There’s a very popular saying – ‘excess of anything is bad’ – the same holds true with vitamins also. Although vitamin supplements are loaded with power, energy and a host of other benefits, but there is a flip side to them also. With vitamin supplements and fortified foods being the in thing nowadays, it is necessary to look at them from the safety angle.

A vitamin pill seems to be the best alternative to a missed meal. Weight watchers literally survive on them by restricting calories while still getting all the nutrients. Not to mention, the easy availability of these artificial nutrients.

Although, these vitamins are recommended by doctors to promote a person’s health, but they can have serious negative repercussions if consumed in excess, because anything can be toxic if consumed more than required. Therefore, it is best to avoid artificial vitamins, and try taking the most of nutrients required for the body from a well balanced diet, along with adequate water intake, rest and exercise.

Why overdose of vitamins is dangerous?

It is mostly the fat-soluble vitamins that are dangerous. Water-soluble vitamins - such as the B group vitamins and vitamin C- cannot be stored by the body much, so if one takes in more than required by the body, they are simply excreted in the urine. However, the fat-soluble vitamins - A and D can accumulate in the body and lead to toxicity in the body. However, if a person takes them cautiously under medical supervision, they also as such do not pose danger to the body if consumed within safe limits indicated. The only exception, is for a pregnant woman, when large amounts of vitamin

A may pose a risk to the developing foetus.
As we age, our body become less efficient in absorbing the required nutrients from food, making it important to ensure that the right amount of important vitamins and minerals are consumed. On the other hand, old people are more prone to higher levels of toxicity as even excess water-soluble vitamins are not excreted because the kidneys do not function so well. This is especially important in case of illnesses such as diabetes or high blood pressure, since large doses of some supplements can interfere with the functioning of some medications.

What side–effects does vitamin overdose lead to?

High doses of vitamins over a long period of time can lead to side-effects. General symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrohea, rapid breathing, rashes are common with any vitamin overdose. Each vitamin also has specific symptoms associated with its overdose

A few examples of the risks include:

Vitamin A - an increased risk of broken bones, headache, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, blurred vision and frontal headaches are often the first signs of toxicity.

Vitamin B6 - loss of feeling in the arms or legs called peripheral neuropathy, rapid breathing, burning pain, loss of muscle coordination, paralysis.

Vitamin B2 - turns the urine yellow-orange.

Vitamin B1 - rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, irregular heart beat, headache, convulsions

Vitamin B3 - Signs include skin flushing, itching, wheezing, headache, diarrohea, and vomiting.

Vitamin B 9 - central nervous system damage.

Vitamin D - muscle weakness, headache, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and bone pain.
Overdose during pregnancy can cause mental and/or physical retardation in infants.

Vitamin E - overdose toxicity symptoms include nausea, headache, fatigue, easy bruising and bleeding, double vision and muscle weakness.

Vitamin C - high doses can cause diarrohea and upset stomach, and can also cause newborn scurvy.

There is also evidence that taking high doses of antioxidant vitamins A, C and E may increase the risk of cancer.

What to do in case of an overdose?

If there is a suspected overdose of a vitamin, don't stop taking it completely and that too immediately. It is usually suggested to reduce intake to about half of current dosage. This is because, the body has adjusted itself to handle a large dose of the vitamin, and so if stopped altogether, it could trigger a major deficiency. Try reducing it gradually, and of course do not forget to consult a doctor.

Vitamins are natural nutrients, and it is best to take the required amounts from food itself. However, in case of certain situations where it becomes imperative to take external supplements of a vitamin, it is always best to take it in consultation with a doctor. Our body is designed in such a way that it can cope with natural vitamins and mineral, but the body has not developed any cushion to deal with artificial vitamins, which is why overdosing with many different vitamins can and is dangerous. One also needs to be aware of the guidelines for specific supplements (which can be obtained either from a doctor or from the specifications on the capsule).

So, next time before popping a vitamin pill, give a thought – do you really need it??