Vitamins are necessary for human growth and development. Each vitamin has an established dosage range, and in some vitamins this amount can be exceeded to treat certain medical conditions, and even to prevent them. However, certain vitamins cannot be taken in excess or they may cause serious health problems, future health risks, and in some rare cases, death.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A -- retinol -- is required for good eyesight, healthy tissue and healthy skin. Vitamin A is found in beef, liver, eggs, shrimp, fish, cheddar cheese and Swiss cheese. A person is required to consume at least 900 mcg of vitamin A or take a supplement equaling the same. Taking more than 100,000 IUs taken per day for several months can result in vitamin A toxicity. Symptoms of vitamin A toxicity are alopecia of the eyebrows, drowsiness, irritability, dry skin, dry eyes, cracked lips and rough skin. The only treatment for vitamin A toxicity is completely stopping the intake of vitamin A, according to "Merck Manuals."
Vitamin D
Vitamin D helps to increase calcium absorption and helps to form strong teeth and bones. Everyone needs to consume or make (from sunshine) at least 5 mcg of vitamin D per day. Vitamin D toxicity occurs when vitamin D is taken at a dosage 50,000 IU a day for several months. Vitamin D toxicity can cause a condition known as hyoercalcemia. Symptoms of hyoercalcemia are anorexia, nausea, vomiting, weakness, nervousness and renal failure . If a person has developed vitamin D toxicity they will have to stop vitamin D intake and go to the hospital to receive intravenous saline and corticosteroids or bisphosphonates. According to "Merck Manuals," kidney damage due to vitamin D toxicity may be irreversible.
Iron
Iron helps to carry oxygen throughout the body. Taking too much iron can result in iron overdose, which according to MedlinePlus happens when you take in more than the recommended amount. Symptoms of iron overdose are diarrhea, liver damage, nausea, metallic taste in the mouth, fluid in the lungs, vomiting blood, chills, weak pulse, coma, chills and drowsiness. If you have taken too much iron you should call a poison control center immediately.
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