What Happens If You Take Double Dose Of Vitamins?
The consumption of vitamins is part of the everyday routine of millions of people worldwide.
While directions for safe doses are provided on the majority of supplements, it’s the norm practice to exceed the amount recommended.
The public is bombarded with health information, telling them that taking large doses of certain vitamins could help their health in numerous ways. But, excessive amounts of certain vitamins can be harmful.
This article examines the safety of taking vitamins and the potential side effects and risks of high doses.
Potential Risks Of Taking Too Many Or Double Dosing On Vitamins
If consumed naturally through food, the nutrients aren’t likely to cause harm, even if consumed in large quantities.
However, when they are taken in large doses, in supplements, it’s possible to take too much, which can have negative health consequences.
Effects Of Excessive Consumption Of Water-Soluble Vitamins
When taken in large quantities, water-soluble vitamins may create adverse side effects. In addition, some of them can be harmful.
However, similar to vitamin K, some water-soluble vitamins are not characterized by toxicity and, thus, have no UL.
They include Vitamin B1 (thiamine) and Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) as well as vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) and Vitamin B7 (biotin) as well as Vitamin B12 (cobalamin)
It’s important to remember that even though these vitamins are not toxic, they can interact with medicines and alter blood test results. So, caution must be exercised with all nutritional supplements.
The following water-soluble vitamins have established ULs to cause negative side effects when consumed in large dosages:
- Vitamin C: While vitamin C is relatively safe, excessive doses may cause digestive disturbances such as cramps, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and nausea. Migraines can manifest at levels of up to 6 grams daily.
- Vitamin B3 (Niacin): If taken as nicotinic acids, niacin could cause elevated blood pressure and abdominal pain, impaired vision, and damage to the liver when taken in large amounts of 1-3 grams daily.
- Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine): A long-term excessive intake of B6 could result in severe neurological signs, skin lesions, sensitivities towards light and odor, nausea, and heartburn. Some symptoms manifest at consumption of between 1-6 grams daily.
- Vitamin B9 (folate): Consuming too much folate or folate in supplement form can affect a person’s mental health, negatively impact your immune system, and conceal the signs of a severe vitamin B12 deficiency.
It is important to note that these are the adverse reactions that healthy individuals can experience when taking high amounts of vitamins. People with medical conditions may suffer more severe reactions when taking too many vitamins.
For instance, even though vitamin C isn’t likely to cause harm in healthy individuals, it could cause damaged tissues and even fatal heart defects in people with hemochromatosis. This is an iron storage disorder.
The Adverse Effects Of Over-Consuming Fat-Soluble Vitamins
Because fat-soluble vitamins build up in the tissues of your body, They can cause more harm when consumed in high doses, especially over prolonged periods.
In addition to vitamin K, which has a low risk of toxicity, the other three fat-soluble vitamins all have a specific UL due to their ability to harm when taken in large doses.
Here are a few adverse consequences that are a result of the excessive consumption of fat-soluble vitamins:
- Vitamin A. Although vitamin A toxicity, also known as hypervitaminosis A, may be caused by eating high-fat vitamin-A foods, it’s usually linked to supplements. Its symptoms include nausea, high blood pressure within the skull, seizures, and even death.
- Vitamin D., The toxicity of taking large vitamin D supplements can cause serious symptoms like weight loss, loss of appetite, and irregular heartbeats. It may also increase levels of blood calcium which could cause organ damage.
- Vitamin E. High-dose vitamin E supplements can cause blood clotting problems that can lead to hemorrhages. This could cause hemorrhagic strokes.
While vitamin K is not known to have a high chance of harm, it may interact with some medicines, including warfarin and antibiotics.
Nutrients Of Concern
There is a higher risk of overdose on specific nutrients than others. Many water-soluble vitamins are consumed in large quantities without symptoms of toxicity; however, certain fat-soluble vitamins and minerals are toxic in amounts that are not significantly higher than the recommended daily intake. Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the body and may increase to toxic levels as time passes.
