Taking vitamins is important in our body’s maintenance of good health. Is it advisable to take vitamins in mega doses?

Many people were taking vitamins in mega dose believing for a quick cure from their minor ailment without thinking it lead to toxicity. Even if the vitamins were organic molecules it should not be taken in excess of what is required. It is more safe if taken under the direction of a prescription.

Taking vitamins has added benefits but in excess lead to vitamin poisoning. Some vitamins was used to reduce the risk of certain heart disease or any type of cancer. Even folic acid reduces the risk of birth defects.

The recorded symptoms in taking mega doses are the following:

Vitamin C  produces headache, tiredness, diarrhea or double vision. It interferes with the absorption of other fat-soluble vitamins. It causes kidney and gallbladder stones.

Although folic acid prevents anemia but it will damage the nerve of the body and kidney.

Vitamin K may result to anemia.

Vitamin A produces tiredness, vomiting, constipation, severe headache, dry skin or brittle nails.

Vitamin D may cause vomiting, pain in the joints, loss of appetite. There are others who experienced constipation or diarrhea and abdominal cramp.

Vitamin B-12 was used in the treatment of anemia but taking in excess will lead to tiredness or feeling weak.

Vitamin B6 causes difficulty in walking and tingling sensation of the legs. A difficulty in handling something in the hand due to numbness.

Niacin or nicotinic acid causes flushing of the skin, nausea, diarrhea and liver damage. It lowers blood cholesterol if taken in moderate dose.

The only prevention from side effect caused by taking vitamins in mega doses is self-control. Follow doctor’s prescription. Don’t attempt to self-medicate, only doctors can do.