Doctors tell why vitamin overdose is dangerous

Everyone in the world dreams of good health and a long life. Vitamins, minerals and other nutrients are essential for the proper functioning of all body systems and organs. We get most of them every day with food, but sometimes it is not enough. In this case, most of us decide to take additional vitamin complexes to boost our defences and prevent diseases.

Any medication should be prescribed by a doctor, taking into account the needs of a particular person. And vitamins are no exception, as their uncontrolled use can be dangerous. Healthline explains what types of vitamins are available and what can be the consequences of overdosing on them.

The modern pharmaceutical industry offers many vitamin complexes for all occasions. However, not knowing their composition or the list of possible side effects can have negative consequences.

What types of vitamins are there?

All known vitamins are divided into two types: water-soluble and fat-soluble.

The first type includes vitamin C and B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12). They do not accumulate in the body tissues and are easily excreted in the urine, so in case of an overdose, they have a lower risk of causing serious complications.

At the same time, taking large doses can have potential side effects. For example, scientists say that an overdose of vitamin B6 can lead to irreversible nerve damage over time.

The second type includes vitamins A, D, E, and K.

Unlike water-soluble fat-soluble vitamins, fat-soluble vitamins accumulate in body tissues and do not dissolve in water, and their excess can be toxic.

Some studies suggest that excessive intake of vitamins A, D or E may have negative health effects.

What are the risks of vitamin overload?

It should be noted that natural enrichment with vitamins from the diet cannot lead to serious negative consequences. At the same time, concentrated supplements can have side effects, especially for people with health problems.

For example, scientists say that an overdose of vitamin C can cause gastrointestinal disorders, including diarrhoea, cramps, nausea and vomiting, and can also trigger migraines.

High doses of niacin (vitamin B3) can increase blood pressure, impair vision and damage the liver, while excessive amounts of vitamin B6 can cause serious neurological symptoms, skin lesions, nausea and heartburn.

Fat-soluble vitamins can have an even greater negative impact if taken improperly for a long time.

For example, experts note that hypervitaminosis A can cause nausea, increased intracranial pressure, coma, or even death.

According to scientists, toxicity from taking excessive amounts of vitamin D can lead to irregular heartbeat, loss of appetite and weight, as well as increase blood calcium levels, which in turn can damage other organs.

Studies of vitamin E intake have shown that its high levels in the body can disrupt blood clotting and lead to bleeding or haemorrhagic stroke.

As you can see, disorders in the body can be quite serious if vitamins are not taken properly, and prolonged excessive use can lead to the accumulation of toxic substances in the body and even death.

The best and safest way to get nutrients is through a balanced diet, but sometimes vitamin supplements are needed in a special way. Elderly people or those with serious illnesses need extra support for their body's functioning.

If necessary, you should consult a doctor to prescribe vitamins. After a comprehensive examination, a specialist will be able to assess your body's needs and prescribe the right dose that will be not only safe but also beneficial.

Without a complex of vitamins, the coordinated functioning of the human body's systems is impossible, but you need to be prudent and careful when taking them. Any medicine can both help and harm. To ensure that taking vitamins is only beneficial, follow the expert advice of specialists and do not self-medicate.

Earlier, OBOZREVATEL talked about ways to boost immunity. Doctors stressed that zinc and vitamins C, B, and D are especially important in winter to prevent diseases.