The most potent nutrients that could cause toxicity are iron, which has an acceptable upper intake level of adults can be as high as 45 milligrams a day, and calcium, which has a limit of 2,500 milligrams zinc, which has a UL of just 40 milligrams; vitamin which has the UL of 10,000 units for vitamin A that is performed or retinol, and vitamin E, which has a 1500 international unit UL. Multivitamins will list the percent of DV on their backs; the best thing to do is select a vitamin that does not contain more than 100 % of DV for any nutritional element.
Symptoms Of Double Or Overdosing On Vitamins
Iron overdose can result in vomiting, diarrhea (dark or bloody), or weakness. Overdose victims who are severely affected could develop a coma and low blood pressure. It can also lead to lung damage, liver failure, and even death.
Overdoses of calcium can affect the kidneys’ function and increase the pH in the blood. They may induce vomiting, nausea, confusion, changes in mental state, itching, and in extreme cases, an irregular heartbeat.
Vitamin D excessive consumption can lead to high amounts of calcium in the blood.
Vitamin A excess can result in nausea or vomiting. It can also cause as well as dizziness and blurred vision.
Other signs of a multivitamin overdose in various parts of the body can include:
Bladder And kidneys
- Cloudy urine
- Frequent urination
- A higher amount of urine is produced.
Eyes And Ears, Nose, Throat, And Mouth
- Lips that crack dry and dry (from the long-term effects of an overdose)
- Eye irritation
- The eyes are sensitive to light.
Blood And Heart
- Unusual heartbeat
- Rapid heartbeat
Joints And Muscles
- Bone pain
- Joint pain
- Muscle pain
- Muscle weakness
Nervous System
- Changes in mood, confusion
- Convulsions (seizures)
- Fainting
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Mental shifts
- Irritability
Hair And Skin
- The flushing (reddened skin) resulted from the vitamin niacin (vitamin B3)
- Dry, cracking skin
- Skin irritation, burning, or a rash
- Skin areas with yellow-orange pigments
- Sensitivity to sunlight (more likely to burn)
- Hair loss (from an overdose that lasts for a long time)
Stomach And The Intestines
- The intestinal bleeding (from the iron)
- Appetite loss
- Constipation (from calcium or iron)
- Diarrhea and possibly bloody
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Loss of weight (from an overdose that lasts for a long time)
Can Take Too Many Vitamins To Be Deadly?
Although it’s very uncommon to die of an overdose of vitamins, There have been some reported cases of death due to the toxicity of vitamins.
For instance, hypervitaminosis could be caused by taking a single dose of 200 mg of vitamin A or by long-term consumption that exceeds 10x the daily recommended intake.
Vitamin A toxicities could cause serious complications, like rising spinal fluid pressure, coma, and death-threatening organ damage.
In addition, massive doses of vitamin D that exceed 50,000 IU every day — for long periods could result in elevated levels of calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia) that can cause death.
Dosing too much on other vitamins could also cause fatal negative side effects, including damage to the liver.
A case study found that extremely high doses of up to 5 grams of extended-release niacin can cause metabolic acidosis, an accumulation of acid in the body fluids, and acute liver failure, both of which could be fatal.
Remember that these possible fatal adverse effects can be caused by consuming extremely high dosages of vitamins. However, care should always be used when taking any nutritional supplement.
How Can I Take Vitamins Safely?
It’s a great method to ensure you receive the nutrients your body requires for proper functioning. But it’s essential to be aware of how you can safely consume vitamins, so you don’t suffer any possible negative consequences. This is a comprehensive guide to how you can be sure to take vitamins safely.
- Speak to your doctor: Before taking any vitamin supplement, it is important to speak with your physician or registered dietitian to find out if you need supplements. Certain vitamins may interact with medicines or underlying health issues; therefore, it’s essential to first get their advice.
- Select high-quality vitamins: All vitamins are not made to be the same. Choose a reliable brand endorsed by a third-party agency such as NSF International, the US Pharmacopeia, or NSF International. Be sure to look for products identified with the “GMP” seal, which references Good Manufacturing Practices.
- Check the warning label: Always take the time to read the label and adhere to the dosage guidelines. Taking over the suggested dose is risky and could cause unwanted side effects.
- Eat food with vitamins: Certain vitamins are fat-soluble. That means they must be consumed along with food to be fully absorbed in the body. These include vitamins C, D, E, and K. Vitamins that are water-soluble such as vitamins B and C, may be consumed on empty stomachs.
