Dangerous Vitamins
 Many
people supplement their diet with multivitamins or a
vitamin supplement. Overdosing on vitamins
from natural sources, like whole foods, is basically
impossible, but it is possible to overdose on
vitamins. Especially, vitamins that are stored
in the fat of the body to be used later.
Eating healthy foods is the best way to get your
body the nutrients it needs in order to reach
optimal health. But, if you find this
difficult to do, you may want to rethink the way you
take the vitamins you do buy and not take more than
the maximum recommended daily amount of vitamins
unless your doctor tells you otherwise in order to
ensure your continued good health.
If you are on any medications, it is best to
consult your doctor before taking any vitamin
supplements. Some can interact with
medications or even other supplements that the
doctor may have prescribed for you.
Too much calcium can cause high levels of
calcium in the blood, kidney function impairment and
reduced absorption of the minerals iron, magnesium
phosphorus and zinc.
A copper overdose can cause liver and
kidney damage, weakness, nausea, memory lapses,
abdominal pain, insomnia, seizures, confusion,
hyperactivity, delirium and stuttering.
Excess levels of iron can cause fluid to
accumulate in the lungs, cause fatigue, headache,
low blood sugar, liver problems, testicular trouble
and even coma.
Selenium excesses in the blood can lead to
hair loss, fatigue, irritability, bad breath,
gastrointestinal upset, white spotted fingernails,
and even mild nerve damage.
Vitamin A overdoses can lead to liver
damage, central nervous system disorders, reduced
bone density and eventual osteoporosis, and birth
defects in infants.
High doses of vitamin B6 can cause nerve
damage to the arms and legs.
Too much vitamin C can cause diarrhea and
gastrointestinal upset. Some reports claim
that prolonged overdose of vitamin C can lead
to birth defects, genetic mutation, kidney stones,
oxidative stress and cancer, but these are not
commonly accepted right now.
High levels of vitamin D can raise the
level of calcium in the blood and can lead to
changes in the mental capacity like confusion.
More obvious symptoms include, constipation, nausea,
vomiting, loss of appetite, weakness, and weight
loss.
Vitamin E overdoses can lead to excess
bleeding, because it is an anticoagulant. It
can increase your risk of death.
Zinc overdoses can reduce the good
cholesterol levels, reduce the immune system's
function and it can alter the way iron works in the
body.
It is best to use caution when taking vitamin and mineral supplements
and don't take a supplement if you don't need it. Natural sources
of supplements are the best way to take vitamins and minerals. You
might want to try a natural,
whole food
supplement. |
