14 Recognisable Vitamin Toxicity Symptoms, Side Effects And Treatments!

Most people will benefit from following their recommended daily intake (RDI), which is the amount of vitamins you should consume daily to stay healthy. This will help keep your vitamin levels healthy. People with vitamin deficiencies are advised not to consume more than the safe upper limit and should only follow the professional advice of a nutritionist or similarly qualified doctor.  

Note: The safe upper limit (UL) Is the maximum amount of a vitamin that a person can consume without side effects. This is the maximum amount you can consume daily to avoid toxicity.  

Also Read: 10 Health Benefits Of Water As A Nutrient With Examples 

14 Specific Vitamin Toxicity Symptoms 

Symptoms of vitamin overdose depend on the type of vitamin and the severity of toxicity. Common symptoms of vitamin overdose include:   

1. Vitamin A Overdose Symptoms 

Vitamin A is essential for vision, immune function, and cell growth. Symptoms of an overdose of vitamin A include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, dizziness, blurred vision or double vision, bone pain, joint stiffness and swelling, arrhythmia, hair loss, headache, temporary loss of consciousness, irritability, abdominal pain, fever, skin rash, dry areas, cracked lips, and brittle nails. Hypervitaminosis A during pregnancy can cause birth defects in the fetus. 

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2. Vitamin D Overdose Symptoms 

It helps promote calcium absorption, promotes bone health and supports immune function. Symptoms of an overdose of vitamin D include hypercalcemia, nausea, weakness, vomiting, confusion, kidney damage, tremors in the extremities, severe pain in the extremities and back muscles, dehydration, bleeding under the skin (haemorrhage), bone deformities during pregnancy, risk of pancreatic cancer, cardiovascular disease. These include the risk of falls and fractures in older adults and tooth enamel overgrowth in children.   

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3. Vitamin E Overdose Symptoms 

Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, protects cells from damage, and plays a vital role in immune function. Symptoms of an overdose of vitamin E include weakness, fatigue, headache, diarrhoea, intestinal cramps, and delayed wound healing. Additionally, taking it with blood thinners may increase bleeding and cardiovascular symptoms such as high blood pressure, angina, and atherosclerotic plaques.   

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4. Vitamin K Overdose Symptoms 

Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting factor production and the best way to improve your bone health. Symptoms of vitamin K overdose include an increased risk of blood clots. Most forms of vitamin K (K1 and K2) are safe. Vitamin K3 is toxic and is not sold as a supplement.   

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5. B1 (Thiamine) Overdose Symptoms 

It promotes nerve function and helps convert food into energy. Although an overdose of vitamin B1 is generally safe, severe toxicity can cause decreased nerve transmission, paralysis, seizures, and respiratory and heart problems. It can affect the metabolism of other B vitamins, insulin signalling, and thyroid function.    

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6. B2 (Riboflavin) Overdose Symptoms 

Vitamin B12 is essential for energy production and cellular processes. Excessive intake of vitamins may cause liver dysfunction, photophobia, dry mouth, cardiomyopathy, vomiting, itching, numbness, burning, low blood pressure, fatigue, and yellow urine.   

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7. B3 (Niacin) Overdose Symptoms 

It helps with energy metabolism and DNA repair and maintains healthy cholesterol levels. High doses may cause facial flushing, skin redness, nausea, and potential liver damage. Liver toxicity, low blood pressure, dizziness, insomnia, peptic ulcers, skin rash, flushing, itching, digestive problems, exacerbation of asthma, gout and high blood sugar.   

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Also Read: Vitamin B3 Foods And Functions In The Body 

8. B5 (pantothenic acid) Overdose Symptoms 

It is essential for hormones and other vital compounds. Overdose may cause diarrhoea, upset stomach, fluid retention, and oedema (oedema).    

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9. B6 (Pyridoxine) Overdose Symptoms 

It is essential in red blood cell production, brain function, and neurotransmitter synthesis. Long-term use of high doses of supplements (300-500 mg/day) may cause sensory neuropathy, ataxia, skin rash, photosensitivity, nausea, and heartburn. At higher doses, symptoms worsen, causing nerve damage, paresthesia, difficulty walking, fatigue, and decreased tactile sensitivity.   

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10. B7 (Biotin) Overdose Symptoms 

It is one of the essential nutrients in foods for healthy hair, helps maintain nails and skin and is involved in energy metabolism. It is generally considered safe. Sometimes, overdosage results in hyperkeratosis (extremely thick areas of skin).   

