Signs of vitamin overdose in adults
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Signs of Vitamin Overdose in Adults
Vitamin A Overdose Symptoms
Acute Vitamin A Toxicity
Acute vitamin A toxicity can occur when an adult ingests a large dose of vitamin A, typically greater than 500,000 IU, which is over 100 times the recommended daily allowance (RDA) . Symptoms of acute toxicity include nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, blurred vision, and muscular incoordination 17. These symptoms are usually reversible once the excessive intake is stopped .
Chronic Vitamin A Toxicity
Chronic vitamin A toxicity results from prolonged intake of high doses of vitamin A. Symptoms include hepatocellular damage, portal fibrosis, and eventual cirrhosis . Neurologic complications such as increased intracranial pressure, muscle stiffness, and mental changes are also common . Dermatologic issues, including dry skin and hair loss, can occur as well . Additionally, chronic toxicity can lead to teratogenic effects, particularly affecting the central nervous system during pregnancy 37.
Hepatic Hydrothorax
A rare but severe manifestation of chronic vitamin A toxicity is hepatic hydrothorax, which presents with respiratory symptoms due to fluid accumulation in the pleural cavity. This condition is associated with liver damage and portal hypertension .
Vitamin D Overdose Symptoms
Hypercalcemia
Vitamin D toxicity, also known as hypervitaminosis D, is primarily characterized by hypercalcemia, which can range from asymptomatic to life-threatening 45. Symptoms of hypercalcemia include confusion, apathy, recurrent vomiting, abdominal pain, polyuria (excessive urination), polydipsia (excessive thirst), and dehydration 458.
Severe Cases
In severe cases, vitamin D toxicity can lead to serum vitamin D concentrations between 150 and 1220 ng/mL and serum calcium concentrations between 11.1 and 23.1 mg/dL . These levels can cause significant health issues, including kidney damage and cardiovascular problems 24.
Causes of Overdose
Vitamin D overdose often results from manufacturing errors, overdosing by patients or prescribers, and inappropriate use of vitamin D supplements 24. Increased public awareness of vitamin D benefits has led to higher risks of self-administration in doses exceeding recommended limits 48.
Conclusion
Vitamin overdose in adults can lead to a range of serious health issues. Acute and chronic vitamin A toxicity can cause liver damage, neurological issues, and dermatologic problems, while vitamin D toxicity primarily results in hypercalcemia with severe systemic effects. Awareness and careful monitoring of vitamin intake are crucial to prevent these potentially life-threatening conditions.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic