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A Study of Vitamin Overdose

By: Dr.Patrick Edwards Click author's name for more of his/her articles

Vitamin Overdose

While vitamin related overdose will rarely cause death it may still induce serious side effects. It is therefore important that all persons who are taking supplements especially be aware of the correct dosage and what amount not to exceed. Some vitamins will produce less detrimental effects when consumed in larger than the expected quantities. However, you should still make certain that you are taking your supplements as directed by your doctor or as indicated by the label on the vitamin bottle. Children are especially vulnerable to overdosing on vitamins, because of this you should store all vitamins and other medicines away from children. To ensure that children will not access your vitamins, purchase those with child proof caps.

The side effect of vitamin overdose will depend on the vitamin that the individual was using at the time of overdose. The vitamins that will be considered are inclusive of vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin C and vitamin E.

In cases of vitamin D overdose an individual has probably taken well over the recommended dose. The recommended intake was previously 400 IUs daily however this amount has increased to approximately ten times this amount. The new recommended intake is currently 4000 – 5000 IUs. When vitamin D overdose occurs there are a few corresponding symptoms that may follow.

• The development of kidney stones. Vitamin D will induce calcium deposits in the soft tissue of the kidneys. These calcium deposits may also manifest in the heart and blood vessels and cause arteriosclerosis or hardening of the arteries.

• A person may experience noticeable diarrhoea.

• Some vomiting and nausea may be present.

• Feeling excessively tired is also quite likely

• There may be some corresponding muscle weakness.

• Feeling more thirsty than usual has been observed.

It is therefore vital that you consult a doctor before taking vitamin D supplements. You will also need to think about how much sun exposure you get on a normalbasis, your body will manufacture vitamin D once you get adequate amounts of sun exposure. Therefore people who spend much of their days in the sun, should probably rethink taking vitamin D supplements.

Vitamin E overdose is inclusive of headache, vomiting, abdominal pain, gas, blurred vision, nausea, fatigue or extreme tiredness and an elevated chance of internal bleeding. It may potentially reduce your body\'s ability to heal after been wounded. Vitamin E overdose may occur when taking amounts in excess of 400 IUs.

Symptoms of Vitamin C overdose are inclusive ofdiarrhoea, abdominal pain, increased stomach acid, increased urination, insomnia, headaches, weakness, anaemia, joint pains, PMS and hypoglycaemia. Vitamin C overdose may occur in amounts that exceed 2,000 mg.

Vitamin A overdose may materialize when an individual takes above 25000 IUs of vitamin A. It may induce deterioration in the bones and skin and may also be accompanied by nausea, discomfort, hair loss, yellowing of the skin, drying of the lips, fatigue and vomiting. Excessive amounts of vitamin A are especially contraindicated for pregnant women. High levels of retinol has the potential to cause birth defects in the first trimester.

Article Source: ABC Article Directory

About The Author: The article is written by Dr.Patrick Edwards. Dr.Ross is a well-known medical writer who has contributed to the "Vitamin Overdose" site.