Overdose of vitamins symptoms
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Symptoms of Vitamin Overdose: A Comprehensive Overview
Vitamin D Overdose Symptoms
Hypercalcemia and Associated Symptoms
Vitamin D toxicity, also known as hypervitaminosis D, is primarily characterized by hypercalcemia, which can range from asymptomatic to life-threatening conditions. Common symptoms include vomiting, dehydration, abdominal pain, polyuria (excessive urination), polydipsia (excessive thirst), and loss of appetite1 2 3 4. Severe cases may present with confusion, apathy, and recurrent vomiting2 4.
Causes and Risk Factors
The primary causes of vitamin D toxicity include excessive long-term intake of vitamin D supplements, manufacturing errors, and overdosing by patients or prescribers1 2 4. Additionally, certain medical conditions that affect vitamin D metabolism, such as granulomatous disorders and some lymphomas, can lead to endogenous vitamin D toxicity2.
Clinical Manifestations and Diagnosis
Patients with vitamin D toxicity often exhibit serum vitamin D concentrations higher than 150 ng/mL and elevated serum calcium levels1 2. Symptoms can be severe and include life-threatening conditions such as hypertensive encephalopathy and acute pancreatitis, as seen in extreme cases9. Routine clinical examinations may reveal asymptomatic hypercalcemia, indicating the need for careful monitoring of vitamin D intake2 4.
Vitamin A Overdose Symptoms
Acute and Chronic Hypervitaminosis A
Vitamin A toxicity can occur in both acute and chronic forms. Acute hypervitaminosis A may result from ingesting doses greater than 500,000 IU, leading to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, and blurred vision7 8. Chronic toxicity, on the other hand, can develop from prolonged intake of high doses and may cause symptoms like dry skin, joint pain, and liver damage8.
Risk Factors and Influences
Factors influencing vitamin A toxicity include the dosing regimen, the physical form of the vitamin, general health status, and dietary factors such as ethanol and protein intake8. Both excess and deficiency of vitamin A during pregnancy have been associated with congenital abnormalities, highlighting the importance of appropriate dosing8.
Vitamin B12 Overdose Symptoms
Uncommon but Notable Effects
Although vitamin B12 toxicity is rare, excessive intake can lead to symptoms such as acne, palpitations, anxiety, akathisia (a movement disorder), facial ruddiness, headache, and insomnia10. These symptoms were observed in a case where a patient received multiple high doses of cyanocobalamin for pernicious anemia treatment10.
General Adverse Effects of Vitamin Overdose
Common Symptoms Across Vitamins
Overdosing on various vitamins can lead to a range of adverse effects, including nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. These side effects are generally more severe with higher dosages and can often be mitigated by reducing the intake5. Individual tolerances to vitamin dosages can vary widely, influenced by factors such as age and overall health5.
Conclusion
Vitamin overdoses, while relatively rare, can lead to significant health issues. Vitamin D toxicity is primarily associated with hypercalcemia and can present with severe symptoms if not promptly identified and managed. Vitamin A toxicity can occur in both acute and chronic forms, with a range of symptoms from mild to severe. Vitamin B12 toxicity, though uncommon, can also cause notable adverse effects. It is crucial for both patients and healthcare providers to be aware of the potential risks associated with excessive vitamin intake and to monitor dosages carefully to prevent toxicity.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Development of Vitamin D Toxicity from Overcorrection of Vitamin D Deficiency: A Review of Case Reports
Vitamin D intoxication is rare but can occur due to manufacturing errors, overdosing by patients or prescribers, and combinations of these factors.
Systematic Review
Very Rigorous Journal
Highly CitedVitamin D Toxicity–A Clinical Perspective
Vitamin D toxicity (VDT) can result from excessive long-term intake of vitamin D, malfunctions in the vitamin D metabolic pathway, or coincidental diseases, and can cause severe health effects if not identified and treated promptly.
Highly CitedVitamin D toxicity – causes, symptoms and diagnosis
Overdosing vitamin D can lead to vitamin D toxicity, which can range from asymptomatic to life-threatening, and medical practitioners should be alert to identify it quickly.
Systematic ReviewVitamin D toxicity syndrome: a toxicologist's view
Overuse of vitamin D, particularly through pharmaceuticals and dietary supplements, can lead to vitamin D toxicity, requiring regular monitoring and awareness-raising among family physicians.
Literature ReviewA review on adverse effects of overdose vitamins on human health
Overdosing on vitamins can cause side-effects like nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting, with recovery often achieved by reducing the dosage.
Literature ReviewVitamin D Toxicity: A Clinical Perspective
Vitamin D toxicity (VDT) is caused by excessive long-term intake of vitamin D, malfunctions in the vitamin D metabolic pathway, or coincidental disease, and can result in severe hypercalcemia if not promptly identified.
Highly CitedVitamin A intoxication in adults: report of a case with a summary of the literature.
Vitamin A intoxication in adults presents uniform symptoms, often overlooked by physicians, and can be differentiated into acute and chronic types, requiring early recognition and prevention.
Case ReportHighly CitedSafety of vitamin A.
Vitamin A toxicity is rare and associated with overconsumption of supplements, but deficiency can cause xerophthalmia and permanent blindness, and increased mortality rates in children.
Highly CitedFatal Outcome of Accidental Vitamin D Overdose
Accidental vitamin D overdose can lead to fatal complications, particularly hypercalcemia, highlighting the risks of parenteral vitamin D administration.
Case ReportToxicity induced by multiple high doses of vitamin B12 during pernicious anemia treatment: a case report
Multiple high doses of vitamin B12 during pernicious anemia treatment can cause unexpected and unusual side effects, such as acne, palpitations, anxiety, and insomnia.
Case Report