Effects of Too Much Vitamin in Children’s Food

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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

 
The vitamin intake is almost double than needed which is alarming.

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. 

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