What Do Too High Vitamins And Minerals In Blood Mean?

A 2004 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that 35 percent of American males and 44 percent of American females report using dietary supplements on a daily basis. The fact that vitamin and mineral supplements can be purchased over-the-counter and that no physician's guidance is required can cause the health risk of high levels of vitamins and minerals in the blood. High levels of vitamins and minerals in the blood can lead to vitamin toxicity, which is also known as vitamin poisoning or hypervitaminosis, and can lead to serious medical conditions.

Vitamin A

Hypervitaminosis A occurs when there is too much vitamin A in your body and blood stream. The Institute of Medicine's Food and Nutrition Board recommended daily allowance of vitamin A is 900 micrograms for adult men and 700 micrograms for adult women. More than this amount can result in hypervitaminosis A and can cause symptoms such as decreased appetite, irritability, nausea, liver damage, vision changes and vomiting. A 2006 report published in "Liver Transplantation" studied a 60-year-old man who had been taking large doses of vitamin A supplements and had severe liver disease. The stopping of vitamin A wasn't enough to reduce the damage the supplements had caused and he was required to undergo a liver transplant.

Vitamin D and Calcium

Hypervitaminosis D and hypercalcemia occur when too much vitamin D or calcium is in your body. Since vitamin D helps balance the level of calcium in your body, high levels of vitamin D can lead to high levels of calcium, the National Institutes of Health reports. High levels of vitamin D and calcium can eventually cause severe damage to your bones and kidneys. The recommended daily allowance for calcium is between 1,000 and 1,200 mg for adults, and the recommended allowance for vitamin D is 600 to 800 International Units, or IU.

Potassium

Potassium is required for the regulation of muscle tissue, including the heart. Too much potassium in your blood results in hyperkalemia, and severely high levels can lead to cardiac arrest. The recommended daily allowance of potassium for adults is 2,000 mg. Hyperkalemia doesn't always have symptoms. However, it can cause an irregular heartbeat, nausea or a slow and weak pulse.

Considerations

While you may think that taking a daily vitamin or other vitamin supplements are keeping you healthy, if not taken in the right amounts you could find yourself very sick. It's important to discuss all vitamin supplements with your physician and have your blood levels checked regularly. If your physician finds you may be deficient in a particular vitamin, he can advise you on the appropriate amount of supplementation to take. With the increase in vitamin availability, such as in energy drinks, it's very important to not consume more than the daily recommended levels.