Can You Overdose on Vitamins and Minerals?

One of the main reasons that dietary supplements are so popular is due to the fact that they are not harmful. However, taking vitamins and minerals like any other drug, has a number of potential side effects. Everything these days, from bottled water to orange juice, appears to have increased levels of vitamins and minerals. That may appear to be a way to supplement your nutritional needs, especially if your diet is less than ideal. However, getting an overload of vitamins and minerals on a regular basis can be harmful. 

Vitamins and Minerals

If vitamins A, D, E, and K are taken in large amounts it can cause serious or life-threatening side effects. There are also certain minerals that can also cause serious symptoms if consumed in excess amounts. Vitamins and minerals should not be taken with milk, other dairy products, calcium supplements, or calcium-containing antacids. These supplements are made up of a variety of vitamins and minerals that are normally found in foods and other natural sources. 

Vitamins and minerals are used to supplement substances that are not obtained through diet. These supplements are also used to treat vitamin and mineral deficiencies caused by illness, pregnancy, poor nutrition, digestive problems, certain medications, and a variety of other conditions. Vitamins and minerals can be used and there’s no need to be afraid of taking too much. Most multivitamins have such a wide margin of safety that even when combined with fortified foods, they won’t cause any side effects.

Who Can Take Vitamins and Minerals?

Every day, our bodies only require a small number of vitamins and minerals. A varied diet usually provides adequate amounts of each vitamin and mineral. Some people, however, may require supplements to correct vitamin or mineral deficiencies, which include:

  • Pregnant and breastfeeding women people who smoke, drink excessively or use illegal drugs crash dieters or those on extremely strict diets
  • elderly people (especially those who are disabled or chronically ill)
  • some vegans or vegetarians
  • women who have heavy periods
  • Those suffering from food allergies, as well as those suffering from malabsorption issues (such as diarrhea, coeliac disease, cystic fibrosis, or pancreatitis).

A Side Effect of Vitamins and Minerals Overdose

If vitamins A, D, E, and K are taken in large amounts it can cause serious or life-threatening side effects. Certain minerals can also cause serious overdose symptoms if consumed in excess and the symptoms include 

  • Increased thirst or urination
  • Severe stomach pain
  • Vomiting
  • Bloody diarrhea
  • Black and tarry stools
  • Hair loss
  • Peeling skin
  • A tingly feeling in or around your mouth
  • Changes in menstrual periods
  • Weight loss 
  • Severe headache and back pain
  • Blood in your urine
  • Pale skin
  • Easy bruising or bleeding
  • Severe drowsiness
  • Slow heart rate and shallow breathing
  • Weak and rheumatoid arthritis
  • Confusion
  • Muscle weakness
  • Cold and clammy skin, blue lips, and seizures 

Although many people consume vitamin supplements safely on a daily basis, it is possible to take too much of a dose, which can result in the above-mentioned negative side effects.

Overdosing on certain vitamins can result in serious complications and, in rare cases, death. For these reasons, it is necessary to use vitamins responsibly and to seek the advice of a trusted health professional if you have any questions about dosing.