Vitamins: Too Much of a Good Thing
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Gastrointestinal discomfort can also result from too much vitamin C. Fat-soluble vitamins, like D, are harder to metabolize. More than 2,000 IU daily of vitamin D can lead to kidney damage and stones. Postmenopausal women might take big doses of vitamin E for hot flashes and cardiovascular benefits, but large doses - more than 400 IU daily -- increase bleeding and the risk of congestive heart failure. Beta carotene is another antioxidant that can lead to heart disease when taken in toxic doses; but the good news is that consuming toxic levels is rare. Look for this nutrient in spinach, carrots, apricots and cantaloupe. It's always a good idea to check labels to be sure you're not going over recommended levels of vitamins.
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