Benefits and Dangers

Vitamin C is one of the most popular supplements taken. If you regularly take too much then that volume is reduced, there may be an affect similar to withdrawals. You may also experience bleeding gums, lingering wounds, and skin problems. Excessive levels of Vitamin C can also cause cellular damage. Too much vitamin C in people who have hemochromatosis, a genetic defect that causes them to store excess iron, can cause heart problems. High doses of vitamin C may also counteract with anticoagulant medications, cause kidney stones and result in false negatives for colon cancer tests.

Vitamin E has been linked to heart disease and if taken in correct dosages, may help prevent heart issues. In larger doses, though, it can cause muscle weakness, fatigue, nausea, and diarrhea. Vitamin E taken in large amounts will interfere with blood clotting. While this may be a positive affect and lower the risk of heart disease, it can also cause serious bleeding problems, especially for those people who take anticoagulants.

Folate is recommended for women who are considering getting pregnant as it helps minimize the risk of birth defects. However, if taken in doses above the recommended amounts it may put you at an increased risk of heart disease. Folate may also skew test results when examining a patient for pernicious anemia which can cause serious neurological damage.

Vitamin B has been said to reduce headaches and depression but there are no concrete studies in existence to prove this claim. Many women take this for migraines and for premenstrual pains. However, studies are mixed as to the actual effectiveness of this vitamin for such reasons. If taken in large doses over an extended period of time, though, it may cause irreversible nerve damage.

Niacin can help in lowering cholesterol levels but the dangers of niacin are that it can lead to liver damage. Even the amounts that are typically available can cause facial flushing, fatigue, skin discoloration or stomach upset. Doses that exceed recommended amounts may cause a severe reaction in people who have Type II diabetes. Because of the many dangers with this vitamin, it is recommended that it only be used under the supervision of a doctor.