Vitamin Overdose Symptoms

Vitamins are necessary for proper growth of the body. They are divided into two types: water-soluble vitamins and fat-soluble vitamins. The water-soluble vitamin can be easily flushed out of the body however, fat-soluble vitamins creates more problems. Vitamin B complex and vitamin C are water-soluble vitamins, and hence can be simply excreted. The fat-soluble vitamins like A, D E and K creates problems, as they have difficulty in excretion. The vitamin A and D can accumulate in the body up to a limit with no risk but if that limit is crossed, then severe problems occurs.

Vitamin Overdose Symptoms

Some of the symptoms of various vitamin overdoses are given as follows:

• Vitamin A Overdose: The vitamin A overdose gives rise to many serious health problems, as this is not a water-soluble vitamin. Severe headaches, increases in hair loss, liver damage problems and abnormal growth of fetus in pregnant women are some of the common symptoms. Vitamin A (the excess amount) is stored in liver for nearly 200 – 300 days, and is not flushed out on daily basis. This means over consumption of this vitamin can lead to vitamin poisoning problems.

• Vitamin B Overdose

Vitamin B consists of many subtypes and overdose of these vitamins are not harmful. This is a water-soluble vitamin and hence the overdose varies as per the type.

Thiamine or B1: the urination process can easily flush this out so overdose situation does not arise.

Riboflavin or B2: Riboflavin is present in red blood cells and the excess is stored easily by urination process.

Niacin or B3: Overdose leads to burning sensation in the ears, nose and eyes. In addition, many throat problems, nausea, vision problems, skin itching, abdominal pain, vomiting, lightheadedness and diarrhea can also happen.

Pantothenic acid or B5: The deficiency of this vitamin leads to many gastrointestinal problems along with vomiting and nausea. 

Pyridoxine or B6: The over dose of this subtypes of vitamin B complex lead to neurological disorders with numbness in the hands and mouth. The extra dosage leads to damage and poisoning of the peripheral nervous system.

Folic Acid or B9: This is a water-soluble vitamin and its over dose leads to stomach problems, seizures, skin reactions and sleep problems.

• Vitamin C Overdose: This is also a water-soluble vitamin and its overdose can lead to gas, diarrhea and stomach upset. Even in severe cases, the problem can lead to many kidney stones problems. This should be avoided as the increased level of vitamin C increases the absorption of iron in the body. A pregnant woman must be very careful about the consumption of this vitamin.

• Vitamin D: This is not a water-soluble vitamin; hence, one must take it in a perfect amount. Overdose can lead to nausea, vomiting, fatigue, weakness, severe constipation. In addition, high blood pressure, mental retardation in infants etc are possible.

• Vitamin E: There are no serious problems with vitamin E overdose. However, people, who are prescribed blood thinners, have more risk to bleeding if vitamin E is present in abundance..

• Vitamin K: The over dose of this vitamin leads to skin rashes, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea and in severe cases also causes anemia. If the overdose is taken for longer period then liver damage can happen. In infants, brain damage may also occur.

Vitamins are good for normal functioning of the body. A vitamin is useful if a proper amount is present; any lack and excess may lead to many health problems. Vitamin overdose symptoms tell that a person is consuming the vitamin more than the actual need. Overdose of anything is bad and it disturbs the other body functions. A healthy and accurate diet is the key for good health.

Related posts:

• Vitamin A Overdose Symptoms
• Vitamin D Overdose Symptoms
• Vitamin C Overdose Symptoms
• Vitamin B12 Overdose Symptoms