Hypervitaminosis is an excess of vitamins in the human body, which can result in the occurrence of undesirable symptoms. Although vitamin deficiencies are most often talked about, it is worth knowing that their excess can be equally harmful and can contribute to the dysfunction of the whole body.
The hypervitaminosis mainly concerns fat-soluble vitamins, because their excess is accumulated in the body, but undesirable reactions can also occur as a result of excessive consumption of water-soluble vitamins. What can be the symptoms and effects of the hypervitaminosis of individual vitamins? How to prevent and treat the hypervitaminosis?
Hypervitaminosis - what is it?
Vitamins are exogenous compounds that are necessary for the proper functioning of the body, but the human body can not produce them on its own, so they must be supplied from the outside with a daily diet. Although vitamins have neither nutritional nor energy functions, they are extremely important - they play regulatory roles, acting as biocatalysts of metabolic processes.
Vitamins can be divided into:
- fat-soluble - this group includes vitamin A, vitamin D, as well as vitamin E and K,
- water-soluble - among which can distinguished B vitamins or vitamin C.
Adequate supply of vitamins is extremely important. It is worth remembering that both the deficiency and excess of these micronutrients in the human body can bring to impaired functioning, negatively affecting the work of the body.
Excess vitamins in the body are called hypervitaminosis. It is a disorder associated with the accumulation in the body of too large amounts of a specific micronutrient, which can bring the occurrence of a syndrome of disease symptoms.
The hypervitaminosis is more common in fat-soluble vitamins, which is due to the fact that ADEK vitamins have a greater tendency to accumulate in the body, unlike water-soluble vitamins, which excess is usually excreted from the body with urine and sweat.
Causes of hypervitaminosis
Vitamins are needed for the proper functioning of the human body. So what are the causes of the hypervitaminosis and how not to cause excessive consumption of micronutrients?
The good news is that it is extremely rare to overdose vitamins by supplying them to the body with food. Therefore, when consuming a variety of vegetables and fruits, you should not be afraid of the hypervitaminosis - these are products that provide your body with valuable nutrients. They should be a permanent part of the diet.
So when does the excess of vitamins in the body occur? Most often as a result of improper use of dietary supplements.
The dietary supplements are a concentrated source of valuable substances that can complement the daily menu. Often vitamin preparations are abused, taken contrary to the manufacturer's or doctor's recommendations, or without proper examinations and consultations. It is then that most often an overdose of vitamins occurs - as a result of taking a higher dose than recommended or using several different preparations with a similar composition or action.
Symptoms of hypervitaminosis
Symptoms and effects of the hypervitaminosis depend on which vitamin is present in the body in excessive concentration. Most often, excess vitamins contribute to the occurrence of ailments from the digestive system, such as.:
- nausea,
- vomiting,
- stomach pains,
- diarrhea or constipation,
- appetite disorders.
Some vitamins are distinguished by relatively high toxicity, and their excess can be dangerous to human health. Others, are most often excreted in the urine, and increased concentration in the body most often does not contribute to the occurrence of undesirable symptoms. However, it is worth knowing what hypervitaminosis occurs most often, what are their symptoms and consequences.
Hypervitaminosis of vitamin A
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble substance that affects normal vision, as well as participates in the differentiation and development of tissues and cells. Vitamin A can also be involved in maintaining the proper condition of the skin and mucous membranes, and can also support bone tissue. What can excessive intake of vitamin A be associated with?
The most common symptoms of the hypervitaminosis A include.:
- excessive hair loss,
- brittle nails,
- dizziness,
- yellow skin colour,
- peeling and cracking of the skin,
- sleepiness,
- enlarged liver,
- weight loss,
- peripheral edema.
Excess of vitamin A is particularly dangerous, and in extreme cases may contribute to the insufficiency of individual organs and disorders of the body, which may result in the occurrence of an immediate danger to life. In addition, vitamin A in high doses may have a teratogenic effect, contributing to fetal damage.
