Not all dietary supplements are suitable for long-term consumption. An overdose of various vitamins is possible – and can even lead to organ damage.
Dietary supplements are products that provide concentrated amounts of vitamins, minerals, plant extracts or other nutrients to complement everyday dietary intake. They are often used to correct nutrient deficiencies. Common dietary supplements include vitamin C to boost the immune system, omega-3 fatty acids to promote heart health and Protein supplements for athletes.
Dietary supplements are available over the counter and can be purchased in drugstores, pharmacies or online shops. But this is not without risks. The quality and purity of the preparations, especially those from abroad, may well be poor. There is also a risk of overdosing with some micronutrients such as vitamins or minerals. It is therefore advisable to always discuss taking it with a doctor or nutritionist. A balanced diet plan remains the optimal source of most nutrients.
Calcium and potassium: Overdose can be dangerous
Overdosing on calcium through supplements can increase the risk of a heart attack. Martin Smollich, professor of pharmaceutical nutrition from Lübeck, explains this in an interview with the knowledge portal spectrum: “From a daily dose of more than 1,500 milligrams calcium the risk demonstrably increases.”
An overdose of potassium can also be fatal. Complications such as intestinal obstruction, muscle weakness and paralysis, lung failure and cardiac arrhythmias can occur, warns the German Nutrition Society. Normally, we don’t get more than five to six grams of potassium per day from our diet, according to the society. This amount is not a problem if the kidney function is healthy.
The article by spectrum also quotes Angela Clausen, consumer advocate at the North Rhine-Westphalia Consumer Center: It is essential to strictly adhere to the manufacturer’s dosage instructions, “because in the event of an overdose, the metabolism can be significantly disrupted. Without medical advice, the daily dose should be: vitamins and minerals “Do not exceed 100 percent of the reference quantity”.
You can also overdose on vitamins
According to information from the AOK Caution is advised when taking certain vitamins as they can accumulate in the body and cause problems. The symptoms of an overdose are as follows:
- Vitamin A (not provitamin A): Weakening of bone strength and impairment of the fetus in expectant mothers
- Vitamin B3 (niacotinic acid): Skin redness, headache, drop in blood pressure, diarrhea, burning heart, abdominal pain, liver damage
- Vitamin B6: Nerve disorders and the resulting insecurity when walking
- Vitamin D: Increased calcium levels, malaise, headaches, muscle weakness, kidney stones and even kidney damage, calcification and cardiac arrhythmias
- Vitamin E: Bleeding tendency
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. Unfortunately, our editorial team cannot answer individual questions about medical conditions.
This article was created and edited using machine assistance and was carefully checked by editors Juliane Gutmann and Anne Tessin before publication.