There is a saying that too much of anything is good for nothing. In medical world it is not only good for nothing, it is equally bad. When we over do certain things in the name of health, it might just turn out to be more harmful is the bitter truth.
Excessive intake of vitamins should be looked up on as seriously as a vitamin deficiency. This excessive vitamins content in our body is termed as Hypervitaminosis. So what is it? In what way will it be harmful to our health? We will look into it in a little detail.
Hypervitaminosis
There are two types of nutrition which we gather from the food we eat. One is macro nutrients and the other one is micro nutrients. Macronutrients are very vital for our well being and for our body. Micronutrients, on the other hand, plays a less vital role. Though it’s need not very vital, it plays a supporting role for many bodily functions. Vitamins and minerals come under micro nutrients.
The level of nutrients needed for a person is measured in International Units. In short, it is termed in IU. For example, an adult male would need 1000 UI of vitamin D to stay healthy. This can be obtained through the food he eats or through sun light.
Vitamin-D is an essential nutrient for our skin. But, excess levels of Vitamin-D in our body can lead to many problems. When vitamins are obtained through the food we eat, there is little to no chance for Hypervitaminosis.
But when we consume vitamin supplements for certain problems, there is a good chance that you could become a victim of this condition.
Types of Vitamins
Vitamins are broadly classified into two types. Fat soluble vitamins and water soluble vitamins. Water soluble vitamins are practically harmless. Because they are released through urine or sweat.
But high levels of fat soluble vitamins can be quite harmful. Because they are not released through urine or sweat. They remain stagnant inside our kidneys or liver.
Vitamin A, D, E and K are fat soluble vitamins. Vitamin B and Vitamin C are water soluble vitamins.
Our body needs only lesser amounts of Vitamin B and C. Additionally, these vitamins are water soluble, so it is highly harmless. On the contrary high levels of fat soluble vitamins can be quite harmful. For example, 4000 UI of vitamin D in an adult male would lead to increased levels of toxicity.
Signs of Hypervitaminosis
Initial signs of this disease include indigestion, continuous vomiting, diarrhea, and mouth ulcer. But, if the condition continues to persist it could lead to nervous disorders, excessive headache, and sleep. There will be a constant feeling of irritation. This condition can sometimes even take a person to coma and death.
Who is most vulnerable?
Pregnant women and older people are usually victims of vitamin deficiency. So, they try to supplement it through tablets and pills. They should only consume these tablets after detailed tests and check up. Excessive intake of vitamins in pregnant women would also affect the infant. Additionally, Hypervitaminosis is older people could even lead to death. But that doesn’t mean people who belong to other categories can be careless.
How to prevent?
If there is a vitamin deficiency in our body, we should look forward to curing it through food intake. When we consume healthy foods which include vegetables, and fruits, our body gets all the essential vitamins in the right quantity. But if you look forward to solving the problem through tablets, then it should be done under Doctor’s advice.
Millions of cells die and millions of cells are created by our body each and every single day. There should be a right balance between cell death and cell creation process, otherwise, it could lead to many health problems. This balance is maintained by the antioxidants present in vitamins. Even the food we eat will not be converted into energy without the help of these vitamins.
Staying idle inside the home after drinking a glass of milk will not fetch you any benefit. It is only when you are exposed to sunlight after drinking a glass milk, you will get maximum benefit out of it.
I hope this article gives you an idea on the importance of vitamins and how to protect yourself from hypervitaminosis.
Effects of High Levels of Vitamins and its Sources
Vitamin A
Our body will fail to retain urea and calcium. It could lead to kidney stone, and stroke.
Sources:
Vitamin A is rich in orange, carrot, sweet potato, turmeric, pumpkin, milk, tomato, and capsicum.
Vitamin E
Vitamin -E deficiency could lead to gastric problems.
Sources:
Oils, oil seeds, and nuts.
Vitamin K
Clots blood and leads to heart problems.
Sources:
Beans, greens, soya beans, egg, strawberry.
Vitamin B
Ulcer, problems related to kidneys and liver.
Sources:
Milk and meats.
Vitamin C
Ulcer, pneumonia and other related problems.
Sources
Gooseberry, guava, red capsicum, kiwi, strawberry, and papaya.
Vitamin D
Deficiency of vitamin D leads to the release of urea and calcium. This would lead to many health problems.
Sources:
Egg, mutton, tuna, salmon fish, cheese, and sunlight.