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11. B9 (Folic Acid) Overdose Symptoms 

It is essential for DNA synthesis, cell division, and red blood cell formation. Severe toxicity may cause stomach muscle spasms, suppressed liver enzymes, sleeping problems, gastrointestinal problems, and skin problems. High doses may mask B12 deficiency. The excess is mainly caused by synthetic folic acid.   

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12. B12 (cobalamin) Overdose Symptoms 

It is essential to the best brain foods for nervous system function, brain health, and red blood cell production. However, an overdose may interact with some medications. High-dose injections for anaemia in older adults can cause allergic reactions, heart problems, tingling, and numbness.    

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13. B Complex Vitamin Overdose Symptoms 

It contains all the B vitamins essential for good health. Symptoms of an overdose of vitamin B complex include skin irritation, headache, intestinal ulcers, sleeping problems, fatty liver, high blood sugar and uric acid levels, nausea, and stomach upset.   

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14. Vitamin C Overdose Symptoms 

A powerful antioxidant that promotes collagen production and wound healing and supports immune function. Symptoms of an overdose of vitamin C-rich foods or supplements include weakness, dizziness, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, headache, allergic reaction, etc. Serious effects include kidney disease, gastritis, stomach ulcers, vitamin B deficiency, pancreatic problems, high blood pressure, blurred vision, menstrual irregularities, decreased white blood cell count, and hormonal disorders. It can also cause oxalate buildup and kidney stones and harm the fetus's metabolism during pregnancy.    

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Also Read: Top 7 Ultra-Processed Foods You Must STOP Eating! 

Side Effects Of Overdose On Vitamins 

Both water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins can cause side effects when taken in high doses.   

1. Side Effects From Overdose Of Water-Soluble Vitamins   

Overdosing on the following water-soluble vitamins may cause the following side effects:   

However, do not consume more vitamins than recommended through food and supplements. This action serves to prevent vitamin toxicity. If your symptoms do not improve after reducing your vitamin intake, contact your doctor to plan a diagnosis and treatment.  

Dietitian’s Recommendation 

Vitamins are essential for your health, and more is not necessarily better. Overdosing in fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins can have disastrous consequences. To avoid side effects, follow recommended vitamin and mineral intakes to prevent overdose. Consult your doctor before taking any vitamin supplements, especially in high doses. When taking multivitamins, fortified foods, or individual supplements, be careful not to exceed safe levels. If you suspect a vitamin overdose, call your doctor right away to manage your symptoms and prevent complications.  

Dt. Lavina Chauhan 

The Final Say 

Hopefully, you have understood that vitamin toxicity is a severe condition that can negatively affect your health. It is essential to follow the daily dosage recommendations to not overdose on vitamins, follow essential eating well guidelines and consult your doctor before taking any supplement. If you suspect that you or someone you know has overdosed on a vitamin, seek medical attention immediately. With proper prevention and treatment, you can stay safe and enjoy the benefits of all 13 essential vitamins for your well-being.    

FAQs 

1. What are the symptoms of vitamin poisoning? 
Symptoms of vitamin poisoning can vary depending on the specific vitamin and the severity of the overdose. Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache, fatigue, and, in severe cases, organ damage or failure. 

2. What is the best vitamin overdose treatment for toxicity side effects relief? 
The treatment for vitamin overdose toxicity typically involves supportive and symptomatic care. This may include discontinuing vitamin supplements, cleansing the gastrointestinal tract, and using medications such as activated charcoal or antiemetics to reduce absorption and alleviate symptoms. In severe cases, medical interventions such as hydration, steroids, or diuretics may be necessary. 

3. Can you tell which vitamins can cause toxicity? 
Excessive fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K intake can lead to toxicity. However, specific water-soluble vitamins, such as vitamin B6 and niacin (B3), can also cause toxicity if consumed in large amounts over an extended period. 

4. What are the symptoms of vitamin B12 poisoning? 
High levels of vitamin B12 can cause various symptoms, including anxiety, acne, nausea, headaches, facial numbness, insomnia, heart palpitations, and, in rare cases, heart stroke. It's essential to monitor intake levels and consult a healthcare professional if experiencing any adverse effects. 

5. What is the treatment for vitamin poisoning? 
Treatment for vitamin toxicity involves discontinuing the intake of the specific vitamin causing the overdose. Supportive measures such as cleansing the gastrointestinal tract, using activated charcoal, or administering medications like laxatives or antiemetics may be employed to alleviate symptoms. Medical intervention and close monitoring are necessary to diagnose and treat severe cases appropriately.   

References 

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