Once the human body has used the vitamins and minerals it needs, the rest is excreted or stored. There are some supplements that can cause harm, so it is important to be aware of what you are taking. Vitamins and minerals are essential for good health, but it is possible to take too much. Taking too many vitamins, minerals and supplements can be hazardous to your health.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), you are more likely to experience side effects from dietary supplements if you take them in high doses or use many different supplements. Just as a person can eat too much sugar or drink excessive amounts of water, a person can also take too many supplements. For example, high doses of vitamin B could cause hip fractures, according to a study. People should always check the dosage of each supplement that they take.
If you accidentally take two of your multivitamins on the same day, don't panic, you will still be fine. However, it is more about taking an excessive amount of a supplement on a consistent basis, even if it is something like calcium that you know is key to your health. A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that, while calcium-rich foods may help protect heart health, calcium supplements may increase the risk of plaque building up in the arteries and causing heart damage. Beyond that, there are other common supplements that experts say can be risky if taken in excess.
Like calcium, potassium supplement overload is potentially problematic for the heart. The mineral has the function of regulating the heartbeat, and taking too much can cause heart problems. Vitamin A is another example of a seemingly beneficial supplement that can have negative effects on the body. While it can help keep your vision and immune system healthy, vitamin A's toxicity can lead to hair loss, bone loss, confusion, and even liver failure.
Unlike water-soluble types, such as vitamins B and C, which are normally eliminated if there is an excess in the system, vitamin A is stored in body fat. Both iron and zinc can easily build up in the body and cause several problems. While the symptoms of overdoing it with a supplement vary depending on the vitamin or mineral, digestive problems are often the first sign that something is wrong, but people can also experience nausea, vomiting, seizures, or a rapid heartbeat. If you notice any of these symptoms and suspect that you may have taken an excessive amount of a supplement, stop taking it immediately and call your doctor.
It is always a good idea to talk to your doctor before taking any type of supplement. Even if you are not taking any medications and are in good health, your doctor can do a blood test to determine if you really need to take any supplements. Any ingredient in a multivitamin supplement can be toxic in large quantities, but the most serious risk comes from iron or calcium.
