Jakarta, ThedailyID — Vitamin and mineral supplements can help meet daily nutritional needs that may not come from food alone. However, taking more than the recommended amount can also cause health problems.
Dietitian Liz Daniels warned that the body does not simply eliminate all excess vitamins through urine. Some vitamins and minerals can accumulate in the body and cause serious effects when consumed in excessive amounts.
Here are four signs that may indicate you are taking too many vitamins.
1. Digestive problems
Nausea, vomiting, constipation and stomach pain can be early signs of excessive vitamin intake.
Fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamins A and D can become toxic and trigger digestive problems. Excessive vitamin C and magnesium can also cause digestive discomfort.
“Excess iron can upset the stomach and can even harm the liver when consumed in very high amounts,” internal medicine physician Oluwatosin Ajao said, according to Eating Well.
2. Numbness and tingling
Taking too much vitamin B6 can damage nerves and cause numbness or tingling in the hands and feet.
Long-term intake at high doses may also lead to difficulty walking or maintaining balance. Vitamin B6 can come from supplements as well as products such as energy drinks, so it is important to check the total amount consumed.
3. Excessive thirst
Excessive vitamin D intake can increase calcium levels in the blood. This condition can cause increased thirst and more frequent urination.
Very high calcium levels may also increase the risk of kidney stones. People who take vitamin D supplements should therefore pay attention to their overall calcium intake.
4. Hair loss
Too much vitamin A over a long period may contribute to hair loss.
Although vitamin A supports hair health, excessive amounts can interfere with the normal hair-growth cycle. This means taking more of a nutrient does not necessarily provide greater benefits.
If you experience these symptoms while taking supplements, reviewing your intake and consulting a healthcare professional can help determine whether excessive supplementation may be involved.
