Q: Carrots are a favorite food and I eat about 5 lb each week. Yam and squash are also some favorites. Can I overload on vitamin A? Is it good to also take a supplement of vitamins ACE?
A: While it is possible to take too much preformed vitamin A, vegetables contain the precursor to vitamin A (provitamin A), beta-carotene. Beta-carotene converts to vitamin A in the liver and upper intestine; therefore, it is not dangerous to take too much beta-carotene, especially from food sources.
About 10,000 IU of beta-carotene (that is what you will find in two medium-sized carrots) converts to approximately 3,000 IU of vitamin A.
The only problem associated with high intake of beta-carotene is a yellow discoloration of the skin (called carotenodermia). It will clear when beta-carotene intake is reduced.
