Advice on vitamin intake

How does ones body react to an over take of vitamins?
(10 Oct 2007)

Vitamins are required by the body in order for it to function in a healthy manner. A balanced and nutritious diet will serve to provide all the vitamins that the body needs. The essential vitamins amount to thirteen in all, with each vitamin playing a unique part in the body.

They help to regulate various processes of the body including digestion, reproduction and cell re-generation. These thirteen vitamins are divided into two groups. The first group are called fat soluble vitamins and consist of vitamins A, D, E and vitamin K. These vitamins can be stored within the body. The second group are called water soluble vitamins and consist of the vitamin B group and vitamin C. All these, apart from vitamin B12, cannot be stored by the body.

A vitamin overdose is a very rare occurrence, and an overdose caused by dietary habits is unheard of. This is because it is unlikely that a person can eat so much food, so as to cause toxicity. An excess of vitamin intake can happen if one takes too many vitamin supplements. There is no clear defining factor as to what can be considered an excessive intake of vitamins. The institute of medicine has set a recommended dietary allowance and a tolerable upper intake level or UL. So an intake that is many times higher than these limits would constitute excessive.

Vitamin A has an UL of 3000 mcg. If an excess of this is taken it could affect the liver. Bone density may also reduce, thereby increasing the possibility of osteoporosis. Conditions of the central nervous system may also develop. If vitamin A is ingested in excessive amounts in a short span of time it could result in headache, nausea, vomiting, irregularities in vision, appetite loss, constipation, and mild fever. If the UL is surpassed in pregnant women, there are risks of birth defects taking place in the child. If intake of vitamin B rises above 100 mg, there could be nerve damage in the arms, hands, legs and feet. Whether the damage can be reversed once the intake is stopped is not certain. Vitamin C taken in doses beyond 1000 mg may result in an upset stomach, constipation or diarrhea. A long-term overdose of vitamin D (above the UL of 50 mcg) may lead to nausea and vomiting; heart and kidney damage; appetite loss; loss of weight; muscle fatigue; confusion and increased calcium in the bloodstream. Excess intake of vitamin D for short periods of time does not cause any problems as any excess of the vitamin is stored in the body and utilized when required. Vitamin E also works as an anticoagulant and as such can raise the risks of bleeding conditions. The recommended UL for vitamin E is 1000 mg. Taken in excess, it could result in dizziness and stomach upsets. It is therefore important to consult your doctor before you decide to take any Vitamin tablets.

answered by G M on 17 Mar 2010, 11:41:58

Vitamin intake advice

We are told all about Vitamins right from our childhood. Vitamins are absolutely essential for our body. Vitamins are organic compounds that organisms require for their proper functioning. Some vitamins are called water –soluble since they can dissolve with great ease in water. Fat soluble vitamins can be absorbed through our intestinal tract.

Human beings require vitamins for normal growth. Vitamins are necessary for humans right from the fetus stage. At this stage the nutrients in vitamins result in certain chemical reactions which result in the production of skins, muscles and bones. Lack of vitamins can cause a deficiency in the child. Most vitamins can be obtained from the food that we eat. Vitamins are necessary nutrients that help in the maintenance of cells. They also help us to process fats and proteins that are required for the human body.

If you are suffering from deficiency of any kind you should visit your doctor who will be able to guide you about the correct diet so that you can get all the vitamins necessary for proper growth and development.
However you should remember that just because vitamins are good this does not automatically imply that a larger amount of vitamins can be better. Taking anything in excess can be harmful and you should avoid doing this.

answered by G R on 28 Feb 2008, 4:25:47

Advice on vitamin intake

How does ones body react to an over take of vitamins? (10 Oct 2007)

How does ones body react to an over take of vitamins?
(10 Oct 2007)