You may hear about the amazing health benefits you can reap by taking vitamin supplements. However, the best source of vitamins is your daily diet, and eating a well-balanced diet that encompasses all the major food groups should supply you with all the vitamins you need. Whole foods, including vegetables, fruits, dairy and whole grains, are loaded with vitamins in their naturally occurring state. Taking too many vitamins or taking them in mega-doses can actually be harmful. Certain vitamins can build up to toxic levels within your system and seriously impact your health.
Hypervitaminosis
Vitamin toxicity results in a medical condition known as hypervitaminosis. The symptoms differ depending on which vitamin has risen to toxic levels in your body. Fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins A, E and D, are more likely to rise to toxic levels because they are not excreted from your body as readily as the water-soluble vitamins are. Hypervitaminosis is akin to an overdose caused by taking too high a dosage of a particular vitamin for an extended period of time. For safety, taking a mega-dose of any dietary supplement, including vitamins, should only be done under the direct supervision of your physician.
How Hypervitaminosis Occurs
Hectic schedules, long work hours and missed meals have made supplementation with vitamins a very popular alternative for getting the proper nutrients every day. In general, vitamin toxicity occurs as a result of taking too high a dose of a particular vitamin, allowing it to build-up within your body's tissues. However, other factors can also affect the development of hypervitaminosis. Metabolic conditions, such as hyperparathyroidism, which causes you to be especially sensitive to vitamin D, and including a lot of vitamin-fortified processed foods in your diet can result in excessive intake of some vitamins.
Fat-Soluble Vitamin Toxicity
The fat-soluble vitamins are not excreted in your urine, but are stored in your fat tissue and liver. If you continually supplement with high doses of vitamins, their levels can build up and cause health problems. Vitamin A is easily absorbed, so symptoms of overdose can develop quickly. Hypervitaminosis A can lead to problems with your liver, nervous system and bones; symptoms include nausea, dizziness and uncoordinated movement. Vitamin D toxicity causes calcium levels in your urine and bloodstream to rise, leading to serious problems with your bones, kidneys and soft tissues. Vitamin E affects blood clotting, and Oregon State University notes taking more than 2,000 mg of vitamin E daily can lead to an increased risk of hemorrhage.
Water-Soluble Vitamin Toxicity
It is far less likely for water-soluble vitamins to reach toxic levels because excess amounts are removed via urination. The water-soluble vitamins include vitamin C and the eight B vitamins. Although toxicity is rare, Colorado State University notes overconsumption of vitamin C can cause diarrhea and kidney stone formation. Taking too much niacin, or vitamin B3, causes nausea, cramping and abnormal liver function. Toxic levels of vitamin B6, or pyridoxine, lead to neurological problems, including decreased sensation and difficulty walking.
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