What happends if you "overdose" on vitamins?

Question

Okay so Flinstones gummies are so delicious and i ate more then needed. Is something wrong with that?

Answer 1

It depends upon the vitamins (whether they are water soluble or oil soluble). Too much vitamin A and vitamin E can be dangerous. However, if you simply took a few extra multivitamins, you most likely will experience no problems; just don't do it habitually. They are a form of medicine, and it is always best to take them as the directions instruct.

Answer 2

Actually many vitamins can be toxic if taken in great enough amounts; especially the fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, & K). The problem with ADEK is that unlike the water-soluble vitamins (basically all the others) your body has no really easy way of getting rid of them (like peeing them out as it does with all the water-soluble vitamins.) Generally, however, you need to consume significantly high levels of these vitamins to get any kind of serious toxic effect so unless you ingested an entire bottle of 'em you're probably safe. (Actually I don't know the exact quantity you'd need to consume as I don't know how much of each vitamin is in a Fred Flinstone so don't quote me on that. I defer on the dosing issue!)

Actually, it just so happens you tweaked my curiosity so I did a quick search. Behold! All you ever wanted to know about vitamin overdose!

http://www.emedicine.com/emerg/topic638.htm

Answer 3

The water soulable vitamins can be ODed without a problem (Like vitamin C), but the fat soluable vitamins like A, D, the B complexes, E and some of the minerals like Zinc etc. can build up to toxic levels when taken in high amounts. If you've only done this once, nothing too bad will happen, but make this mistake again and you may end up with kidney stones, or even more severe problems:


In the United States, toxic or excess levels of vitamin A are of more concern than deficiencies. The tolerable upper intake level for adults is 3,000 mcg RAE. It would be difficult to reach this level consuming food alone. But some multivitamin supplements contain high doses of vitamin A. If you take a multivitamin, check the label to be sure the majority of vitamin A provided is in the form of beta-carotene, which appears to be safe. Symptoms of vitamin A toxicity include dry, itchy skin, headache, nausea, and loss of appetite. Signs of severe overuse over a short period of time include dizziness, blurred vision and slowed growth. Vitamin A toxicity also can cause severe birth defects and may increase the risk for hip fractures.



Overconsumption
A (retinol) (provitamin A, such as beta carotene) Vitamin A: liver, vitamin A fortified milk and dairy products, butter, whole milk, cheese, egg yolk.
Provitamin A: carrots, leafy green vegetables, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, winter squash, apricots, cantaloupe. Helps to form skin and mucous membranes and keep them healthy, thus increasing resistance to infections; essential for night vision; promotes bones and tooth development. Beta carotene is an antioxidant and may protect against cancer. Mild: night blindness, diarrhea, intestinal infections, impaired vision.
Severe: inflammation of eyes, keratinization of skin and eyes. Blindness in children. Mild: nausea, irritability, blurred vision.
Severe: growth retardation, enlargement of liver and spleen, loss of hair, bone pain, increased pressure in skull, skin changes.
D Vitamin D-fortified dairy products, fortified margarine, fish oils, egg yolk. Synthesized by sunlight action on skin. Promotes hardening of bones and teeth, increases the absorption of calcium. Severe: rickets in children; osteomalacia in adults. Mild: nausea, weight loss, irritability.
Severe: mental and physical growth retardation, kidney damage, movement of calcium from bones into soft tissues.
E Vegetable oil, margarine, butter, shortening, green and leafy vegetables, wheat germ, whole grain products, nuts, egg yolk, liver. Protects vitamins A and C and fatty acids; prevents damage to cell membranes. Antioxidant. Almost impossible to produce without starvation; possible anemia in low birth-weight infants. Nontoxic under normal conditions.
Severe: nausea, digestive tract disorders.
K Dark green leafy vegetables, liver; also made by bacteria in the intestine. Helps blood to clot. Excessive bleeding. None reported.

Answer 4

As long as you don't overdose on Iron, I do not believe that over the counter vitamins can kill anyone but a young child.

Answer 5

I wouldn't recommend it. Any vitamin can become toxic if you have elevated levels. Vitamins can be dangerous in that regard. Try gummi worms instead. :)

Answer 6

If you took too much Vitamin A, there can be. Why not buy some candy? It's cheaper and "safer".

Answer 7

I think you will be fine, your body will just get rid of what it does not need.

Answer 8

I would be more concerned about your mental health.