Vitamins and Vitamin Overdose
Vitamins are essential nutrients that are needed for maintenance and proper functioning of the body. Most vitamins are not synthesized by the body and therefore must be derived from external sources. Typical sources of vitamins include meat, dairy products, vegetables and fruits. Yet, where a deficiency of vitamins is suspected, supplements may be taken which contain higher doses that are readily absorbed. Most cases of vitamin overdose occur because of prolonged excessive intake of vitamin pills. It is rare for vitamin overdose to be attributed to dietary sources.
Vitamins which are known to cause serious complications when taken in levels exceeding the recommended doses are Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin B6 and Niacin.
Vitamins should be taken according to the RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance) guidelines. Never take more than recommended unless advised to do so by a physician.
What are some vitamin overdose symptoms?
Depending on the vitamins that are ingested vitamin overdose symptoms may vary. Some symptoms will be mild and require only that the individual stop taking the current doses while others may be severe and have possible life-threatening implications.
Vitamin A Overdose Symptoms
Typical symptoms include:
- Blurred Vision
- Ringing in the Ears
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Inability to rest comfortably/Insomnia
- Indifference
- Development of skin rashes
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue
- Liver damage
- Nervous system damage
- Pain in the Joints
- Diarrhea
- Irritability
Vitamin D Overdose Symptoms
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Reduced appetite
- Elevated blood pressure levels
- Elevated cholesterol levels
- Kidney stones
- Hearing loss
- Loss of bone density
- Calcium deposits
- Nausea
Vitamin E Overdose Symptoms
- Elevated blood pressure levels
- Muscle weakness
- Extreme tiredness
- Breast tenderness
- Pulmonary Embolism
- Inability to heal after being wounded.
Niacin Vitamin Overdose Symptoms
- Developing peptic ulcers accompanied by mild to severe stomach pain.
- Tingling sensation in the finger tips.
- Hyperglycemia/High blood sugar leading to frequent urination, weight loss, excessive hunger and thirst.
- Gout
- Liver damage
- Feeling faint
B6 Vitamin Overdose Symptoms
- Numbness experienced in the hands and feet.
- Inability to walk properly.
- Memory problems.
- Headache.
- Fatigue
- Coordination issues.
- Problems with tendon reflexes.
Vitamin C overdose Symptoms
- Kidney stones
- Diarrhea
- Hot Flashes
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Insomnia
What should you do if you start experiencing vitamin overdose symptoms?
If you are experiencing vitamin overdose symptoms it is important that you seek medical advise. This is especially important where vitamin A overdose is suspected. Do not attempt to induce vomiting unless advised otherwise. Contact the poison control centre if symptoms of overdose are present in young children. Be sure to know the time taken, the ingredients found within the supplement and the amount ingested. Once you are at the hospital/emergency room be sure to take the bottle which contains the supplements so that a thorough assessment can be made. Tests will be carried out to determine the level of vitamins in the blood. Additionally fluids will be introduced intravenously and breathing support may be required if respiratory issues are apparent. The main treatment goal is to reverse the effects with medicine and to remove as much of the vitamin from the body as possible. If the condition is very severe the patient may need to be admitted to the hospital.
