Too much of a good thing is an adage that can apply to vitamins. The body needs vitamins to function properly, but high doses of certain vitamins can be toxic, especially fat soluble vitamins that the body stores for long periods of time. Water Soluble Vitamins Water-soluble vitamin toxicity is rare because the body does not store water-soluble vitamins and excess amounts are usually excreted in urine. Side effects associated with water-soluble vitamins occur due to intake of extremely high doses.
Peripheral neuropathy, a nerve disorder that can cause numbness and pain in the extremities, is a possible side effect of too much vitamin B6, according to Merck. Medline Plus says more than 2,000mg of vitamin C a day is not recommended because it can upset the stomach and cause diarrhea. Vitamin A Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that supports vision, immunity, genes, growth, development and production of red blood cells. Vitamin A from food sources is not harmful in large amounts but may cause skin discolorations.
However, supplemental vitamin A can be toxic. According to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, acute vitamin A toxicity is rare but can cause nausea, headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, dizziness, dry skin and swelling of the brain. Side effects of chronic vitamin A toxicity include dry and itchy skin, loss of appetite, headache, swelling of the brain and bone and joint pain. Vitamin D Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin that the body needs for bone formation, calcium absorption and immune function.
Too much vitamin D can lead to hypervitaminosis D, according to the Mayo Clinic. Side effects of hypervitaminosis D include calcium buildup, loss of appetite, renal failure, bone calcifications, weakness, nausea, vomiting, kidney stones, confusion and abnormal heart rhythms. Side effects of too much vitamin D are treated by discontinuing supplementation, restricting calcium intake and, in severe cases, hospitalization. Vitamin E Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin and antioxidant that fights free radicals, harmful substances that damage the body.
According to the Merck Manual, too much vitamin E can cause bleeding. Medline Plus also mentions that the American Heart Association made a statement in 2004 that more than 400 IU of vitamin E a day may increase the risk of death. Multivitamins Multivitamins are made up of a variety of water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins and are often prescribed for people who need extra nutrients or are unable to get enough vitamins through diet alone. According to Medline Plus, various ingredients in a multivitamin can be toxic in high doses.
Side effects of too much multivitamin include cloudy or frequent urination, dry and cracked lips, eye irritation, sensitivity to light, abnormal heartbeat, pain or weakness in joints, muscles and bones, cognitive and mood changes, itchiness, rash and hair loss. Intestinal side effects of too much multivitamin are constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and stomach pain. Effects include(VA ) * Angular cheilitis * Birth defects * Coarse bone growths * Excessive skin dryness/peeling (desquamation) * Hair loss.
* Intracranial hypertension (see Idiopathic intracranial hypertension[1]) * Liver problems * Premature epiphyseal closure[2][3][4][5][6] * Reduced bone mineral density that may result in osteoporosis * Skin discoloration Symptoms of vitamin D toxicity include: * Dehydration * Vomiting * Decreased appetite * Irritability * Constipation * Fatigue * Muscle weakness * Metastatic calcification of the soft tissues[2] An excess of vitamin D causes abnormally high blood concentrations of calcium (hypercalcemia), which can cause overcalcification of the bones, soft tissues, heart and kidneys.
It can also damage the kidney and produce kidney stones[citation needed]. In addition,hypertension can result. [3] Ongoing research indicates antagonism with oil soluble menatetrenone, MK-4, an internally transported natural form of vitamin K2, which is associated with bone formation and calcium retention in the bones. [citation needed] Hypervitaminosis D symptoms appear several months after excessive doses of vitamin D are administered.
In almost every case, a low calcium diet combined with corticosteroid drugs will allow for a full recovery within a month. ————————————————- Symptoms and presentation[edit] * Blotchy skin * Increased bleeding * Increased triglycerides * Decreased production of thyroid hormones * Decreased activity of vitamin K * Increased hemorrhaging from aspirin or anti-coagulant medications * 29. Hypervitaminosis K Causes excess clotting of the blood leading to thrombosis and potential sudden death should clots form in brain or heart.