Symptoms of vitamin overdose
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Symptoms of Vitamin Overdose
Vitamin D Overdose Symptoms
Hypercalcemia and Its Effects
One of the primary symptoms of vitamin D overdose is hypercalcemia, which is an elevated level of calcium in the blood. This condition can range from asymptomatic to life-threatening, including severe cases that may result in death2 3. Hypercalcemia is often accompanied by symptoms such as vomiting, dehydration, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite1 3 4. In severe cases, hypercalcemia can lead to confusion, apathy, polyuria (excessive urination), and polydipsia (excessive thirst)3 4.
Gastrointestinal and Neuropsychiatric Symptoms
Patients with vitamin D toxicity may also experience recurrent vomiting, abdominal pain, and dehydration3 4 9. Neuropsychiatric symptoms such as confusion and apathy are also noted in severe cases3 4. These symptoms are often a result of the excessive long-term intake of vitamin D or malfunctions in the vitamin D metabolic pathway3.
Causes and Risk Factors
The most common causes of vitamin D toxicity include manufacturing errors, self-administration of high doses, and improper intake of pharmacological preparations1 3 9. Increased public awareness of the health benefits of vitamin D has led to higher risks of overdose due to self-administration in doses higher than recommended3 4.
Vitamin A Overdose Symptoms
Acute and Chronic Hypervitaminosis A
Vitamin A toxicity, also known as hypervitaminosis A, can occur in both acute and chronic forms. Acute hypervitaminosis A may result from the ingestion of extremely high doses of vitamin A supplements, leading to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and headache6 7. Chronic hypervitaminosis A, on the other hand, can develop over time with prolonged intake of high doses and may result in more severe symptoms such as liver damage, bone pain, and skin changes7.
Factors Influencing Toxicity
Several factors can influence the severity of vitamin A toxicity, including the dosing regimen, the physical form of the vitamin, and the individual's general health status7. Interactions with other vitamins such as vitamins C, D, E, and K can also play a role in the development of toxicity7.
General Symptoms of Vitamin Overdose
Common Adverse Effects
In general, overdosing on vitamins can lead to a range of adverse effects, including nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting6. These symptoms are often dose-dependent and can vary widely among individuals based on age and health status6. Recovery from these side effects is typically achieved by reducing the dosage of the vitamin6.
Conclusion
Vitamin overdose, particularly with vitamins D and A, can lead to a range of symptoms from mild gastrointestinal issues to severe, life-threatening conditions such as hypercalcemia and liver damage. The primary causes of these toxicities include manufacturing errors, self-administration of high doses, and improper intake of supplements. It is crucial for both patients and healthcare providers to be aware of the potential dangers of vitamin overdose and to monitor vitamin intake carefully to prevent these adverse effects.
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 – 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–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 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 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 CitedA 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 ReviewSafety 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 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 CitedAccidental vitamin D3 overdose in a young man.
A 29-year-old man developed symptoms of vitamin D3 toxicity after an accidental overdose of 2,000 units per day for 2 weeks.
Case ReportAcute 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.
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