Vitamins found in a normal diet are not likely to cause an overdose or side effects. It is possible for you to exceed the recommended daily allowances of some vitamins by taking a multivitamin and eating several servings of fortified foods. Most vitamin overdoses are the result of excessive or long-term intake of high-dosage supplements.
Jaundice
Used in acne and wrinkle treatments, vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin, meaning it is stored in the fat cells of the body and the liver, and is not excreted in the urine, as are water-soluble vitamins. Taking large amounts of vitamin A over long periods of time can be toxic to your liver. Symptoms may include hair loss, itching, peeling skin, jaundice and sores at the corners of the mouth. Beta-carotene is a precursor of vitamin A that is less toxic, although it may turn the skin an orange color when ingested in large amounts. In rare instances, the liver cannot convert beta-carotene to vitamin A. The case of an infant was published in the January 2010 issue of "Annals de Dermatologie et de Venereologie." Beginning at 3 months of age, the baby exhibited a yellow complexion; the palms of his hands and soles of his feet had turned orange, and his skin was dry and itchy. The child's symptoms were relieved after following a diet low in beta-carotene for a period of six months.
Premature Aging
Vitamin D is the sunshine vitamin, absorbed by the skin after exposure to sunlight. It is also fat-soluble and has hormone-like effects. You may suffer from vitamin D deficiency if you spend a lot of time indoors or purposely avoid the sun to lower your risk of skin cancer. Vitamin D is necessary for healthy bones and teeth, and adequate levels are thought to lower your risk of heart disease. Supplementing with too much vitamin D, however, may be harmful to your health. A research team from the University of Tampere in Finland found that young mice who were subjected to high levels of vitamin D developed subcutaneous cysts, enlarged pores, hair loss and thickening of the skin -- symptoms associated with aging. The study was published in July 2009 in "The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology."
Bruising Easily
Cold-pressed vegetable oils, dark green leafy vegetables, beans, nuts, seeds and whole grains are rich in vitamin E. Adequate levels of this fat-soluble micronutrient are necessary for tissue repair, nerve function and healthy skin and hair. The antioxidant effects of vitamin E may be protective against some types of cancer; however, the American Cancer Society warns that too much vitamin E can interfere with the body's absorption of vitamin K, leading to a deficiency of this essential component in blood clotting. Large doses of vitamin E, or taking the vitamin in combination with blood-thinning medication, may cause the skin to bruise easily.
