Question
I was just wondering if I should stop eating a lot of vegetables (carrots especially) I usually eat, while taking the medication roaccutane because of the high vitamin A (retinol) in this drug which could cause vitamin A intoxication.
Answer
Good question.
The drug roaccutane if combined with Vitamin A supplements, can indeed cause vitamin A intoxication or vitamin A overdose and which may cause changes in the structure of the bones.
Vitamin AÂ is naturally found only meat and animal products. It is not found in vegetables.
Betacarotene, which gets converted into vitamin A in the body when required, is naturally found only in vegetables, especially orange coloured vegetables and dark green leafy vegetables.
It is really very unlikely that you would eat enough vegetables to cause vitamin A intoxication (this is because the betacarotene in the vegetables needs to be converted to vitamin A and not all of the betacarotene in the vegetables eaten is converted).
You may want to limit your intake of beef liver, which contains very high levels of vitamin A, while you are taking this medication.
You may benefit from a consultation with a naturopath to help you find natural ways to improve your skin condition.
Please note that the information provided is for educational purposes only and is not meant to diagnose or treat medical conditions. Consult with your medical physician regarding appropriateness of using supplements in your healing process.
