Vitamin is a necessary nutrient that is critical to the overall well-being of an individual and is involved in the performance of numerous functions in the human body, including immune response, metabolism, and the function of organs. As it is essential to get our vitamins from food or supplements, it is equally important not to take more than required because they are poisonous. The body needs vitamins in small quantities and when these quantities are exceeded, they result in hypervitaminosis or vitamin toxicity. This happens when the body cannot metabolise or excrete excess vitamins and they become toxic to the body.
The risk of Vitamin toxicity is much higher with fat soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, D, E and K because they are deposited in the liver and body fat. In contrast to water soluble vitamins which are easily eliminated by the body through urine, fat soluble vitamins can build up in the body and cause a lot of harm. Water soluble vitamins are easily excreted by the body and therefore toxicity can result from overuse of such vitamins as B6 and C.
It is important to know what potential risks are related to vitamin overdoses as the use of supplements is on the rise. Vitamin supplements are consumed by many people with the impression that more vitamins are better for their health, but this is not the case. In this article, the reader will learn more about the negative consequences of vitamin overloads in the body and how to achieve the optimal level.
Overview of Vitamin Toxicity
Hypervitaminosis is a condition that arises when you take excessive vitamins than the body needs or can metabolize. There are two types of vitamins that behave differently in the body:
Vitamin A, D, E and K are fat soluble vitamins that are stored in the liver and body fat. High consumption may cause buildup, which makes the likelihood of overdose higher.
B-complex and C vitamin are soluble in water and are therefore not conserved in the body but eliminated from the body via urine, in case of an overdose. But, there are some water soluble vitamins, such as vitamin B6, which can also pose toxic effects if one takes large doses of the vitamins over a long period of time.
Now let us examine the consequences of consuming too much of the foods belonging to both categories.
Possibility of Fat-Soluble Vitamin Toxicity
Fat soluble vitamins dissolve in fats and oils and therefore can be stored in the body for longer periods of time. Therefore, these vitamins are toxic if taken for long periods and in large quantities.
1. Vitamin A Toxicity
Vitamin A is essential for eyesight, immune system, and the maintenance of healthy skin. However, excess vitamin A, especially from supplements, can lead to hypervitaminosis A, a condition that can cause:
Acute symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and headaches..
Consuming large quantities of vitamin A over time also reduces bone density which makes bones more prone to breaking.
2. Vitamin D Toxicity
Vitamin D plays a crucial role in the absorption of calcium and proper functioning of bones. But, taking too much of vitamin D has a negative side effect of producing hypercalcemia which is high levels of calcium in the blood. Symptoms of vitamin D toxicity include:
Acute symptoms:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Frequent urination and thirst
- Kidney damage: High levels of calcium cause formation of kidney stones and also affect the functioning of kidneys.
- Heart problems: Hypercalcemia can lead to arrhythmias and potentially severe heart or vascular problems if the calcium level is too high.
It is very rare to develop vitamin D toxicity through diet and sunlight exposure, although toxicity is possible with supplementation.
3. Vitamin E Toxicity
The vitamin E is an antioxidant, which means that it safeguards cells against harm. It is good when taken in moderate quantities but when one takes large quantities, it thins the blood making it easy to get hemorrhages. High doses of vitamin E can also affect blood clotting, which can become dangerous if the person is on anticoagulant drugs such as aspirin or warfarin, raising the likelihood of stroke.
4. Vitamin K Toxicity
Vitamin K has functions in blood clotting and in the formation of bones. Unlike other fat soluble vitamins, vitamin K toxicity is rare because the body has very little ability to store it. But vitamin K in large doses especially from supplements of the vitamin can cause problems with anticoagulant medications (blood thinners) and make it difficult for the body to control blood clotting.
5. Vitamin B6 Toxicity
Vitamin B6 is required for brain function and the formation of red blood cells. Most of the water soluble vitamins are eliminated from the body but vitamin B6 can be stored in the tissues and therefore can cause toxicity.
Acute symptoms:
- Nerve damage: B6 toxicity results in neuropathy which manifests as tingling, numbness or pain in the hands and feet due to high levels of B6.
- Impaired movement: Prolonged use of the drug may lead to impaired mobility, ataxia, and lack of coordination of voluntary movements.
Excessive use of B6 over long periods may lead to permanent nerve dysfunction, even if supplementation is discontinued.
6. Vitamin C Toxicity
Vitamin C is important in the body for immune function and for healthy skin. Although water-soluble and typically excreted, consuming extremely high doses of vitamin C.
Acute symptoms:
- Gastrointestinal issues: Side effects of vitamin C include loose stool, stomach cramps, and nausea when too much of the vitamin is taken.
- Kidney stones: Cautious should be taken in consuming too much vitamin C, as this leads to increase in oxalate levels in urine resulting to formation of kidney stones in those with a tendency.
Vitamin Toxicity: Causes and Prevention
Preventing vitamin toxicity is relatively simple if you follow a few key guidelines:
- Follow recommended dietary allowances (RDAs): Remember the RDA of each vitamin. Do not take large amounts of supplements without consulting with a doctor.
- Consult a healthcare provider: It is therefore advisable to seek a doctor or nutritionist advice especially if you are a supplement user, as to the amount of vitamin that is required in your body. It is most relevant for individuals with medical conditions or those on medication that may interfere with vitamin supplements.
- Be cautious with supplements: There is always a dosage listed on vitamin supplements and should not exceed the recommended daily allowance. The vitamins may also be added to other processed foods including fortified cereals and drinks, thus the need to be careful not to exceed the recommended daily allowance.
- Eat a balanced diet: There is no doubt that most of the vitamins one requires can be obtained from the normal diet that we take. Whole and fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain products, lean meats, and dairy products contain the recommended vitamin amounts in their natural form.
Conclusion
It is important to take vitamins for a healthy body but taking large amount of them can be very dangerous. Vitamin A, D, E and K are fat soluble vitamins and are more dangerous when taken in large amounts since they are stored in the body’s fat tissues and in the liver. It also becomes important to note that water soluble vitamins such as B6 and C may also cause problems if taken in large quantities in the long term.
If one would take the recommended amount of vitamins daily, eat a balanced diet and consult his or her doctor, he or she can be assured of not suffering from vitamin toxicity.
