Our bodies utilise vitamins, which are organic molecules, in extremely little amounts for a number of metabolic functions. The greatest way to obtain vitamins benefits is through healthy eating of unprocessed, healthful foods & healthy diet. While taking a generic, “broad-spectrum,” vitamin and mineral supplement “just in case” carries no danger to one’s health and may help someone whose diet is restricted and monotonous, doing so is not advised in place of eating a healthy diet.

Supplements including vitamins and minerals are commonly utilised incorrectly and used against medical advice. They are frequently used as a sort of medication to treat health problems like colds or to alleviate lifestyle problems like stress. Contrary to common perception, vitamins are not medications or magical treatments. They are organic substances that take part in several metabolic processes. Supplements with high dosages shouldn’t be taken unless a doctor has prescribed them.

Overdose of Vitamins (Vitamin Toxicity) – Potential risks involved

Millions of individuals all around the world take vitamins as part of their everyday regimen. Although most supplement bottles include dose recommendations, it’s normal practise to take more than is advised. Health information is constantly being pushed to consumers, telling them that taking specific vitamins in high doses can have a variety of positive effects on their health. However, some nutrients might be hazardous if consumed in excess.

This blog discusses the hazards and adverse effects of taking excessive amounts of vitamins, as well as the safety of taking them. Even when consumed in great quantities, these minerals are unlikely to be harmful when taken naturally through food. However, it’s simple to take too much while ingesting supplements in concentrated dosages, which might have a bad impact on one’s health.

What are the side-effects?

Some water-soluble vitamins can have negative side effects, some of which can be deadly, when used in excess. Certain water-soluble vitamins, including vitamin K, have no detectable toxicity and no established UL. Vitamin B1 (thiamine), Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), Vitamin B7 (biotin), and Vitamin B12 are some of these vitamins (cobalamin). While there is no obvious toxicity associated with these vitamins, it is crucial to keep in mind that some of them may interact with drugs and affect the results of blood tests. Because of this, care should be given when using any nutritional supplements.

The following are the adverse effects of over-consuming water-soluble vitamins:

• Vitamin C: Despite having a low level of toxicity, vitamin C can have adverse effects on the digestive system, including diarrhoea, nausea, cramps, and vomiting.
• Vitamin B3 (niacin): When used in large dosages as nicotinic acid, niacin can cause liver damage, high blood pressure, stomach discomfort, and visual problems.
• Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine): B6 overconsumption over an extended period of time can result in severe neurological symptoms, skin lesions, light sensitivity, nausea, and heartburn.
• Vitamin B9 (folate): Too much folic acid or folate in the form of a supplement can compromise immunological function, impair mental function, and conceal a potentially serious vitamin B12 shortage.

Please take note that there are negative effects that may occur when taking high amounts of these vitamins, even by healthy individuals. A vitamin overdose can have even more severe effects in people with existing medical issues. Vitamin C, for instance, can induce tissue damage and fatal cardiac irregularities in persons with hemochromatosis, an iron storage condition, despite being unlikely to be toxic in healthy individuals.

Vitamins overdose symptoms of fat-soluble vitamins:

• Vitamin A: Although hypervitaminosis A, or vitamin A toxicity, can develop from consuming vitamin A-rich foods, it’s more commonly linked to supplements. An increase in intracranial pressure, nausea, coma, and possibly death are some of the symptoms.
• Vitamin D: Weight loss, loss of appetite, and irregular pulse are just a few of the severe symptoms that can result from vitamin D toxicity when taken in large levels. Additionally, it may increase blood calcium levels, which may harm internal organs.
• Vitamin E: High doses of vitamin E supplements have been linked to haemorrhages, blood coagulation issues, and hemorrhagic stroke.

Read Here: Why Personal Hygiene Is Important In The Food Industry? 

Conclusion

A well-rounded diet is the greatest approach to ensure that you obtain all the nutrients you require. However, a lot of people require vitamin supplements for a variety of reasons. The need for specific nutrients can be increased by factors like food, age, genetic diseases, and medical conditions. Fortunately, as long as they are used sensibly, vitamins are usually safe to consume.

FAQs

      1. Is it unhealthy to take vitamins everyday?

There is such a thing as too much of a good thing, and anything in excess, whether it be food, vitamins, or supplements, can have major negative effects.

      2. How Vitamins and Supplements makes you healthier?

Minerals and vitamins are crucial for the proper growth and operation of your body. Some people require a small vitamin boost, even though the majority of people acquire the correct amount of nutrients by eating a nutritious diet. Supplements may be beneficial to assist your body maintain its health.

      3. What is Vitamin Toxicity?

Hypervitaminosis, also known as vitamin toxicity, is an abnormal illness brought on by high vitamin levels in the body.