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Vitamin A - when too much of a good thing isn't

Abstract:

Vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin, is an important nutrient during pregnancy. Vitamin A is present in both animal and plant sources. However, only high intakes of retinol from animal products and/or supplements have been reported to have teratogenic effects. High intakes of retinol have been associated with a variety of birth defects including craniofacial malformations. Although high intakes of retinol have been reported in pregnant women, data from the New Zealand National Nutrition Survey indicate that New Zealand women on average do not consume excessive amounts of vitamin A. It is important, nevertheless, for pregnant women to be aware of the adverse effects of vitamin A during early pregnancy while ensuring they meet the recommended intake of vitamin A.

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birth defects, fetal growth, Vitamin A in pregnancy