- Do not combine and mix: Don’t mix various vitamins without consulting a medical professional first. Certain vitamins interact with medication or medications; too much of a particular nutrient could cause imbalances.
- Beware of megadoses: Consuming excessive amounts of vitamins can cause harm. For instance, taking too much vitamin, A may cause liver damage. Likewise, excessive vitamin D could cause calcium accumulation in the blood. Follow the daily allowances recommended or RDAs for each nutrient.
- Consider your diet: Taking vitamins can’t make up for a poor diet. It is essential to have an energizing diet that incorporates various fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. In case you lack nutrients from the food you eat, supplements are a great option.
- Keep vitamins safe: Vitamins may decrease their effectiveness if not properly stored. Store them in a dry, cool space far from intense sunlight and temperatures. Do not store them in bathrooms because the humidity could cause them to degrade.
- Be aware of dates for expiration: Vitamins may expire, so check the expiration date before taking them. Vitamins that have expired can be less effective or dangerous.
- Be aware of any side consequences: Although most people can take vitamins without issues, some individuals may have negative side consequences. If you notice any unusual symptoms, you should stop taking the vitamin supplement and speak to your doctor.
FAQ’s
What happens if I accidentally take a double dose of vitamins?
The negative effects of mistakenly taking two doses of vitamins include headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and cramping in the stomach.
Can taking a double dose of vitamins be harmful?
If you take your vitamins in two doses on a daily basis, it may be dangerous. It could develop into toxicity over time, which could result in severe health issues.
What are the side effects of taking too many vitamins?
Too much vitamin side effects might include tiredness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, headaches, and dizziness. In extreme circumstances, it may result in kidney or liver damage.
How long will it take for the effects of a double dose of vitamins to wear off?
The effects of a double vitamin intake may subside in a matter of hours or days. The kind of vitamin and the dosage used will determine the outcome.
How can I avoid accidentally taking a double dose of vitamins in the future?
Always read the label and carefully follow the directions to prevent taking a double dosage of vitamins unintentionally. To help you remember when to take your vitamins, you may also set a reminder.
What Happens If You Take Double Dose Of Vitamins?
The consumption of vitamins is part of the everyday routine of millions of people worldwide.
While directions for safe doses are provided on the majority of supplements, it’s the norm practice to exceed the amount recommended.
The public is bombarded with health information, telling them that taking large doses of certain vitamins could help their health in numerous ways. But, excessive amounts of certain vitamins can be harmful.
This article examines the safety of taking vitamins and the potential side effects and risks of high doses.
Potential Risks Of Taking Too Many Or Double Dosing On Vitamins
If consumed naturally through food, the nutrients aren’t likely to cause harm, even if consumed in large quantities.
However, when they are taken in large doses, in supplements, it’s possible to take too much, which can have negative health consequences.
Effects Of Excessive Consumption Of Water-Soluble Vitamins
When taken in large quantities, water-soluble vitamins may create adverse side effects. In addition, some of them can be harmful.
However, similar to vitamin K, some water-soluble vitamins are not characterized by toxicity and, thus, have no UL.
They include Vitamin B1 (thiamine) and Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) as well as vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) and Vitamin B7 (biotin) as well as Vitamin B12 (cobalamin)
It’s important to remember that even though these vitamins are not toxic, they can interact with medicines and alter blood test results. So, caution must be exercised with all nutritional supplements.
The following water-soluble vitamins have established ULs to cause negative side effects when consumed in large dosages:
- Vitamin C: While vitamin C is relatively safe, excessive doses may cause digestive disturbances such as cramps, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and nausea. Migraines can manifest at levels of up to 6 grams daily.
- Vitamin B3 (Niacin): If taken as nicotinic acids, niacin could cause elevated blood pressure and abdominal pain, impaired vision, and damage to the liver when taken in large amounts of 1-3 grams daily.
- Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine): A long-term excessive intake of B6 could result in severe neurological signs, skin lesions, sensitivities towards light and odor, nausea, and heartburn. Some symptoms manifest at consumption of between 1-6 grams daily.
- Vitamin B9 (folate): Consuming too much folate or folate in supplement form can affect a person’s mental health, negatively impact your immune system, and conceal the signs of a severe vitamin B12 deficiency.
