Final answer:
Excessive intake of vitamin A-yielding carotenoids can lead to hypervitaminosis A with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and headache, and increase the risk of liver toxicity and various other health conditions including cancer, osteoporosis, and heart disease.
Step-by-step explanation:
Possible Side Effects of High Intake Levels of Vitamin A-yielding Carotenoids
Vitamin A is an essential nutrient for healthy skin, bones, and teeth, as well as good vision. Carotenoids, such as β-carotene, are precursors to vitamin A and are converted to active vitamin A in the liver. However, high intake of carotenoids can lead to negative side effects. One major concern is hypervitaminosis A, which can manifest as nausea, vomiting, headache, and more severe symptoms such as hair loss, blurred vision, skin rash, and tinnitus. In addition, there is an increased risk of toxicity to the liver and other organs at high intake levels.
Excessive intake of carotenoids has been associated with health risks like colon cancer, osteoporosis, heart disease, and macular degeneration. There are also concerns regarding potential effects on mental health, such as depression. It is crucial to follow Tolerable Upper Intake Levels (UL) to avoid such toxicities.