Vitamin intoxication, or toxicity, refers to the overabundance of certain vitamins in the body, causing adverse reactions. With a balanced, varied diet, vitamin intoxication is not a threat. However, if you are taking vitamin supplements, it is important to be aware of the amount of each vitamin that you are ingesting, to make sure that you are not getting too much.
Which Vitamins Are the Most Toxic?
Since fat soluble vitamins are stored in the liver and adipose tissue, they stay in the body longer than water soluble vitamins, and therefore a level of toxicity can be reached faster. Toxicity of these vitamins can cause nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation, weakness, headache, dizziness and weight loss. Excess fat soluble vitamins over time can cause damage to the tissues and organs of your body, notes Colorado State University Extension. To avoid overdosing on fat soluble vitamins, it is best to rely on sound nutritional habits and daily intake of a multivitamin to get adequate daily amounts.
Is It Possible to Overdose on Water Soluble Vitamins?
Contrary to fat soluble vitamins, water soluble vitamins are not stored in the body and any excess is flushed out through the urine. Therefore, it is more difficult to reach levels of intoxication with these vitamins, states Colorado State University Extension. The dangers of overdosing on water soluble vitamins include the B vitamins and vitamin C. Irritability, cramps, diarrhea and bloating. Check with your doctor if you are considering a B-complex vitamin or Vitamin C tablets to make sure that you are not consuming too much.
How Do I Prevent Vitamin Toxicity?
Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet including whole grains, vegetables, fruits, proteins and dairy to get the vitamins you need to be healthy. A multi-vitamin may be recommended by your doctor to supplement your nutritious diet to make sure that you are getting all of the nutrients you need for optimal health. If you are taking any medications or suffer from a chronic condition, check with your doctor to make sure that you are eating appropriately for your condition.
How Do I Educate Myself?
Next time you take your vitamins, check the Supplement Facts label on each of your bottles. The Supplement Facts label, by law, must provide you with accurate amounts of each vitamin present in your supplement. The label will also tell you the percentage of your recommended daily allowance that each of your supplements provides. If a particular vitamin appears in more than one of your supplements, add up the percentages to make sure that you are not consuming too much. Staying near the recommended daily allowance will prevent any vitamin intoxication.
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