concerned

Hi, I'm concerned for my dad's wellbeing. He's around 62 years in age, 5'7'', and weighs 220-240lbs. He's had diahrrea since November 2005 (i just learned of this). He's afraid to see a doctor which realy concerns me. I learned he takes 1-2 cod liver oil pills per day, a Real Advantage daily vitamin - 6 pills a day, and Real advantage heart vitamin - 1 a day. The daily vitamin adds up to 25,000 iu of vitamin A. I read that thats a toxic level and leads to serious problems over time and that diahrrea is one of the indicators. Is this correct? I guess he goes quite often, all day (not sure of the exact amount of times). He wants to come visit and normaly has no problem driving across the states but wants to travel by train this time so he'll have a nearby restroom.

He also an alcoholic. I don't think he drinks everyday but it's at least 3 times a week. I think I read that alcohol can interact with vitamins?

He has been taking the cod liver oil pills for 2 years now but im not sure how long he's been on the daily and heart vitamins. Also to the best of my knowledge he's not experiencing any weight loss. Oh and I just talked him into getting off the vitamins (started today).

Does it sound like he can get rid of this problem with seeing the Doc or do I need to force him in there. I have no idea when his last physical was.

Jim

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I would suggest a physician visit.  Although possible, I am not aware of diarrhea being a significant side effect of vitamin A toxicity.  

Causes of the diarrhea can include colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel disease, or malabsorption.  A lower endoscopy is the appropriate test at this time - preferably a colonoscopy.  

If the diarrhea continues, the stool can be tested for infection and malabsorption.  

These options should be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_

[leeac]

Sounds like there are a lot of things to factor in.  The diarrhea since last year by itself sounds like a serious enough problem to warrant a doctor visit.  The potentially hepa-toxic intake of Vitamin A along with the alcoholism is a double whammy on the liver, and I would also think that your dad should run that by his doctor as well.

Hope this helps...

[jmann]

Ok thanx, thats what I wanted to know.