Vitamin is indispensable body. However, consuming too much of it can also lead to vitamin overload or hypervitaminosis. The dangers of excess vitamins to health vary, depending on the type of vitamin.
Vitamins are substances needed by the body to support cell function and maintain health. Examples are the benefits of vitamin A for eye health, the benefits of vitamin C for endurance, the benefits of vitamin D for bone health, and the benefits of vitamin E for skin health. Besides being obtained from natural food ingredients, vitamin intake can also be in the form of supplements.
Dangers of Excess Vitamins and their Symptoms
Vitamins can be divided into water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins. Examples of water soluble vitamins are B and C, while examples of fat soluble vitamins are A, D, E, and K.
Each vitamin can cause health problems if consumed in excess. However, fat-soluble vitamins have a higher risk because they can accumulate in the body.
1. Vitamin A
Vitamin A has many benefits, and one of them is to maintain healthy eyes and skin. However, excessive consumption of vitamin A can increase the risk of bone loss (osteoporosis). In addition, research shows that consuming more than 1.5 milligrams of vitamin A per day can increase the risk of fractures.
If you have consumed foods that contain lots of vitamin A, such as fish oil, milk, eggs, and liver, then you should reduce or no longer take vitamin A supplements so as not to experience hypervitaminosis.
2. Vitamin B
B vitamins are divided into B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, and B12. The function of this vitamin also varies, from maintaining a healthy nervous system to helping the formation of red blood cells. Natural sources of B vitamins are vegetables, fruits, nuts, eggs, and liver. If this vitamin is consumed in excess, it can cause nausea, liver disorders, skin redness, and soreness.
3. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is found in oranges, broccoli, and potatoes. Its main function is to maintain the immune system and help the wound healing process. However, excess vitamin C can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
4. Vitamin D
Vitamin D is naturally produced by the skin with the help of sunlight. However, we can also get this vitamin from food, such as fish oil, red meat, liver, and eggs.
The main function of vitamin D is to increase calcium absorption to maintain healthy bones, teeth and muscles. However, excessive consumption can lead to a buildup of calcium in the blood, arteries, and soft tissues. In addition, some people have reported experiencing kidney stones due to excess vitamin D.
5. Vitamin E
In addition to being found in foods, such as vegetable oils, fruits, chicken meat, cereals, and eggs, vitamin E is also available in supplement form.
Vitamin E is useful for maintaining healthy skin and body tissues. However, side effects that may occur if we take this vitamin in excess are the appearance of bruising, rashes, headaches, and feeling tired. In addition, research shows that excess of this vitamin can increase the risk of stroke.
If the food you consume every day varies, ranging from fruits, vegetables, meat, eggs, and fish, then your daily vitamin needs are actually fulfilled. Especially if you apply a balanced nutritious diet.
But if you still want to take supplements, make sure the dose does not exceed the recommended dose so as not to experience excess vitamins or hypervitaminosis. And remember, if you are suffering from certain diseases, you should first consult with your doctor before taking vitamin supplements.
Written by:
dr. Irene Cindy Sunur
