Symptoms of overdose of vitamins
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Symptoms of Vitamin Overdose
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, and loss of appetite 123. Severe cases may present with serum vitamin D concentrations between 150 and 1220 ng/mL and serum calcium levels between 11.1 and 23.1 mg/dL 1. Hypercalcemia can also lead to confusion, apathy, polyuria (excessive urination), and polydipsia (excessive thirst) 24.
Causes and Risk Factors
The primary causes of vitamin D toxicity include manufacturing errors, overdosing by patients or prescribers, and excessive self-administration due to increased public awareness of vitamin D benefits 14. Endogenous factors such as granulomatous disorders and certain lymphomas can also lead to excessive production of active vitamin D metabolites, contributing to toxicity 2.
Vitamin A Overdose Symptoms
Acute and Chronic Hypervitaminosis A
Vitamin A toxicity, or hypervitaminosis A, can occur acutely or chronically. Acute toxicity may result from ingesting doses greater than 500,000 IU, leading to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, and blurred vision 8. Chronic toxicity, influenced by factors like dosing regimen and general health status, can cause more severe symptoms, including liver damage, bone pain, and skin changes 8.
Specific Case Symptoms
In adults, symptoms of vitamin A intoxication include mundane yet troubling signs such as dry skin, joint pain, and irritability, which can often be overlooked by physicians 6. In pregnant women, both excess and deficiency of vitamin A have been associated with congenital abnormalities 8.
Vitamin B12 Overdose Symptoms
Uncommon but Notable Effects
Although rare, vitamin B12 toxicity can occur, particularly with high doses used in treating conditions like pernicious anemia. Symptoms reported include acne, palpitations, anxiety, akathisia (a movement disorder), facial ruddiness, headache, and insomnia 10. These symptoms typically resolve upon cessation of the vitamin.
General Symptoms of Vitamin Overdose
Common Adverse Effects
Overdosing on various vitamins can lead to a range of side effects, including nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. These symptoms are generally more severe with higher dosages and can often be mitigated by reducing the intake 5. Individual tolerances to vitamin dosages can vary widely, influenced by factors such as age and overall health 5.
Conclusion
Vitamin overdoses, while relatively rare, can lead to significant health issues. Vitamin D toxicity is primarily associated with hypercalcemia and its severe manifestations, while vitamin A and B12 overdoses present with their own unique sets of symptoms. Awareness and proper dosing are crucial to prevent these adverse effects, highlighting the importance of medical guidance in vitamin supplementation.
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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 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 CitedVitamin 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 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 CitedAcute Vitamin D Intoxication in a Child
Unintentional overdose of vitamin D supplements in children can cause resistant hypercalcemia and hypertension, highlighting the need for caution when using imported and unregulated medicines.
Case ReportHighly CitedToxicity 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