Hypervitaminosis occurs when a person consumes too much of one or more vitamins. Symptoms vary depending on the type of vitamin, and can include bone damage, anorexia, and irregular heartbeat. Fat-soluble vitamins can accumulate in the body to toxic levels, while water-soluble vitamins are excreted in urine. Vitamin poisoning is easy to avoid by eating a varied diet.
When a person overdoses on vitamins, they are said to be suffering from hypervitaminosis or vitamin poisoning. Hypervitaminosis occurs when a person consumes too much of one or more vitamins. Symptoms of vitamin poisoning vary depending on which type of vitamin was taken in excess, but can include irritability, bone damage, anorexia, and irregular heartbeat.
Vitamins are water-soluble or fat-soluble. Water-soluble vitamins, such as vitamin C and vitamin B complex, dissolve in water and are transported throughout the body. The body takes what it needs to use these vitamins and the excess is excreted from the body in the urine. Since water-soluble vitamins are not stored in the body, people should consume water-soluble vitamins on a daily basis.
Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the body in body fat. Vitamins A, E, D and K are all fat soluble. These vitamins can be accumulated in the body to toxic levels.
Vitamin poisoning can occur over time or it can be the result of taking mega doses of vitamins at once. Hypervitaminosis typically occurs with fat-soluble vitamins because these vitamins can build up in the body. Though less common, people can overdose on vitamins C and B complex when the vitamins are consumed in large quantities.
The symptoms of vitamin D hypervitaminosis are the result of abnormally high levels of calcium in the blood. These high levels of calcium can cause nausea, irritability and confusion. Ultimately, people can experience kidney damage, bone damage, and heartbeat irregularities. Treatment can be as simple as reducing calcium intake and stopping vitamin D intake. When vitamin D toxicity levels are high enough, people may require hospitalization.
Symptoms of vitamin A hypervitaminosis can be acute, occurring over a short period of time, or chronic, occurring over a long period of time. Symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, and tiredness. Eye and liver damage are two of the serious symptoms of vitamin A poisoning. This type of vitamin poisoning can also lead to intrahepatic cholestasis, a condition that inhibits the flow of bile from the kidneys to the intestines.
Cases of vitamin E overdose are rare. Symptoms can include diarrhea or nausea. Unsafe dosages of vitamin E can also lead to excessive bleeding or can inhibit normal kidney function.
Vitamin poisoning is easy to avoid. People who eat a variety of foods typically get the right amount of vitamins they need to live a healthy day-to-day life. A person should see a doctor if he believes he has a vitamin deficiency.
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