Signs of Vitamin Toxicity in Children
The most important job of a parent is protecting and nurturing children so they grow to be strong, healthy adults. And part of that nurturing is ensuring that their diets are filled with all the fruits, vegetables and protein that make a body healthy. In addition, 30 percent of Americans include vitamins as part of their child's daily regimen. Sometimes, however, children can get too much of a good thing, resulting in vitamin toxicity.
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Knowing the Signs
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Most children's vitamin brands include A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, D, E, niacin and folic acid for optimal health. And many of these doses are at or above 100 percent of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for children in varying age groups. Children megadosing vitamins is never recommended and most vitamin toxicity cases are caused by accidental overdose. Knowing the signs can lower the risk of long term effects later.
Vitamin A
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Used for its valuable role in maintaining good eyesight and clear skin, Vitamin A, a fat soluble vitamin, can cause vomiting, fatigue, constipation, bone pain, headache and the accumulation of water on the brain (hydrocephalus) when taken in megadoses. It can also give the pigmentation on the palms and soles of the feet a yellowish color, plus cause rough, dry skin and brittle hair and nails.
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The B Vitamins
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The B Vitamins (B1, B2, B6, B12, niacin, folic acid, biotin, and pantothenic acid) are vital for maintaining metabolism, healthy energy levels and oxygenating red blood cells. Taken at higher than normal doses, too much folate can result in kidney damage. Too much B12 can result in walking difficulties and tingling sensations in the legs and feet, and an excess of niacin can cause flushing of the skin, nausea, diarrhea and liver damage.
Vitamin C
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Vitamin C is valuable for tissue growth throughout the body. The antioxidants in vitamin C are touted for helping prevent cancer, heart problems and arthritis. Megadoses of vitamin C can cause nausea, diarrhea, gingivitis, dry skin, easy bruising and may make urine too acidic. Additionally, too much vitamin C can cause painful, swollen joints, the inability of fight infections and nosebleeds.
Vitamin D
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While this fat soluble vitamin helps build healthy bones, taken at high doses, Vitamin D can produce nausea, vomiting, joint pain and a tingling sensation in the mouth. And toxic doses over a long period of time can cause irreversible damage to the heart, lungs and kidneys.
Vitamin E.
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Vitamin E is considered the every vitamin because of its many benefits. It maintains many body tissues, including skin, eyes, liver and lungs and is critical in the formation of red blood cells. However, when taken incorrectly, vitamin E can cause headaches, tiredness, double vision, diarrhea, and may actually interfere with the absorption of other fat-soluble vitamins and long-term could inhibit the absorption of other vital vitamins.
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