It is important to note that these are the adverse reactions that healthy individuals can experience when taking high amounts of vitamins. People with medical conditions may suffer more severe reactions when taking too many vitamins.
For instance, even though vitamin C isn’t likely to cause harm in healthy individuals, it could cause damaged tissues and even fatal heart defects in people with hemochromatosis. This is an iron storage disorder.
The Adverse Effects Of Over-Consuming Fat-Soluble Vitamins
Because fat-soluble vitamins build up in the tissues of your body, They can cause more harm when consumed in high doses, especially over prolonged periods.
In addition to vitamin K, which has a low risk of toxicity, the other three fat-soluble vitamins all have a specific UL due to their ability to harm when taken in large doses.
Here are a few adverse consequences that are a result of the excessive consumption of fat-soluble vitamins:
- Vitamin A. Although vitamin A toxicity, also known as hypervitaminosis A, may be caused by eating high-fat vitamin-A foods, it’s usually linked to supplements. Its symptoms include nausea, high blood pressure within the skull, seizures, and even death.
- Vitamin D., The toxicity of taking large vitamin D supplements can cause serious symptoms like weight loss, loss of appetite, and irregular heartbeats. It may also increase levels of blood calcium which could cause organ damage.
- Vitamin E. High-dose vitamin E supplements can cause blood clotting problems that can lead to hemorrhages. This could cause hemorrhagic strokes.
While vitamin K is not known to have a high chance of harm, it may interact with some medicines, including warfarin and antibiotics.
Nutrients Of Concern
There is a higher risk of overdose on specific nutrients than others. Many water-soluble vitamins are consumed in large quantities without symptoms of toxicity; however, certain fat-soluble vitamins and minerals are toxic in amounts that are not significantly higher than the recommended daily intake. Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the body and may increase to toxic levels as time passes.
The most potent nutrients that could cause toxicity are iron, which has an acceptable upper intake level of adults can be as high as 45 milligrams a day, and calcium, which has a limit of 2,500 milligrams zinc, which has a UL of just 40 milligrams; vitamin which has the UL of 10,000 units for vitamin A that is performed or retinol, and vitamin E, which has a 1500 international unit UL. Multivitamins will list the percent of DV on their backs; the best thing to do is select a vitamin that does not contain more than 100 % of DV for any nutritional element.
Symptoms Of Double Or Overdosing On Vitamins
Iron overdose can result in vomiting, diarrhea (dark or bloody), or weakness. Overdose victims who are severely affected could develop a coma and low blood pressure. It can also lead to lung damage, liver failure, and even death.
Overdoses of calcium can affect the kidneys’ function and increase the pH in the blood. They may induce vomiting, nausea, confusion, changes in mental state, itching, and in extreme cases, an irregular heartbeat.
Vitamin D excessive consumption can lead to high amounts of calcium in the blood.
Vitamin A excess can result in nausea or vomiting. It can also cause as well as dizziness and blurred vision.
Other signs of a multivitamin overdose in various parts of the body can include:
Bladder And kidneys
- Cloudy urine
- Frequent urination
- A higher amount of urine is produced.
Eyes And Ears, Nose, Throat, And Mouth
- Lips that crack dry and dry (from the long-term effects of an overdose)
- Eye irritation
- The eyes are sensitive to light.
Blood And Heart
- Unusual heartbeat
- Rapid heartbeat
Joints And Muscles
- Bone pain
- Joint pain
- Muscle pain
- Muscle weakness
Nervous System
- Changes in mood, confusion
- Convulsions (seizures)
- Fainting
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Mental shifts
- Irritability
Hair And Skin
- The flushing (reddened skin) resulted from the vitamin niacin (vitamin B3)
- Dry, cracking skin
- Skin irritation, burning, or a rash
- Skin areas with yellow-orange pigments
- Sensitivity to sunlight (more likely to burn)
- Hair loss (from an overdose that lasts for a long time)
Stomach And The Intestines
- The intestinal bleeding (from the iron)
- Appetite loss
- Constipation (from calcium or iron)
- Diarrhea and possibly bloody
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Loss of weight (from an overdose that lasts for a long time)
Can Take Too Many Vitamins To Be Deadly?
