Yellow and orange fruits and vegetables: carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, mango, papaya
- Other foods: eggs, milk, butter, meat, and fatty meats like liver.
Another thing is that too much vitamin A can be dangerous. So only use the dosage your doctor prescribes, and only for the duration he or she recommends.
What side effects can be expected?
Like all medications, vitamin A can cause side effects. Some of these are serious, while others are common.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Bone or joint pain | Unusual pain in the bones or joints. |
| Increased pressure around the brain | Severe headache, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting. |
| Symptoms of liver damage | Pain in the upper right abdomen, loss of appetite, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark yellow/brown urine. |
| If it persists, you should tell your doctor. Common side effects | |
| Diarrhea | |
| Dizziness | |
| Headache | |
| Appetite | |
| Nausea | |
How do I store my medicine?
- Keep it out of the reach of children. This is very important.
- Store at room temperature (between 15-30 Celsius).
- Keep away from sunlight and excessive heat.
- Discard any medicine that has passed its expiration date.
Take-Home Message
- Although vitamin A is essential for our body, it should only be used under the advice of a doctor and in the prescribed dosage.
- Do not take more than the prescribed dose for any reason. Taking too much can be dangerous.
- Tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you have and all other medications you are taking.
- Even if you take vitamin pills, it is essential to eat a nutritious, balanced diet.
- If a serious side effect occurs, seek medical advice immediately.
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