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The Energy Balance Podcast

Ep. 120: Vitamin A Toxicity: Retinoic Acid Toxicity, Accutane, and Whether Hypervitaminosis A Exists

Jul 29, 2024
Grant Genereux, an expert challenging mainstream views on vitamin A, dives into intriguing claims about vitamin A toxicity. He examines whether it's a real threat or merely exaggerated fear. The conversation includes the safety of Accutane and the actual risks of retinoic acid. Genereux critiques studies linking high doses to toxicity, suggesting that they may not reflect typical diets. Is there a conspiracy of vitamin A poisoning? Tune in for a fascinating take on this complex issue!
01:41:02

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Vitamin A toxicity, while theoretically possible, generally requires extraordinarily high doses that are unlikely from normal dietary sources.
  • The use of Accutane as a treatment for acne demonstrates that not all retinoic acid forms carry the same toxicity risk.

Deep dives

Vitamin A Toxicity and Misconceptions

The podcast discusses the prevailing misconceptions surrounding vitamin A toxicity, specifically addressing claims that it occurs at low doses. It emphasizes that while hypervitaminosis A can exist, the amounts typically known to cause toxicity are exceedingly high and unlikely to be encountered through a regular diet. The speakers argue that accidental consumption of toxic levels of vitamin A is nearly impossible for most individuals when considering common food sources. They clarify that just because something can be toxic at extreme doses does not mean it poses a risk at standard intake levels.

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