Although it’s very uncommon to die of an overdose of vitamins, There have been some reported cases of death due to the toxicity of vitamins.
For instance, hypervitaminosis could be caused by taking a single dose of 200 mg of vitamin A or by long-term consumption that exceeds 10x the daily recommended intake.
Vitamin A toxicities could cause serious complications, like rising spinal fluid pressure, coma, and death-threatening organ damage.
In addition, massive doses of vitamin D that exceed 50,000 IU every day — for long periods could result in elevated levels of calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia) that can cause death.
Dosing too much on other vitamins could also cause fatal negative side effects, including damage to the liver.
A case study found that extremely high doses of up to 5 grams of extended-release niacin can cause metabolic acidosis, an accumulation of acid in the body fluids, and acute liver failure, both of which could be fatal.
Remember that these possible fatal adverse effects can be caused by consuming extremely high dosages of vitamins. However, care should always be used when taking any nutritional supplement.
How Can I Take Vitamins Safely?
It’s a great method to ensure you receive the nutrients your body requires for proper functioning. But it’s essential to be aware of how you can safely consume vitamins, so you don’t suffer any possible negative consequences. This is a comprehensive guide to how you can be sure to take vitamins safely.
- Speak to your doctor: Before taking any vitamin supplement, it is important to speak with your physician or registered dietitian to find out if you need supplements. Certain vitamins may interact with medicines or underlying health issues; therefore, it’s essential to first get their advice.
- Select high-quality vitamins: All vitamins are not made to be the same. Choose a reliable brand endorsed by a third-party agency such as NSF International, the US Pharmacopeia, or NSF International. Be sure to look for products identified with the “GMP” seal, which references Good Manufacturing Practices.
- Check the warning label: Always take the time to read the label and adhere to the dosage guidelines. Taking over the suggested dose is risky and could cause unwanted side effects.
- Eat food with vitamins: Certain vitamins are fat-soluble. That means they must be consumed along with food to be fully absorbed in the body. These include vitamins C, D, E, and K. Vitamins that are water-soluble such as vitamins B and C, may be consumed on empty stomachs.
- Do not combine and mix: Don’t mix various vitamins without consulting a medical professional first. Certain vitamins interact with medication or medications; too much of a particular nutrient could cause imbalances.
- Beware of megadoses: Consuming excessive amounts of vitamins can cause harm. For instance, taking too much vitamin, A may cause liver damage. Likewise, excessive vitamin D could cause calcium accumulation in the blood. Follow the daily allowances recommended or RDAs for each nutrient.
- Consider your diet: Taking vitamins can’t make up for a poor diet. It is essential to have an energizing diet that incorporates various fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. In case you lack nutrients from the food you eat, supplements are a great option.
- Keep vitamins safe: Vitamins may decrease their effectiveness if not properly stored. Store them in a dry, cool space far from intense sunlight and temperatures. Do not store them in bathrooms because the humidity could cause them to degrade.
- Be aware of dates for expiration: Vitamins may expire, so check the expiration date before taking them. Vitamins that have expired can be less effective or dangerous.
- Be aware of any side consequences: Although most people can take vitamins without issues, some individuals may have negative side consequences. If you notice any unusual symptoms, you should stop taking the vitamin supplement and speak to your doctor.
FAQ’s
What happens if I accidentally take a double dose of vitamins?
The negative effects of mistakenly taking two doses of vitamins include headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and cramping in the stomach.
Can taking a double dose of vitamins be harmful?
If you take your vitamins in two doses on a daily basis, it may be dangerous. It could develop into toxicity over time, which could result in severe health issues.
What are the side effects of taking too many vitamins?
Too much vitamin side effects might include tiredness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, headaches, and dizziness. In extreme circumstances, it may result in kidney or liver damage.
How long will it take for the effects of a double dose of vitamins to wear off?
The effects of a double vitamin intake may subside in a matter of hours or days. The kind of vitamin and the dosage used will determine the outcome.
How can I avoid accidentally taking a double dose of vitamins in the future?
Always read the label and carefully follow the directions to prevent taking a double dosage of vitamins unintentionally. To help you remember when to take your vitamins, you may also set a reminder.