10 Supplements and How Their Excess Consumption Can Produce Toxic Effect

Dietary supplements are used by people all over the world to meet the nutritional requirements of their bodies that they are unable to get from their daily food consumption. Many dietary supplements are taken as part of a healthy lifestyle, but some are used to reduce the risk factors of certain chronic diseases, or to reduce discomfort caused by certain drugs or conditions, or to simply improve their quality of life.

Dietary supplements can be used safely within certain dosage guidelines. However, taking them excessively can be toxic to your health. Excessive use of dietary supplements may cause people to suffer from unforeseen side effects, illnesses, or drug interactions from dietary supplements. Below mentioned are 10 supplements and their toxic effects which results due to excessive consumption.

1.  Iodine Supplements

Iodine is a mineral that is naturally present in some foods, added to others and also available as dietary supplement. It’s important to get enough Iodine in the diet as it regulates various hormones, helps in the growth and development of the fetus, maintains thyroid health and so on. If you lack in Iodine, your doctor may recommend Iodine supplementation.

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Excessive consumption of Iodine may result in

1. Feeling of vomiting

2. Mild to moderate Diarrhea

3. Fever

4. Burning sensations in the throat and mouth

5. Pain in the stomach

6. In severe cases can result in Coma due to Iodine Toxicity..

2.  Vitamin A

Vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin and is required for the proper development and functioning of our eyes, immune system, skin.

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Excessive consumption of vitamin A may cause:

1. Bone resorption and inhibit its formation,

2. Osteoporosis

3. Hip fractures

4. Headache, nausea, and vomiting.

5. Hypertriglyceridemia

6. Skin irritation, erythema

7. Teratogenic effects like craniofacial, cardiac, thymic, and central nervous system abnormalities.

3.  Vitamin C

Vitamin C supplements are most commonly used to boost the immune function and prevent oneself from cold and flu. It is also used in treating Scurvy.

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Excessive consumption of Vitamin C may cause:

1. Nausea and Vomiting

2. Diarrhea

3. Heartburn

4. Abdominal pain due to cramps.

5. Severe Headache

6. Inability to sleep

4.  Vitamin D

Vitamin D is used to treat and prevent bone disorders such as rickets, osteomalacia. It is also given as a supplement to pregnant women.

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Too much Vitamin D can cause

1. Harmful levels of calcium in the body

2. Fatigue

3. loss of appetite

4. Increased thirst

5. Dysuria

6. Mood swings

7. In rare cases may cause allergic reactions leading to rash and itching

5.  Vitamin E

Vitamin E supplements are considered good for the heart and are used to prevent coronary heart disease,  prevent inflammation, support immune function, promote eye health, and also helps lower the risk of cancer.

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Excessive use of Vitamin E may cause:

1. Nausea

2. Diarrhea

3. Abdominal pain

4. Excessive tiredness

5. Fatigue

6. Severe headache accompanied by blurred vision,

7. Rash

8. In severe cases, it may also increase the chances of Prostate cancer in men

6.  Vitamin B12

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Vitamin B12 is an essential supplement used to treat anemia and promotes proper function  of the brain, nerves, and blood cells.

High doses or mega consumption of Vitamin B12 may cause

1. Acne and rosacea

2. Mild diarrhea

3. Itching and skin rash

4. Headache

5. Pulmonary edema and congestive heart failure in rare cases.

7.  Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 plays an important role in maintaining the health of the nerves, skin, and red blood cells.

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Excessive consumption of Vitamin B6 may cause:

1. Stomach pain

2. loss of appetite

3. Headache

4. Tingling sensation

5. Drowsiness

8.  Omega-3 Or Fish Oil

Omega-3 fatty acids have numerous health benefits on both body and mind. It is widely used to improve the heart function.

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Excessive intake of Omega-3 fatty acids may cause:

1. Decrease in blood pressure/ Hypotension

2. Blood thinning

3. excessive bleeding

4. Increased risk of bruising and bleeding due to injury

9.  Probiotics

Probiotics have been used to treat bowel problems such as diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, improves brain gut axis, and urinary tract infections.

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Excessive consumption of Probiotics may lead to

Brain fogginess and disorientation, as well as rapid belly bloating.

10.              Digestive enzymes

Digestive enzymes like lipases , proteases, amylases and nucleases  help break down the foods and aid in digestion.

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Excessive consumption of Digestive enzymes may cause:

1. Dependency

2. Disrupted intestinal balance

3. Increase the risk of arthritis

4. Altered absorption of nutrients