Vitamins and Mineral Supplements...Too Much of a Good Thing?

While some of us believe that taking a multi-vitamin and supplements are pointless and a waste of money, others rely on vitamin popping on a daily basis, spending hundreds of dollars a month. The fact is, most people aren't eating a well balanced diet everyday to ensure requierd vitamin dosages for the body, causing a lot of people to turn to supplementation.

What is the real verdict? In order to actually know what your body requires vitamin wise, you're best bet is to speak with your physician and get a blood test to see deficiencies. Taking a multi-vitamin once a day will most likely benefit the average person, who typically isn't consuming enough fruits and vegetables every single day to meet the requirements.

Most vitamins do have toxic levels if taken consistently in excess, especially the fat-soluble vitamins A and D, which can accumulate i the body. Vitamin A is actually the most toxic vitamin if taken in high levels above the 700-900 mcg recommendation. B-vitamins are water soluble and amounts that do not bind are excreted in urine.

The chances of one overdosing on vitamins is not very high, but overdosing on numerous minerals and other supplements is a bit easier. From L-Carnitine to  Fish Oil, Flaxseed Oil, Milk Thistle,

It is estimated that 5-10% of people who take supplements ingest megadoses of certain vitamins and minerals.

Too many vitamins in the body can lead to toxicity and interfere with the bodies natural defense mechanisms. If you take a wide array of supplements a day, you could be at risk for harming your body and storing toxic substances in your liver and organs. This may result in skin rash, hives, nausea, disturbed body systems functioning, liver damage, irritability, weakness, headache, etc. This table provides the daily required vitamins and the dosages at which you should be getting, along with overdose side effects.


On the other hand, taking the right amout of vitamins in complimentary form is extremely beneficial to the body. As we age, our bodies do not absorb vitamins as efficiently. For instance, as we get older, we do not absorb iron as well, but taking it with Vitamin C increases this. Taking Vitamin D with Calcium also increases absorption and overall bone health.