Vitamins are essential for the body. Vitamin deficiency can cause diseases such as scurvy, pellagra and rickets. Inversely, excessive vitamin consumption can give birth to various health problems. According to a recently published analysis of dietary intake data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, almost 50 percent children consume too many vitamins and nutrients, which mainly come from food supplements and medicines.
How Much is Too Much?
As stated by FDA, the upper limit of vitamin intakes and the current values are shown below
|
Vitamin |
Tolerable Upper Limit for Kids Aged 1-8 Years |
Current FDA Value of Intake |
|
Vitamin A |
2000-3000 IU (International Unit) |
5000 IU |
|
Vitamin B3 (Niacin) |
10-15 mg/day |
20 mg/day |
|
Vitamin D |
0-600 IU |
400 IU |
Effects of Excessive Vitamins
Unnecessary vitamins can cause the following consequences in the body:
|
Vitamins |
Health Effects of Excessive Intake |
|
Vitamin A |
Liver damage; brittle nails; hair loss; skeletal abnormalities; osteoporosis and hip fracture (in older adults); developmental abnormalities (of the fetus) |
|
Vitamin B3 (Niacin) |
Skin reactions (flushing, rash); nausea; liver toxicity |
|
Vitamin D |
Hypercalcemia; constipation; vomiting; decreased appetite; irritability; muscle weakness; bone pain; frequent urination; itchy skin; weight loss; fatigue; dehydration; kidney damage and kidney stones |
Balance is the Key
The vitamin is a vital nutrient for a healthy diet, but too high doses can cause toxic symptoms. These are particularly detrimental for children. Most of the kids take food supplements nowadays which have added vitamins and minerals. So it is important to maintain a balance and limit their intake of vitamins.