Too much vitamins can be dangerous, experts warn
Why vitamin overdose can be harmful (Photo: Freepik)
Excess vitamins can be more dangerous than a deficiency. Overdosing may cause problems with the heart, kidneys, and liver, Verywell Health reports.
How excess vitamins can be harmful
According to the journal Australian Prescriber, taking too many vitamins can harm health, especially if high doses are consumed over a long period.
Vitamins are classified as fat-soluble or water-soluble:
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Fat-soluble vitamins include A, D, E, and K.
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Water-soluble vitamins include all eight B vitamins and vitamin C.
Fat-soluble vitamins stay in the body longer and are more likely to accumulate, causing toxicity if taken in excessive amounts.
Symptoms of vitamin A overdose include:
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Skin peeling
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Liver problems
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Vision loss
Symptoms of vitamin D overdose include:
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Excessive urination
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Convulsions
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Bone fractures
According to the journal Peer, water-soluble vitamins are generally safer than fat-soluble ones because they do not accumulate in the body and are usually excreted in urine.
Symptoms of water-soluble vitamin overdose are often nonspecific, meaning they are vague and may not be immediately linked to the vitamin:
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Nausea
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Vomiting
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Diarrhea
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Skin rash
Who is at risk
Infants
The British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology reports that breastfed infants may develop excessive vitamin levels if their mothers take supplements. Baby formulas also often contain high amounts of vitamin D, which can cause toxicity if consumed over a long period.
Pregnant women
According to Cureus, high vitamin A levels in the first trimester can cause heart or brain defects in the fetus or miscarriage.
Elderly people
In older adults, substances may be metabolized and excreted differently than in younger people. For example, excessive vitamin D intake can cause cognitive problems.
How much of each vitamin is needed
Healthy individuals who maintain a balanced diet usually do not need supplements.
A 2018 study published in Internal Medicine showed that most people taking vitamin supplements were already getting the recommended amount from food.
Some vitamins can be obtained from common foods:
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Vitamin A – dairy products, eggs, and fish
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Vitamin B3 – found in meats such as chicken, beef, and fish
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Vitamin D – produced by the body under sunlight; some types of fish also contain it
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Vitamin E – nuts, seeds, and oils
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
