Vitamins, as is well known, are one of the essential nutrients for the proper functioning of the body, but in their proper measure and without excesses, as in other aspects of health, an excess of vitamins can have a detrimental effect on staying healthy.
What is hypervitaminosis
Hypervitaminosis is an excessive accumulation of vitamins in the body that can lead to various problems. In medical terms, it refers to an excess of fat-soluble vitamins, especially vitamins A and D. These complications will depend on the vitamin whose recommended consumption has been far exceeded.
It must be borne in mind that not all vitamins have the ability to accumulate in the body: water-soluble vitamins, such as C and group B, are vitamins that are eliminated through the urine, so that they hardly cause toxicity chronicle. However, excessive consumption of fat-soluble vitamins that accumulate in the fatty tissues of the body such as A, D, E and K, can lead to cases of hypervitaminosis.
Consequences of hypervitaminosis
The hipervitaminosis, a disorder that involves their health consequences, is caused by too high an intake of vitamins not only in food, but supplements and vitamin supplements. Whenever these are included in our diet, we must do so under medical supervision to avoid unnecessary risks.
Most vitamins are easily eliminated in the urine, however, excess vitamin A, which is found mainly in eggs, fatty fish and butter, can manifest itself after a high intake in a short time and this will produce acute hypervitaminosis chronically. The most common symptoms of excess vitamin A include blurred vision, headache, drowsiness, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting and in some cases, especially when it occurs in children, double vision or a softening of the bones of the head.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is one of the supervitamins, but when there is excess vitamin D and calcium it can directly affect the bones, soft tissues and kidneys. Vitamin D is found mostly in meats, cereals, oils, and mushrooms. The most common symptoms include tiredness, loss of appetite, increased irritability, constipation, muscle weakness, and vomiting. Too much vitamin D is a risk factor for gastrointestinal problems, bone loss, and dehydration.
Vitamin E
When it comes to an excess of vitamin E, whose function under normal conditions is to maintain cell membranes, nausea, diarrhea and gas can appear.
Vitamin K
The overdose of vitamin K increases the risk of liver problems and bleeding, since this vitamin acts directly on blood clotting.
How to treat hypervitaminosis
Normally the treatments for hypervitaminosis in most cases consist of abandoning the consumption of the vitamin. It is very difficult for an excessive intake of vitamins to occur through the consumption of natural foods, in fact, the current imbalances of the western diet favor the lack of some vitamins, rather than excess, therefore hypervitaminosis is a rare pathological state habitual. However, the consumption of some types of food and nutritional supplements can lead to states of excessive vitamin intake.
It is to the latter that we must pay special attention, and consume them preferably under the recommendation and supervision of a medical professional. Importantly, healthy people who eat a balanced diet do not need vitamin supplements.
Another product that is highly rich in these vitamins, especially A and D, is fish liver oil, so it is important not to abuse it and to follow medical recommendations regarding its proper consumption.
In case of poisoning by any of the vitamins listed below, it will be enough to restrict from your diet the foods that contain the vitamin that has accumulated in excess in the body. Also keep in mind that, nowadays, many foods are supplemented with these vitamins, so it is advisable to always check the label, especially when taking vitamin supplements, in order to avoid over-intake of vitamins.
The following meal plan provides options for 7 days of meals and snacks. The plan consists of nutrient-dense whole foods. A person should determine the appropriate portion sizes, according to their weight loss goals, activity levels, and individual requirements.