Are you taking too much vitamins?

An interesting article giving common sense tips on what vitamins really do for you. Article contains an analysis of common mistakes and beliefs people have about vitamins.

Have you ever heard of taking too many vitamins?  Most of us know little about the use of vitamins including how much and when to take them.  Vitamins are over the counter supplements that aid in the function of the human body.  Food intake is not always providing our bodies with the proper nutrients, therefore, we supplement ourselves in order to compromise.

Did you know that taking too much vitamins may actually hurt rather than help you?  Did you also know that taking the wrong vitamins may affect your metabolism?  Patients don’t always ask us about the proper vitamin intake or supplementation.  Instead they “megavitamin”, a term used to describe the overdose of unnecessary vitamins.  If your are one of the many who take more that the recommended daily dose or doubles up, then you “megavitamin”.

For instance, what color is your urine?  Most urine should be a clear and odorless.  If your urine smells strong, you have too much acid intake.  According to the Mayo Clinic, “if you urine is bright and neon- yellow, the likelihood is that you have too much vitamin intake.”

Vitamins are essential substances needed in very small amounts to perform certain key roles in the body such as regulating metabolism, aiding the formation and repair of bone and tissue and protecting the body against cell damage. They are essential for general health and well-being.
There are two categories of vitamins: fat soluble (vitamins A, D and E), which are found in the fat component of food and water-soluble vitamins (vitamin C, B vitamins). Fat-soluble vitamins are stored by the body; water-soluble vitamins are absorbed and any excess is passed in the urine.  Overdosing on fat-soluble vitamins can cause damage to the body because the level of vitamins can reach toxic levels.
With a few exceptions (vitamin D), the body cannot manufacture vitamins; so they must be supplied by the diet or by vitamin supplements. Many people are misled by false advertising claims for vitamin products suggesting that they boost energy levels. In fact, vitamin pills do not contain energy; energy comes from food, and the best source of energy is obtained from carbohydrate-rich foods such as bread, pasta, rice and potato.
The recommended level of nutrients required to meet the daily needs of a healthy person is expressed as RDA milligrams (mg) or international units (IU). RDA stands for Recommended Dietary Allowances or Recommended Daily Allowances. If you do take supplements regularly, take note of RDAs and always follow the product's directions. Buy your vitamin supplements from a physician, nutritionist or reputable store.
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