Taking too much of a vitamin or supplement can be toxic. Around three-quarters of Americans take dietary supplements and vitamins daily to boost their health or correct an imbalance. However, this can lead to serious complications like liver and kidney damage, hardening of soft tissues, bleeding, and nerve damage.
Here are six commonly taken supplements that may pose a risk if not used correctly:
1. Iron: Taking over 20mg can be toxic, causing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and severe complications like liver damage and heart failure.
2. Calcium: Exceeding 1,200mg can lead to hypercalcemia, resulting in symptoms like dehydration, confusion, muscle pain, high blood pressure, kidney damage, and even coma.
3. Vitamin D: Taking extremely high doses of around 4,000 IU over a long period can cause vitamin D toxicity, leading to kidney failure, abnormal heart rhythm, and severe complications.
4. Vitamin A: Exceeding 3,000mcg RAE can lead to significant organ damage, causing symptoms like nausea, dizziness, blurred vision, loss of appetite, and headache.
5. Magnesium: Taking too much magnesium (between 310-410mg) can cause diarrhea, low blood pressure, breathing difficulty, irregular heart rhythm, kidney damage, and coma.
6. Folic acid: Taking high amounts (400mcg or more) without consulting a doctor can lead to irritation of the digestive system, causing bloating, gas, and nausea.
It’s essential to be aware of these potential risks and use supplements responsibly. Always follow recommended daily doses, consult with a healthcare professional before taking new supplements, and monitor your body for any adverse reactions.
Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-14470339/Doctor-reveals-popular-supplements-health-crises.html