Vitamins and minerals are essential for good health, but it's possible to take too much. Overdosing on certain vitamins can lead to serious complications and, in rare circumstances, even death. Combining several supplements or taking doses higher than recommended may increase the risk that they could cause harm. Dwyer says that vitamin D, calcium and folic acid are three nutrients that you can consume in excess, especially through supplements.
Just because supplements are safe in moderation doesn't mean that more is better. 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 is taken. Jessica Cording, a researcher based in New York, says that if you accidentally take two of your multivitamins on the same day, don't freak out, you'll still be fine. Rather, it's more about taking an excessive amount of a supplement on a consistent basis, even if it's 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 calcium supplements may increase the risk of plaque building up in the arteries and causing heart damage. Potassium supplement overload is potentially problematic for the ticker. 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 great supplement that can wreak havoc 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. The symptoms of overdoing it with a supplement vary depending on the vitamin or mineral. Cording says that 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. In fact, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor before taking any type of supplement. Even if you're 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.
