subject: What Are The Possible Effects Of Vitamin Supplement Toxicity? [print this page] Vitamins are so prevalent in today's society that it is no wonder some people develop vitamin supplement toxicity.
Supplemental nutrients that contain iron are the most toxic, particularly where children are concerned, and where fat soluble vitamins are involved.
These fat soluble vitamins can build up in the body, and went on to become toxic. In 2007, there were almost 60,000 reported cases of vitamin supplement overdoses, with one resulting death. Almost 46,000 of these cases involved kids under the age of six.
Symptoms of vitamin supplement toxicity:
Vitamin A:
Commonly reported symptoms of an overdose of Vitamin A include:
It should be noted that 10 minutes of sunshine can get you the required daily amount of Vitamin D, so using supplements should be done with caution.
- Increased serum calcium levels.
- Muscle weakness.
- Loss of interest.
- Headache.
- Anorexia.
- Vomiting or nausea.
- Pain in the bones.
- Constipation.
- Increased thirst and urination hypertension.
- Heart palpitations.
Vitamin E:
Although this vitamin has it's benefits, there is risk for toxicity when more than what is recommended has been ingested. Signs of higher than normal levels include:
Vitamin K is important for blood clotting. It is found in green vegetables, soybeans, and cereals. In addition, it is produced by bacteria in the intestines. Toxic levels are most often associated with infants who are fed formula and those getting Vitamin K-3 injections to treat Vitamin k deficiency.
Infants may also present with jaundice, hemolytic anemia, and increased bilirubin levels. Due to this risk, treatment using vitamin k-3 has been discontinued.
While vitamin supplementation can be vital for good health, talk with your doctor first before taking supplements. If you are eating a variety of natural and nutritious whole foods daily and you are healthy, you may not need to take vitamin and mineral supplements at all. Your doctor can order blood tests to see what vitamins you are lacking.
Any signs that you are suffering from an overdose should be immediately followed up with a visit to your doctor to avoid serious complications.
