Overdose of vitamin C, zinc and vitamin D: the whole truth about the consequences of taking large doses of vitamins

Now, during the pandemic, it has become popular to buy various vitamins and their complexes to prevent colds. Mostly people purchase vitamin C, zinc, vitamin D without first consulting a doctor and without reading the instructions. However, neglecting the rules of administration and using these drugs in large quantities can lead to an overdose of vitamins.

Can taking nutrients really harm your health? In this article, apteka24.ua will look at how the most popular vitamins and microelements are useful and what an overdose of them can lead to.

Symptoms

In case of zinc poisoning, the following symptoms appear when it is absorbed in food and drinks:

• decreased protective capacity of the immune system;
• damage to the gastric mucosa;
• nausea;
• breathing problems;
• vomit.

Most of these symptoms appear quickly, but problems with the immune system may become noticeable only after some time.

Symptoms of zinc oxide poisoning from inhalation of this mixture:

• drowsiness;
• chills;
• suffocation;
• feeling of pressing pain in the chest area;
• cough (dry).

But the first symptoms are a sweetish taste in the mouth and thirst

.

If the body has been poisoned by salt compounds that contain zinc, then the sweetish taste is replaced by a metallic one, diarrhea, nausea, and a more extensive burn of the mucous membrane of the digestive system are observed; blood glucose levels and blood pressure change. Cramps in the legs, more precisely, in the calf muscles, and abdominal pain also begin.

With a chronic excess of zinc, there is a significant deterioration in the functioning of the immune system, including the occurrence of a number of autoimmune diseases. In case of chronic excess of zinc, weak nails and hair are observed, and the condition of the skin worsens. The pancreas, liver and prostate gland are subject to degenerative processes.

Zinc

This microelement is not produced in the human body and is not stored there, so it must be obtained from the outside. Zinc is symbolized by the symbol Zn. It can be included in combination products or sold separately in the form of tablets and capsules.

Effective preparations that contain zinc:

• Zincteral;
• AlfaVit Classic No. 120;
• Revalid No. 30;
• Zn+Mg+B6 150 No. 60;
• OmegaBalance Zn PLUS.

Zinc: benefits of the chemical element

Zn is involved in the activation of T-lymphocytes (special cells of the immune system), as a result of which the immune system quickly responds to foreign bodies and cancer cells. With a lack of zinc, the body's susceptibility to various pathogens increases. In addition, some experimental evidence suggests that taking zinc within 24 hours of the onset of symptoms of a cold will speed up its resolution.

Taking this microelement helps with diarrhea. A study in Bangladesh found that a 10-day course of Zn was effective in treating bowel disorders and helping prevent further attacks. This is why WHO recommends taking zinc for diarrhea.

The chemical element in question plays an important role in maintaining the integrity and health of the skin. Patients with existing wounds or ulcers have a deficiency of zinc in the blood. Swedish studies have shown that taking Zn in dosage form promotes the healing of ulcers, wounds and suppresses inflammatory processes in the body. It is also found in some skin creams.

It's important to note that zinc prevents damage to retinal cells, which can slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration and protect against vision loss. In addition, this element can strengthen memory and improve sperm quality, reducing the risk of male infertility.

Daily value of zinc

Different age groups need different amounts of zinc per day.

Recommended daily doses of Zn:

• girls and women over 19 years old - 8 mg per day;
• boys and men over 19 years old - 11 mg per day;
• pregnant women - 11 mg per day;
• women during lactation - 14 mg per day.

The maximum amount of zinc that can be consumed within 24 hours is 40 mg.

Zinc overdose

If a person takes more than 40 mg of the microelement in question, the following side effects may occur:

• diarrhea;
• allergic reaction;
• pain in the lumbar region;
• increased heart rate;
• vomiting and nausea;
• decreased immunity;
• headache and dizziness;
• the appearance of ulcers in the throat and mouth (neutropenia);
• abdominal cramps;
• loss of appetite;
• lowering the level of “good” cholesterol in the body.

Also, consuming a large dose of zinc can interfere with the absorption of other elements such as iron and copper.

Interaction with other substances and drugs

Penicillamine is an antirheumatic drug. This drug is used by patients with rheumatoid arthritis and Wilson-Konovalov disease (hereditary disease of the central nervous system). Concomitant use of zinc and this drug may reduce the absorption and effectiveness of penicillamine.

Antibiotics . Zinc in tablets reduces the absorption of the antibiotic into the blood, so less of it enters the body. To prevent such an outcome of simultaneous administration, it is necessary to drink Zn at least an hour after taking antibiotics.

Thiazide diuretics . These blood pressure medications increase the amount of zinc excreted in the urine, so taking zinc with diuretics is not recommended.

Treatment

In case of acute and chronic excess of zinc, it is important to provide medical assistance to the person. Therapy is mainly aimed at eliminating the symptoms of excess zinc. It is advisable to carry out treatment in a hospital setting.

Unithiol is used as an antidote. The doctor may also prescribe sodium thiosulfate, acetylsalicylic acid, expectorants, bronchodilators, and penicillamine. It is also recommended to stop taking zinc-containing drugs and using zinc utensils.

If a metallic taste appears in the mouth, as well as a sharp increase in body temperature after contact with zinc vapor, you must call emergency medical attention.