Hypervitaminosis of vitamin D
Vitamin D is an ingredient that also belongs to the group of fat-soluble substances. It is responsible for the proper growth and development of the skeletal system, and what is more, it supports the body's immunity. Its production takes place under the influence of sunlight by skin synthesis, however, due to frequent deficiencies of this component, vitamin D is also available and commonly used in the form of a dietary supplement.
Overdose of vitamin D may be manifested by, among others.:
- poorness of appetite,
- weakness,
- a very strong feeling of desire,
- calcification of soft organs and tissues,
- deterioration of concentration and memory,
- diarrhea and vomiting.
As a consequence, excess vitamin D may bring to electrolyte imbalance and the occurrence of calcifications and heart rhythm disorders. Importantly, the symptoms of the hypervitaminosis D may be noticeable after a few months of excessive supply of vitamin in the form of dietary supplements.
Hypervitaminosis of vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble component that affects the immune system and the course of metabolic processes. The compound is also a powerful antioxidant that reduces oxidative stress and fights free radicals.
The hypervitaminosis of vitamin E can bring to the occurrence of symptoms such as.:
- headaches,
- fatigue,
- joint pain,
- muscle weakness,
- gastrointestinal disorders,
- vision disorder.
It is worth knowing that high doses of vitamin E may have an antagonistic effect on vitamin K, promoting the formation of disorders related to blood clotting.
Hypervitaminosis of vitamin K
Vitamin K is a fat-soluble substance that participates in blood clotting processes, and also supports the work of the cardiovascular system and calcium metabolism.
The hypervitaminosis of vitamin K may contribute to the occurrence of symptoms, such as.:
- hyperhidrosis,
- muscle weakness,
- heartache,
- anaemia.
Excess vitamin K in the body can be dangerous to health - it can contribute to impaired liver function, as well as to hemolysis.
Hypervitaminosis of vitamin C
Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble compound. It is an ingredient that participates in the construction of tendons, skin and blood vessels. In addition, the substance is necessary for the proper synthesis of collagen, and can also accelerate the healing process of wounds. Its excess is usually excreted from the body along with urine and sweat. However, the hypervitaminosis of vitamin C can also cause undesirable symptoms such as:
- general weakness,
- muscle tremor,
- stomach pains,
- headaches,
- diarrhea.
In addition, excess vitamin C in the body may weaken the effect of some drugs and contribute to the occurrence of increased demand for vitamin E. Among the effects of an overdose of vitamin C, there is also an increased risk of kidney stones.
Hypervitaminosis of B vitamins
B vitamins are water-soluble components that support the functioning of the nervous system, and what is more, they are involved in many important biochemical and metabolic processes.
The hypervitaminosis of B vitamins is rare and does not pose a danger to human health, and excess compounds are usually removed from the body with urine and sweat. However, sometimes an overdose of B vitamins can bring to nervous system disorders. Excess of vitamin B1 may contribute to muscle tremors and dizziness, while excess of vitamin B2 may result in abdominal pain and itching. Hypervitaminosis of vitamin B6 may contribute to the occurrence of coordination disorders and tingling sensation in the limbs, and excess of B12 may cause allergic symptoms.
How to prevent hypervitaminosis?
Due to the possibility of hypervitaminosis, before starting the use of dietary supplements containing vitamins, it is worth performing laboratory tests focusing on measuring the concentration of individual compounds in the blood. The results of the tests allow to confirm or exclude deficiencies in the body and justify the effectiveness of supplementation.
During taking vitamin preparations, it is worth regularly checking the level of a given component in the body and adjusting the dose of the preparation to the changing content of vitamin in the blood. Estimation of the appropriate dose of a dietary supplement should be carried out under the supervision of a doctor. In addition, when taking vitamin preparations, it is always worth following the guidelines placed on the product packaging and not exceeding the recommended portions of dietary supplements.
What to do when excess vitamins are already present in the body? How to treat the hypervitaminosis?
During mild consequences of the hypervitaminosis, such as headaches or nausea, it is usually enough to stop taking dietary supplements to reduce the occurrence of undesirable side effects. In the case of more serious symptoms, hospitalization and specialized treatment may be necessary.
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Bibliography:
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31671389/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32063764/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34785012/
