Vitamin A refers to a group of compounds that play an important role in vision and help in bone growth, reproduction and cell growth.

Vitamin A also plays a vital part in regulating the immune system, which helps prevent or fight off infections. It also promotes healthy growth of protective surface linings of the eyes and the respiratory, urinary, and intestinal tracts.

Vitamin A is found in foods that come from animals such as liver, whole milk, and some fortified food products. Colorful fruits and vegetables are the plant sources of vitamin A. Retinol, beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, lutein and zeaxanthin are some of compounds in the vitamin-A group.

Carotenes have been shown to function as antioxidants in laboratory studies. Antioxidants protect cells from the damaging effects of free radicals, which contribute to the development of diseases like diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, dementia and cancer.

Considering these great benefits, it is recommended that a regular dose of this vitamin as it could be highly beneficial for the body functions.

However, too much of vitamin A brings its own perils. Those of us who pop vitamin A supplements to remedy its possible shortage in the body compulsively can end up with an overdose. Children, who accidently gulp vitamin pills in excess, are also at risk.

It is important to know the symptoms of a probable vitamin A overdose so that you can seek medical assistance immediately. Listed below are the ten most obvious symptoms:

1. Blurred vision: You may start seeing things in a blurred fashion if you got a vitamin A overdose

2. Dizziness: Feeling dizzy, unable to concentrate on anything can be signs of excess vitamin A intake

3. Fainting: Loss of consciousness suddenly or syncope can result from too much vitamin A in the body

4. Irregular menstruation: Menstrual cycles could go erratic if there is too much vitamin A in your systems

5. Nausea: Nausea and vomiting are common manifestations of excess vitamin A in the bowels and requires immediate medical attention

6. Insomnia: A lot of vitamin A in the body can affect your sleep and cause you to keep awake during the nights

7. Diarrhea: The body may throw out excess vitamin A in the form of loose motions. It is a good idea to seek immediate medical help in such a situation

8. Skin rash: Vitamin A can also appear as rashes on the skin, especially if it gets accumulated in the blood

9. Joint pain: Pain in the joints can be a sign of high amounts of vitamin A in the body tissue

10. Headache: Consumption of too much vitamin A can cause headaches