As for chronic forms of zinc excess, prevention plays an important role.

What are the dangers of insufficient zinc intake in the body?

Zinc deficiency can be caused by excessive intake of salts and esters of phosphoric acids (phosphates), taking oral contraceptives, diuretics, immunosuppressive medications, as well as abuse of alcoholic beverages.

The most characteristic symptom reflecting zinc deficiency is growth retardation. Other manifestations include: distortion of taste perception, disruption of metabolic processes, decreased protective properties of the body, development of complications of other diseases (for example, cirrhosis of the liver or disorders affecting the cardiovascular system), impaired sexual function, delayed puberty.

Internal changes are also complemented by external symptoms: hair loss, loss of appetite, development of dermatitis, night blindness.

Vitamin C

Almost every person has been familiar with ascorbic acid (another name for vitamin C) since childhood. It is usually used to prevent colds and strengthen the immune system. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that cannot be synthesized independently in the body.

This organic substance is found in many foods, such as citrus fruits, various types of cabbage, broccoli, bell peppers and even potatoes. However, not always a sufficient amount of the vitamin comes from food, so it is also consumed in the form of tablets, capsules and syrups.

Vitamin complexes and medicines with vitamin C:

• Vitamin C 500;
• Superia Vitamin C;
• Doppelhertz Active Vitamin C MAX;
• Laferoflu vitamin C;
• Hyaluron-Filler vitamin C.

Vitamin C: the benefits of a popular vitamin

Vitamin C enhances the immune response to pathogens that enter the body. After taking ascorbic acid, more interferons are produced, special proteins that are produced in response to the penetration of a virus or bacteria. Lymphocytes (cells of the immune system) begin to actively move through the blood and thus reach the problem area faster.

The vitamin in question also neutralizes free radicals that destroy cells and accelerate the aging process, resulting in reduced oxidative stress.

During a cold, vitamin C levels can drop sharply because most of it is used to boost immune responses. Therefore, during colds and for their prevention, it is recommended to use this organic substance. In addition, vitamin C promotes healthy bones, muscles and blood vessels.

Daily value of vitamin C

The amount of ascorbic acid that can be taken per day should not exceed the following:

• children under 3 years old - 5 mg;
• children 4-8 years old - 25 mg;
• adolescents from 9 to 13 years old - 45 mg;
• adolescents 14-18 years old - 65-75 mg;
• adults over 19 years of age: men 75 mg, women 90 mg;
• pregnant women - 85 mg;
• women breastfeeding - 120 mg.

The maximum daily dose is 2000 mg. If you take more, you may experience an overdose of vitamin C, which will provoke a number of negative consequences.

Vitamin C overdose

Abuse of any product always entails negative consequences. As for ascorbic acid, if you drink more than 2000 mg of it, the following side effects may occur:

• stomach upset;
• dizziness and headache;
• insomnia and problems with sleep quality;
• stomach pain;
• nausea and vomiting;
• spasms of various parts of the body.

If a person has the congenital disease hemochromatosis, then consuming excess amounts of vitamin C can lead to unsafe health consequences. With this pathology, too much iron accumulates in the body and taking ascorbic acid can provoke arthritis, cirrhosis of the liver and the formation of stones in the kidneys and bladder.

Interaction with other substances and drugs

Protease inhibitors . Using vitamin C together with these medications reduces the effectiveness of the latter.

Aluminum . Ascorbic acid accelerates the process of absorption of aluminum from medicines that contain it. Taking them together is unsafe for people with kidney problems.

Nicotinic acid (statins and niacin) . If you take these drugs at the same time as a vitamin, this will lead to a decrease in the effectiveness of niacin and statins.

Warfarin. It is an anticoagulant that prevents the formation of blood clots and reduces blood clotting. Ascorbic acid may reduce its effectiveness.

Oral contraceptives . Taking vitamin C together with hormonal therapy leads to an increase in estrogen levels.

The role of zinc in the human body and the dangers of excess zinc

Zinc is a component of more than three hundred different enzymes and hormones. It participates in all processes that support the normal functioning of the body, ensuring the development of bone tissue and brain, stimulating cell division and growth, regenerative processes, reproductive function and the immune system, etc. Thus, zinc ranks second after iron in terms of importance for the human body.

However, it should be noted that prolonged intake of zinc salts into the body causes severe intoxication and poisoning (excess zinc most often occurs due to inhalation of vapors of this element). In some cases, serious poisoning can even lead to death.

Normal absorption of zinc in the body is ensured when it is supplied in combination with vitamins A and B6. But the following substances interfere with its absorption:

• Copper;
• Tin;
• Manganese;
• Iron;
• Cadmium;
• Lead;
• Calcium (in cases where it is consumed in large doses);
• Vitamin B9 (folic acid).

References

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4. Salnikova E.V. Zinc is an essential element (review). Bulletin of OGU, 2012. - T. 146. - No. 10. P. 170–172.
5. Rabinovich, D., Smadi, Y. Zinc. StatPearls, 2021.
6. Dhaher, S., Yacoub, A., Jacob, A. Estimation of Zinc and Iron Levels in the Serum and Hair of Women with Androgenetic Alopecia: Case-control Study. Indian J Dermatol., 2021. - Vol. 63(5). — P. 369-374.
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