Vitamins that may cause toxicity if ingested in too large amounts

http://indianapublicmedia.org/amomentofscience/dangers-vitamin-supplements/

Certain vitamins can be toxic if ingested in excess amounts. Two examples of vitamins that can cause toxicity are vitamin A and vitamin D.

To find this information, you can refer to reputable sources such as scientific studies, medical websites, or official guidelines from health organizations. Here's a step-by-step process to identify vitamins that may cause toxicity:

1. Start by searching for reliable sources of information such as government health agencies (e.g., National Institutes of Health), reputable medical websites (e.g., Mayo Clinic, WebMD), or scientific research publications.

2. Use search terms like "vitamins that cause toxicity" or "vitamin overdose symptoms" to find relevant articles or guidelines.

3. When reviewing the information you find, look for sections or paragraphs that discuss the potential for vitamin toxicities or overdose.

4. Pay special attention to the vitamins mentioned in these sections. In the case of toxicity, vitamin A and vitamin D are often highlighted.

Vitamin A:
- Vitamin A toxicity is most commonly associated with excessive intake of retinol (preformed vitamin A), which is primarily found in animal-based foods.
- High doses of vitamin A supplements over a prolonged period can lead to a condition called hypervitaminosis A, causing symptoms like dizziness, nausea, skin changes, and even liver damage.

Vitamin D:
- Vitamin D can be obtained from sunlight, food, and supplements.
- Excessive intake of vitamin D supplements can lead to hypercalcemia (elevated blood calcium levels), which can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, weakness, and kidney problems.
- It is important to note that vitamin D toxicity is rare and is more likely to occur from taking very high doses of supplements rather than from natural sources.

Remember, it is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian before starting any new vitamin regimen or significantly increasing your vitamin intake.