Experts have issued a warning that vitamins, often taken for health, may actually become harmful. While they are essential nutrients, excessive intake can disrupt the body's balance and trigger a variety of side effects.

Recently, Dr. Megan Nunn, a Doctor of Pharmacy in the United States, stated in an interview with the health media outlet Verywell Health, "The problem of vitamin overdose is most likely to occur when certain ingredients are consumed in high doses over a long period." She explained, "Symptoms can start with mild skin rashes or vomiting, but in severe cases, can lead to seizures, strokes, and organ damage."

The dangers of excessive vitamin intake have also been confirmed in research. According to a study by the University of New South Wales in Australia, long-term intake of more than 400 IU of vitamin E per day may increase the risk of death. Additionally, some studies have suggested that excessive intake of vitamins A, B6, and B12 may raise the risk of lung cancer.

Experts have warned that vitamins taken for health may actually become harmful. Although they are essential nutrients, excessive intake can disrupt the body's balance and cause various side effects.

According to research from the University of New South Wales in Australia, long-term consumption of more than 400 IU of vitamin E per day may increase the risk of death. Additionally, some studies have suggested that excessive intake of vitamins A, B6, and B12 may raise the risk of lung cancer.

Water-soluble vitamins such as the B-complex and vitamin C are relatively safe because they are easily excreted in urine; however, excessive intake can cause nonspecific symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and skin rashes, so caution is required. AI generated image

The side effects vary depending on the type of vitamin. In particular, fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K have the characteristic of accumulating in the body, making them more likely to cause toxicity if consumed excessively.

Excessive intake of vitamin A can lead to skin peeling, liver damage, impaired vision, and increased intracranial pressure. During pregnancy, there is also a risk of adversely affecting fetal heart and brain development.

Similarly, excessive intake of vitamin D can cause severe thirst, frequent urination, and neurological symptoms, and in serious cases, it can lead to a coma. There is research suggesting that concurrently overdosing on vitamins A and D can lower bone density and increase the risk of fractures. If vitamin E is excessively accumulated, there is a warning that it may increase the tendency for bleeding and raise the risk of stroke.

Water-soluble vitamins, such as the B-complex and vitamin C, are known to be relatively safe as they are more easily excreted in urine, but this does not mean overconsumption is without side effects. Excessive intake can cause nonspecific symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and skin rashes, so caution is needed. If multiple supplements are taken at the same time, the total intake may increase, potentially leading to unexpected overdose.

Infants, children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people taking multiple supplements simultaneously are particularly vulnerable to the risk of vitamin toxicity. Children may overconsume sweet, gummy-type vitamins as if they were candy, and pregnant women face a higher risk of fetal malformations if they take excessive vitamin A. Additionally, older adults may experience side effects even at regular doses due to reduced metabolism and excretion capacity.

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Experts emphasize that for healthy adults with a balanced diet, additional vitamin supplementation is not necessarily required. In fact, a study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) found that a significant number of people obtain sufficient vitamins from their diets alone.

Before taking vitamin supplements, it is advisable to check for deficiencies through blood tests and other examinations. Especially for those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, on special diets, or have chronic illnesses, a consultation with healthcare professionals is essential.

Dr. Megan Nunn stressed, "Vitamins are only beneficial to health when taken in appropriate amounts," and added, "Taking more does not enhance effectiveness, so it is most important to tailor your intake to your individual condition."