Vitamins are essential to life because their properties enable or facilitate various processes within the human body. Vitamin supplements are usually available in various formulations, combinations and doses that may lead to toxicity if taken the wrong way. It is important to check with your health care provider before using any vitamin supplements.
Use (and Misuse) of Vitamin Supplements
Dietary supplements are popular with people who hope to rectify nutrient deficiencies and improve their overall health. A review published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal notes that vitamin deficiency syndromes remain uncommon in the typical Western diet. The American Heart Association reports that almost every nutrient may be toxic to health if consumed in excess quantities for long periods of time. In addition to vitamin toxicity, dietary supplements may also interact with other supplements and prescription drugs. Therefore, it is important to consult a health care provider before taking any dietary supplements.
Who Uses Vitamin Supplements
A variety of vitamin supplements are available in different forms including liquid, powder and capsule form. The MayoClinic.com notes that individuals who do not consume a well-balanced diet and consume less than 1,600 calories daily may benefit from vitamin supplements. Vegans, vegetarians or individuals with a limited diet may also use dietary supplements. Others who use dietary supplements include pregnant or nursing women, postmenopausal women, or those with a condition that affects the absorption of nutrients, according to the MayoClinic.com. Physicians may also recommend vitamin supplements for a number of other disorders or medical conditions.
Toxicity Effects
Vitamin supplements are divided into two major groups-- water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins. The fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, D, E and K are typically stored within the body, according to Colorado State University. A review titled "Too much of a good thing? Toxic effects of vitamin and mineral supplements" published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal compiled information on the potential effects associated with supplement use.
The study noted that excess levels of vitamin A greater than 15,000 units lead to hepatotoxic effects and changes in vision and hair and skin. Toxic levels of vitamin D may occur at intakes great than 2000 IU daily and lead to hypercalcemia or soft-tissue calcification, according to the CMAJ. Vitamin E intakes greater than 800 IU daily may lead adverse effects such as headache, fatigue, nausea and vomiting. There have been no reported toxic effects from over consumption of vitamin K, according to the CMAJ and Colorado State University.
Water-soluble vitamins such as Vitamin C, B3 and B6 have reported several side effects with over consumption. Vitamin C intake of greater than 2000 mg daily may lead to diarrhea, according to the CMAJ. Niacin, or vitamin B3 is associated with vasodilation and gastric upset at intakes greater than 3000 mg. The CMAJ reports that vitamin B6 or pyridoxine intakes of greater than 200 mg daily may lead to sensory neuropathy.
Recommendations
The Mayoclinic.com recommends a variety of healthy food options rather than taking vitamin supplements to prevent toxicity. In addition to providing vitamins, whole foods also contain dietary fiber and beneficial phytochemicals that are not found in supplements. Good examples of healthy food options include a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy and lean meat. The American Heart Associations also recommends to follow the dietary recommend intake or DRI for vitamins set by the Institute of Medicine to ensure safe intake.
Prevention/Solution
Consult with a health care provider before taking any dietary supplements. The MayoClinic.com recommends avoiding vitamin supplements that provide mega-doses, or daily value doses, at 500 percent. Rather, choose a multivitamin that provides only 100 percent of the daily value. Also, choose supplements that are tested by the U.S. Pharmacopeia, or USP, to ensure purity and quality. Follow the directions on the labels correctly and never take more than the recommended amount on the bottle. It is also important to check advisories by the Food and Drug Administration to remain informed on the latest alerts and effects of dietary supplements, recommends the MayoClinic.com
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