2024-03-12 16:39:43
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To promote a healthy lifestyle, many people turn to nutritional supplements. But potential risks lurk behind tempting advertising promises.
An overdose of seemingly harmless vitamins and minerals can result in serious side effects. The body needs a balanced ratio of nutrients; excess can seriously disrupt this balance. Instead of experiencing the energy boost or immune boost you were hoping for, you may experience nausea, headaches, and even long-term health problems.
Only take dietary supplements if your doctor recommends them
Healthy adults who maintain a balanced lifestyle and eat a healthy diet usually get all the necessary nutrients. Dietary supplements should only be taken on medical recommendation if there is a proven deficiency. If your doctor recommends dietary supplements, there is nothing wrong with taking them. However, you should definitely avoid taking the dragees, tablets and essences on your own. There is a risk of serious health problems. You can read about which substances are particularly dangerous in the following list.
Dietary supplements pose dangers if they are dosed incorrectly. This happens more often than many people think. © Oleksandr Latkun/Imago
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Danger of overdose: The following preparations pose serious risks
- Supplements containing potassium can be potentially fatal. The German Society for Nutrition warns of possible consequences Potassium overdose, including intestinal obstruction, muscle weakness and paralysis, lung failure and cardiac arrhythmias. It is emphasized that, as a rule, no more than five to six grams of potassium per day are consumed through the diet. This amount is harmless if the kidney function is intact.
- One excessive intake of calcium can cause significant damage. According to the Lübeck professor of pharmaceutical nutrition, Martin Smollich, in an interview with the knowledge portal spectrum is quoted, overdosing on calcium in the form of dietary supplements significantly increases the risk of a heart attack, especially from a daily dose of more than 1,500 milligrams.
- Many people take vitamin A every day in the form of dietary supplements. However, an overdose can impair bone stability and, in pregnant women, increase the risk of harm to the unborn child. The Consumer advice center indicates that the maximum daily dose for Vitamin A (from all sources) is 3,000 micrograms for adults. However, there is no such recommendation for provitamin A, as an overdose of this nutrient does not cause any symptoms.
- Symptoms of a Overdose of vitamin B3, also known as nicotinic acid or niacin, include heartburn, headaches, diarrhea and stomach pain. Potentially life-threatening consequences such as a drastic drop in blood pressure and liver damage can also occur. According to the Technicians’ Health Insurance A niacin deficiency is practically impossible with a normal diet, as the critical maximum amount of 35 milligrams daily is hardly reached through food alone.
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- According to that Robert Koch Institute leads one excessive intake of vitamin D to increased calcium levels in the body (hypercalcemia), which can cause symptoms such as nausea, loss of appetite, abdominal cramps and vomiting or, in severe cases, even kidney damage, irregular heartbeat, loss of consciousness and death. Due to the fact that vitamin D can be stored in the body, there is a risk of a gradual overdose in addition to an acute one.
- It is strongly advised not to Vitamin E should be taken long-term and without a doctor’s recommendation. Anyone who ignores this precaution puts themselves at risk of gastrointestinal problems and an increased tendency to bleed. According to the European Food Safety Authority A maximum tolerable dose of 300 mg per day applies. The Consumer advice center However, warns that dosages between 130 and about 200 mg per day may increase the risk of hemorrhagic stroke (brain bleeding).
- Iron is a vital trace element required for the formation of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood. However, one can excessive intake of iron lead to iron poisoning. Symptoms of an iron overdose include fatigue, diarrhea and vomiting, vomiting and joint pain. Serious consequences such as heart problems, diabetes, liver disease and even organ failure are also possible.
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It in no way replaces a visit to the doctor. Our editorial team is not allowed to answer individual questions about medical conditions.
The editor wrote this article and then used an AI language model for optimization at her own discretion. All information has been carefully checked. Find out more about our AI principles here.
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