Vitamins are essential for the body. However, consuming too much can also lead to vitamin excess or hypervitaminosis. The dangers of vitamin excess to health vary, depending on the type of vitamin.
Vitamins are substances needed by the body to support cell function & maintain health. Examples are the benefits of vitamin A for eye health, the benefits of vitamin C for endurance, the benefits of vitamin D for bone health, & the benefits of vitamin E for skin health. In addition to being obtained from natural foods, vitamin intake can also be in the form of supplements.
Dangers of Vitamin Excess and Its Symptoms
Vitamins can be divided into water-soluble & fat-soluble vitamins. Examples of water-soluble vitamins are B & C. While examples of fat-soluble vitamins are A, D, E, & K.
Each vitamin can cause health issues if consumed in excess.
1. Vitamin A
Vitamin A has many benefits, & one of them is to maintain healthy eyes and skin. However, excessive consumption of vitamin A can boost the risk of bones becoming porous (osteoporosis). In addition, research shows that consuming more than 1.5 milligrams of vitamin A per day can increase the risk of fractures.
If you have been consuming foods that contain a lot of vitamin A, such as fish oil, milk, eggs, and liver, then you should reduce or stop taking vitamin A supplements to avoid hypervitaminosis.
2. Vitamin B
Vitamin B is divided into B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, and B12. The function of this vitamin is also diverse, ranging from maintaining the health of the nervous system to helping the formation of red blood cells. Natural sources of B vitamins are vegetables, fruits, nuts, eggs, & liver. If this vitamin is consumed in excess, it can cause nausea, liver disorders, red skin, and soreness.
3. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is abundant in oranges, broccoli, & potatoes. Its main function is to maintain the body’s resilience and aid the wound healing process. However, excess vitamin C can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
4. Vitamin D
Vitamin D can be naturally produced by the skin with the help of sunlight. However, we can also get this vitamin from meals, such as fish oil, red meat, liver, and eggs.
The main function of vitamin D is to increase the absorption of calcium to maintain healthy bones, teeth, and muscles. However, excessive consumption can lead to the accumulation of calcium in the blood, arteries, and soft tissues. In addition, some people are reported to have kidney stones due to excess vitamin D.
5. Vitamin E
In addition to being found in foods, such as vegetable oils, fruits, chicken, cereals, and eggs, vitamin E is also available in supplement form.
Vitamin E is beneficial for maintaining healthy skin and body tissues. However, side effects that may occur if we consume this vitamin in excess are the appearance of bruises, rashes, headaches, and tiredness. In addition, research shows that excess of this vitamin can increase the risk of stroke.
If the foods you consume each day vary, ranging from fruits, vegetables, meat, eggs, and fish, then your daily vitamin needs are actually met. Especially if you implement a balanced nutritious diet.
But if you still want to take the supplement, make sure the dose does not exceed the recommended dose so as not to experience vitamin excess or hypervitaminosis. And remember, if you are suffering from a certain disease, it is best to consult a doctor before taking vitamin supplements.