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.