Which fat-soluble vitamin is likely to accumulate to toxic levels if taken in excess?

• A. Vitamin E
• B. Vitamin A
• C. Vitamin D
• D. Vitamin K

Answer: (B)

Fat-soluble vitamins can build up in the body because they’re stored in the liver and fat tissue and aren’t readily excreted. Among these vitamins, vitamin A is the one most likely to reach toxic levels when taken in excess. Chronic excess leads to hypervitaminosis A, with possible effects on the skin, liver, bones, and even the nervous system, and it can cause birth defects if high amounts are consumed during pregnancy. While other fat-soluble vitamins can be toxic at very high intakes, vitamin A is the classic example of accumulation leading to toxicity.