OVERDOSE RISK OF VITAMINS: A REVIEW

Vitamins are the organic substances which are very essential for the biological process of life. Insufficient vitamins in the body leads to decreased biological capabilities of body, which may cause various serious health problems. The requirement of vitamins in body is fulfilled by the nature while the supplementary intake of vitamins causes toxicity in body. Vitamins deficiencies is a common problem in the people of developing countries. Vitamins and dietary supplements are readily available in different formulations in wide variety of retail outlets without any regulations. In the recent years there has been a great increase on interest about hypervitaminosis, the intoxication resulting from an excess intake of vitamin. Hypervitaminoses are primarily caused by fat-soluble vitamins (D and A), as these are stored by the body for longer period than the water-soluble vitamins. Hypervitaminosis is a uncommon but serious form which is manifested after mega dose substitute in addition to other sources as well. The management primarily focuses on reduced dietary intake with proper attention to hydration along with discontinuation of vitamin therapy. In this study authors are trying to focus in the urgent attention on toxicity of vitamins and unwanted uses of vitamins in daily life.