Causes and consequences of hypervitaminosis

Hypervitaminosis is the excessive accumulation of a vitamin, the opposite of avitaminosis in the body, which can lead to various disorders depending on which vitamin is treated:

• Hypervitaminosis A : May have symptoms similar to those of a brain tumor: headache, vomiting, bone pain, blurred vision.
• Hypervitaminosis D : Its symptoms are similar to those of an excessive presence of calcium; weakness, tiredness, headaches, and nausea.
• Hypervitaminosis E: Vitamin E is present in a large number of foods, particularly vegetable oils, unprocessed cereal grains, nuts, and seeds. There is no evidence of adverse effects from consuming vitamin E in food. However, high doses of alpha-tocopherol supplements can affect blood clotting, inhibit platelet aggregation, and cause bleeding. Studies have also shown an increase in all-cause mortality associated with vitamin E supplements.
• Hypervitaminosis B6 : High intake of vitamin B6 from food sources is not known to cause adverse effects. However, long-term use of supplements can cause severe and progressive sensory neuropathy with ataxia. The severity of symptoms is dose dependent and symptoms usually stop when supplements are stopped. Other adverse effects of excess vitamin B6 intake include painful skin rashes, photosensitivity, nausea, and heartburn.

An excess of vitamin A can cause, among others, symptoms such as fatigue, headache, hair loss, osteoporosis , irritability , weight loss, lack of appetite , etc. This can lead us to increase cholesterol levels and to suffer calcification in the bones due to the high level of calcium that accumulates in the blood.

If too much vitamin D accumulates in our body, we will notice symptoms such as dehydration, decreased appetite, irritability, fatigue and muscle weakness , since the muscles are the most affected by this excess. Vomiting is also frequent in this case. There is also a large increase in the concentration of calcium in the blood, which in the long run can cause bone problems, cause kidney stones and even damage the kidney.

High levels of vitamin K can aggravate jaundice in the newborn, which can cause significant neurological disorders . In adults it can cause anemia and eventually lead to liver damage.

Toxicity from excess vitamins A and D and, exceptionally, vitamin E, can occur, but it is important not to overstate the risk . However, the belief that vitamins are good, therefore many vitamins are even better, is inaccurate and simplistic.

There has been an explosion of interest in vitamin supplementation and great interest in nutritional medicine . This can help inform better diets and better dietary supplements. It is important for physicians to be informed and able to identify misinformation, innovative diets, and potentially harmful use of vitamin supplements.

This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.

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