Vitamins and diarrhea

Vitamins and diarrhea can come hand in hand if mega doses of specific vitamins are consumed. The majority of adults obtain sufficient amounts of vitamins through a well-balanced diet. Large amounts of supplements such as vitamin C or magnesium can cause diarrhea, although the specific toxic amount may vary from person to person. Unlike diarrhea caused by bacteria and infections, excessive amounts of these vitamins and diarrhea resulting from it can be remedied by avoiding consumption of the offending vitamins.

In addition to vitamins and diarrhea resulting from overdose, vitamin toxicity known as hypervitaminosis may also result. This is more common in developed nations, where most individuals can get enough nutrients through a well balanced diet, but many insist on consuming copious amounts of vitamins due to their popularity and also for minor illnesses resulting in side affects caused by vitamins and diarrhea can result. For fat-soluble vitamins, it can be dangerous to exceed the recommended daily allowance.

The most toxic of the fat-soluble vitamins are vitamins A and D. Excessive consumption can cause nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite due to excessive vitamins and diarrhea. Other side effects may include tingling sensations in the mouth and joint pain. The toxic amounts can vary greatly from individual to individual, but generally speaking, a 15mg dose or 1mg (infants) over an extended period of time can be toxic. For adults, a single dose of 50mg can be toxic with 2mg over an extended period being toxic. If one consumes too much of these vitamins, and diarrhea results, it can be remedied by easing off on the specific supplement.

Excessive amounts of vitamin E can lead to tiredness, double vision, headaches due to copious consumption of vitamins and diarrhea. Furthermore, interference with the absorption of other fat-soluble vitamins may occur. Finally, for niacin, the recommended daily allowance is 14-18mg for adults. Overdosing will result in symptoms such as nausea, liver damage, flushing of the skin due to too many vitamins and diarrhea. Because of the flushing effects due to more blood passing through the veins and dilating arteries, niacin is sometimes used to lower blood cholesterol.