Bad Effects of Vitamin Excessive Intake
Too much of a good thing is an adage that can apply to vitamins. The body needs vitamins to function properly, but high doses of certain vitamins can be toxic, especially fat soluble vitamins that the body stores for long periods of time.
Water Soluble Vitamins
Water-soluble vitamin toxicity is rare because the body does not store water-soluble vitamins and excess amounts are usually excreted in urine. Side effects associated with water-soluble vitamins occur due to intake of extremely high doses. Peripheral neuropathy, a nerve disorder that can cause numbness and pain in the extremities, is a possible side effect of too much vitamin B6, according to Merck. Medline Plus says more than 2,000mg of vitamin C a day is not recommended because it can upset the stomach and cause diarrhea.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that supports vision, immunity, genes, growth, development and production of red blood cells. Vitamin A from food sources is not harmful in large amounts but may cause skin discolorations. However, supplemental vitamin A can be toxic. According to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, acute vitamin A toxicity is rare but can cause nausea, headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, dizziness, dry skin and swelling of the brain. Side effects of chronic vitamin A toxicity include dry and itchy skin, loss of appetite, headache, swelling of the brain and bone and joint pain.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin that the body needs for bone formation, calcium absorption and immune function. Too much vitamin D can lead to hypervitaminosis D, according to the Mayo Clinic. Side effects of hypervitaminosis D include calcium buildup, loss of appetite, renal failure, bone calcifications, weakness, nausea, vomiting, kidney stones, confusion and abnormal heart rhythms. Side effects of too much vitamin D are treated by discontinuing supplementation, restricting calcium intake and, in severe cases, hospitalization.
Vitamin E
Water Soluble Vitamins
Water-soluble vitamin toxicity is rare because the body does not store water-soluble vitamins and excess amounts are usually excreted in urine. Side effects associated with water-soluble vitamins occur due to intake of extremely high doses. Peripheral neuropathy, a nerve disorder that can cause numbness and pain in the extremities, is a possible side effect of too much vitamin B6, according to Merck. Medline Plus says more than 2,000mg of vitamin C a day is not recommended because it can upset the stomach and cause diarrhea.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that supports vision, immunity, genes, growth, development and production of red blood cells. Vitamin A from food sources is not harmful in large amounts but may cause skin discolorations. However, supplemental vitamin A can be toxic. According to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, acute vitamin A toxicity is rare but can cause nausea, headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, dizziness, dry skin and swelling of the brain. Side effects of chronic vitamin A toxicity include dry and itchy skin, loss of appetite, headache, swelling of the brain and bone and joint pain.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin that the body needs for bone formation, calcium absorption and immune function. Too much vitamin D can lead to hypervitaminosis D, according to the Mayo Clinic. Side effects of hypervitaminosis D include calcium buildup, loss of appetite, renal failure, bone calcifications, weakness, nausea, vomiting, kidney stones, confusion and abnormal heart rhythms. Side effects of too much vitamin D are treated by discontinuing supplementation, restricting calcium intake and, in severe cases, hospitalization.
Vitamin E