However, routinely consuming an overload of vitamins and minerals can harm you. Too much vitamin C or zinc can cause nausea, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. Too much selenium can cause hair loss, gastrointestinal disorders, fatigue, and minor nerve damage. Any ingredient in a multivitamin supplement can be toxic in large amounts, but the most serious risk comes from iron or calcium.
Even if a supplement is generally considered safe, it might not be safe for you. When it comes to supplements and risks, “there's no one size fits all,” he says. Supplements can pose risks even in people who are otherwise healthy. According to the NIH, you're more likely to experience side effects from dietary supplements if you take them in high doses or if you use many different supplements.
You've probably read the advice on which vitamins can help us achieve certain health goals. For example, there are vitamins to increase energy and others that help hair growth. Since vitamins are so good for us, you might even assume that the more, the better. However, with certain vitamins, there can be too much of a good thing.
Some vitamins can build up in the body and cause unwanted side effects, such as nausea and headaches. Read on to learn if you're overdosing on vitamins, including the common side effects of the most popular vitamins. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble nutrient that occurs naturally in many foods, such as beef, eggs, and many fruits and vegetables. Overdosing on this vitamin can cause problems with confusion, hair loss, liver damage, and bone loss.
It can also increase the risk of death and lung problems in those with a history of smoking, especially women who smoke. Vitamin K is a fat-soluble nutrient that is important for blood clotting, bone health, and other bodily functions. People who eat lots of nutrient-rich foods live longer, healthier lives, so eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and see a health professional if you're not sure if you're not sure if taking supplements would benefit you. Scientists know that people who eat lots of foods rich in vitamins and minerals tend to live longer, healthier lives.
Science shows that taking too many supplements doesn't seem to have real health benefits and, in some situations, could be harmful.
