Warning signs that your vitamins or nutritional supplements may be toxic to your health

Hypervitaminosis is the technical term for vitamin poisoning. It is an increasingly noticeable problem in developed countries because of the popularity of vitamin supplements. Because vitamins are supposedly healthy, many people are choosing to treat themselves for minor illnesses with mega doses of vitamins.

All vitamins are not the same and what may be a healthy dose of one could be a harmful dose of another. It is wise to read the label on the bottle to determine the proper amount to take. Even when you take the recommended daily dosage, it is a good idea to skip taking them one or two days a week to prevent the possibility of an overdose.

The symptoms of a vitamin overdose otherwise known as a vitamin toxicity vary according to each vitamin. Although they’re all harmful if taken in large amounts some of them can be potentially fatal. Most people shouldn’t have to take vitamin supplements if they eat properly, so if they are already eating a well balanced diet, and taking vitamin supplements as well they are already asking for trouble.

These are some symptoms of vitamin toxicity.

fat soluble vitamins

Vitamin D can be one of the most toxic vitamins if taken in mega doses. Abdominal cramping and nausea and vomiting are the immediate signs of a vitamin D overdose. tingling of the mouth is also a sign. Small doses at high levels can also cause pain in the joints, and constipation alternating with diarrhea. These small high dose levels might not do anything right away , but over time can cause vitamin D poisoning. This can cause calcium deposit damage in soft tissues such as the lungs, kidneys and heart that is irreversible.

Symptoms of vitamin A poisoning include severe headaches, an accumulation of water in the brain, vomiting, lethargy, constipation and bone pain. Hair loss, brittle fingernails and rough dry skin are visible symptoms.

Expectant mothers who over consume large doses of vitamin A, risk giving birth to infants with birth defects. Anything over ten mg daily is considered to be toxic. Eating food to rich in vitamins A in large quantities can be just toxic as taking a supplement.

Vitamin E when taken in mega doses can prevent proper absorption of vitamins A, D and K. other symptoms include headaches, double vision , lethargy and diarrhea.

Vitamin K over doses can result in anemia. This vitamin is present in raw cabbage.

Water soluble vitamins

Vitamin B6 can be toxic at high levels. Tingling sensations in the legs and soles of the feet, and difficulty walking are the first signs of toxicity. If mega doses are continued, numbness in the hands and difficulty in handling small objects are the next signs. Although some recovery is noticeable in about two months, it may take up to three years to recover from severe cases of vitamin B6 overdose.

Symptoms of a niacin overdose are a flushing/like blushing of the skin, diarrhea and nausea. Too much niacin can also cause liver damage.

Mega doses of Folic acid can lead to eventual kidney damage.

Vitamin C usually causes diarrhea if large doses are taken. If you have a family history of kidney or gallbladder stones, large doses of this vitamin may be toxic to you. A fraction of vitamin C. is broken down into oxalates and mega doses breakdown into higher concentrations of them. These crystal like substances are what causes them to form.

It may be necessary to have blood work done to confirm actual vitamin poisoning. In severe cases the patient may have to be admitted to the hospital. You are going to have to stop taking your supplements. The best way to avoid the situation is to take supplements wisely and not take mega doses of them.

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