Which vitamin is fat-soluble and can be toxic in excess?

Prepare for the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) National Credential Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question provides hints and explanations. Get ready to excel on your exam!

Vitamin A is the fat-soluble vitamin that can become toxic when consumed in excessive amounts. Unlike water-soluble vitamins, which are typically excreted through urine and thus have a lower risk of causing toxicity, fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the body's fatty tissues and liver. This means that excessive intake can accumulate to toxic levels over time.

Vitamin A plays essential roles in vision, immune function, and skin health, but an overdose can lead to hypervitaminosis A, which can cause a range of symptoms, including nausea, headache, dizziness, and more severe complications. This makes it crucial to be mindful of the dosage in food sources and supplements.

In contrast, Vitamin C, a water-soluble vitamin, is not stored in the body and is usually eliminated through urination, so toxicity is rare. Vitamin K and Vitamin B12 are also generally considered safe at higher levels, with Vitamin K having a low potential for toxicity and Vitamin B12 being non-toxic even in high doses.

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