Doctors told why an overdose of vitamins 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 this is not enough. In this case, most of us decide to take additional vitamin complexes to increase our defenses and prevent diseases.

Any medication should be prescribed by a doctor based on the needs of a particular person. And vitamins are no exception, as their uncontrolled use can be dangerous. The Healthline publication told us about the types of vitamins and the risks of overdosing on them.

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

What are the types of vitamins?

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 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 excess vitamins?

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 diarrhea, 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.

Thus, 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, and increase blood calcium levels, which in turn can damage other organs.

Studies of vitamin E intake have shown that its high amount in the body can disrupt blood clotting and lead to bleeding or hemorrhagic 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 there is a special need for vitamin complexes. 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, the specialist will be able to assess the needs of the body and prescribe the correct dose of the drug, which will be not only safe but also useful.

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.