Taking health supplements can be beneficial for your overall health, but it is important to understand that they can also have side effects if taken in large doses or instead of prescribed medications by your healthcare provider. Vitamin A overdose can lead to headaches and liver damage, too much iron causes nausea and vomiting, and excessive amounts of minerals in the body can cause gastrointestinal problems. Other possible adverse events that can result from taking supplements include skin rashes, shortness of breath, diarrhea, severe joint or muscle pain, difficulty speaking, and blood in the urine. Manufacturers may add vitamins, minerals and other supplement ingredients to the foods you eat, especially breakfast cereals and beverages.
As a result, you may be consuming more of these ingredients than you think, and more may not be better. Taking more than you need costs more and may also increase the risk of side effects. It is essential to talk to your healthcare provider before taking large doses of any vitamin, mineral, or other supplement. Be careful when giving supplements to a child, unless recommended by your healthcare provider.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not determine if dietary supplements are effective before they are marketed. You're more likely to have side effects from dietary supplements if you take them in high doses or instead of prescription drugs, or if you take many different supplements. For more information on what constitutes a healthy eating routine, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and MyPlate are good sources of information. If you think you've had an adverse reaction to a dietary supplement, tell your healthcare provider.
This site includes fact sheets and videos on dietary supplements for the public, educators, and health professionals. You can share this record with your healthcare providers to discuss what is best for your overall health.
