Poisonous Ingredient
Rdose occurs when someone takes more than the normal or recommended amount of multivitamin supplements. This article is for information only. If you or someone you are with overdoses, call your local emergency number (such as 911), or your local poison center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United State.
Supplements: Check The Dose
“It’s pretty hard to overdo it from food alone,” says Johanna Dwyer, RD, a senior research scientist with the National Institutes of Health’s Office of Dietary Supplements. That way, your doctor can help you keep doses in a safe range. “If you’re taking a basic multivitamin, there’s no need to fear taking too much,” says Andrew Shao, PhD, senior vice president of scientific and regulatory affairs for the Council for Responsible Nutrition, a trade group for the supplements industry.
Fat-Soluble Vs. Water-Soluble Vitamins
The 13 known vitamins are divided into 2 categories — fat-soluble and water-soluble Water-soluble vitamins Water-soluble vitamins are readily excreted from the body and not easily stored in tissues. Water-soluble vitamins include vitamin C, plus eight B vitamins: Vitamin B1 (thiamine)
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
Vitamin B3 (niacin)
Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid)
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
Vitamin B7 (biotin)
Vitamin B9 (folate)
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) Because water-soluble vitamins aren’t stored but rather excreted through urine, they’re less likely to cause issues even when taken in high doses.
For example, taking very high doses of vitamin B6 can lead to potentially irreversible nerve damage over time, while taking large amounts of niacin — typically in excess of 2 grams per day — can cause liver damage Fat-soluble vitamins Unlike water-soluble vitamins, fat-soluble vitamins do not dissolve in water and are easily stored in your body’s tissues While rare, taking too much vitamin A, D, or E can lead to potentially harmful side effects Alternatively, taking high doses of non-synthetic vitamin K seems to be relatively harmless, which is why an upper intake level (UL) has not been set for this nutrient Upper intake levels are set to indicate the maximum dose of a nutrient that’s unlikely to cause harm for nearly all people in a general population
Watch Out For These Fat-Soluble Vitamins: A, E And K
Here are details about vitamins A, E and K and the symptoms of overdose to look out for.
An overdose of this vitamin can lead to problems with confusion, hair loss, liver damage and bone loss. It can also cause an increased risk for death and lung-associated issues for those who have a history of smoking—particularly female smokers. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble nutrient found naturally in foods and added to some fortified foods that can help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, such as air pollution.
Vitamin K is a fat-soluble nutrient that’s important for blood clotting, healthy bones and other bodily functions. It’s rare that you’ll overdose on vitamin K by eating things like broccoli.