Overview

A vitamin is an organic compound required as a nutrient in tiny amounts by an organism. A compound is called a vitamin when it cannot be synthesized in sufficient quantities by an organism, and must be obtained from the diet. Thus, the term is conditional both on the circumstances and the particular organism. For example, ascorbic acid functions as vitamin C for some animals but not others, and vitamins D and K are required in the human diet only in certain circumstances.

Vitamins are classified by their biological and chemical activity, not their structure. Thus, each "vitamin" actually refers to a number of vitamer compounds, which form a set of distinct chemical compounds that show the biological activity of a particular vitamin. Such a set of chemicals are grouped under an alphabetized vitamin "generic descriptor" title, such as "vitamin A," which (for example) includes retinal, retinol, and many carotenoids. Vitamers are often inter-convertible in the body. The term vitamin does not include other essential nutrients such as dietary minerals, essential fatty acids, or essential amino acids, nor does it encompass the large number of other nutrients that promote health but are otherwise required less often.

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Effects of Vitamin Overdose and Precaution

There'sa very popular saying - "more than anything else is bad" - the same goes with vitamins. Although vitamin supplements are loaded with power, energy and a host of other advantages, but there is a downside to them too. With vitamin supplements and fortified foods in the matter today, it is necessary to deal with them from the security angle.

A vitamin pill seems to be the best alternative to miss a meal. Weight Watchers literally survive on them by limiting the calories, while still all nutrients. Not to mention the easy availability of these artificial nutrients.

Although these vitamins are recommended by doctors to promote a person's health, but they can result in serious negative effects if consumed in excess, because everything can be toxic if consumed more than necessary . Therefore, it is best to avoid artificial vitamins, and try the most nutrients for the body from a well-balanced diet with sufficient water intake, rest and exercise.

Why overdose of vitamins is dangerous?

It the fat is mostly vitamins, are dangerous. Water-soluble vitamins - such as the B-group vitamins and vitamin C can not be saved by the body much, so if one more than necessary for the body, they are simply excreted in the urine. However, the fat-soluble vitamins - A and D can accumulate in the body and lead to toxicity in the body. However, if a person takes them under careful medical supervision, but also as such does not constitute a danger for the body consumed when they are within safe limits. The only exception is for a pregnant woman, when large quantities of May vitamin

A risk for the development of the foetus.
As we age, our bodies are less efficient in taking the necessary nutrients from food, so it is important to ensure that the right amount of important vitamins and minerals consumed. On the other hand, the elderly are more susceptible to higher toxicity as well as water-soluble vitamins are not eliminated because the kidneys do not work so well. This is particularly important in the case of diseases such as diabetes or high blood pressure as high doses of some supplements can interfere with the functioning of some medications.

What are the side effects of vitamin overdose?

High doses of vitamins over a long period can cause side effects. General symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrohea, rapid breathing, skin rashes are often associated with a vitamin overdose. Each vitamin has specific symptoms associated with his overdose

A some examples of the risks include:

Vitamin A - an increased risk of fractures, headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, blurred vision and headaches frontal are often the first signs of toxicity.

Vitamin B6 -- Loss of feeling in the arms or legs called peripheral neuropathy, rapid breathing, burning pain, loss of muscle coordination, paralysis.

Vitamin B2 - turns the urine yellow-orange.

Vitamin B1 - rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, heart beat unregelmaiger, headache , Convulsions

Vitamin B3 - symptoms include redness, itching, wheezing, headache, diarrohea and vomiting.

Vitamin B 9 - central nervous system damage.

Vitamin D - muscle weakness, headache, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and bone pain.
overdose during pregnancy can cause mental and /or physical disability in infants.

Vitamin E - toxicity overdose symptoms are nausea, headache, fatigue, easy bruising and bleeding, double vision and muscle weakness.

Vitamin C - high doses can cause diarrohea and upset stomach, and can also lead to newborn scurvy.

There is also evidence that high doses of antioxidant vitamins A, C and E may increase the risk of cancer.

What to do in the case of an overdose?

If there is a suspected overdose of a vitamin, not take it completely and immediately. In general, it is proposed to reduce the intake to about half of the current dosage. This is because the body has adapted itself to a large dose of vitamin, and so completely stopped, if it could trigger a major shortage. Try gradually reducing and, of course, not to mention a doctor.

Vitamins are natural nutrients, and it is best to secure the required quantities of food. But in the case of certain situations where it is absolutely necessary to external a vitamin supplement, it's always good to bring it in consultation with a doctor. Our body is designed to cope with natural vitamins and minerals, but the body has not developed any cushion, with artificial vitamins, this is the reason why overdose with many different vitamins and dangerous. One must also know the guidelines for certain supplements (which can be obtained either by a physician or the specifications in the capsule) .

So, next time before popping a vitamin pill, give a thought - do you really need? ?

 

Read more on effects of vitamin overdose and vitamin overdose. Visit http://www.healthvitaminsguide.com for Information on Vitamins, Minerals, Amino Acids

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