Caution is required for the intake of the fat-soluble vitamins A & D. Unlike the water soluble vitamins, they can accumulate to toxic levels.

The news brief in the Oct. 14 News-Leader reporting that the recommendation for Vitamin D will be increased, might lead the reader to consider that more "is better."

Since the start of my medical career in 1955, I have seen three cases of severe Vitamin-related disease. In 1958, there were two cases admitted to Kansas University Medical Center with chronic overdose of vitamins. One child had severe liver damage from too much Vitamin A. The second was poisoned with Vitamin D resulting in kidney failure. The child died. The well meaning but excessive over-the-counter administration of vitamin supplements caused both cases.

The one case of rickets was due to breast-feeding and essentially no table food for 21 months. This Vitamin D deficiency rapidly recovered with normal diet and the usual pediatric dosage of multi-vitamins.

Since U.S. bread and milk are usually fortified with vitamins and most children get enough sunshine to manufacture their own Vitamin D, a family physician or pediatrician should be consulted to avoid excessive intake.

E. Rule Olson, M.D., Rogersville