by Ginger Kazay

Created on: September 01, 2006   Last Updated: January 09, 2012

As we are all aware too much of anything can be bad for you. Also some people are more sensitive to vitamins and supplements than others, a dose that is safe for one person may be too strong for another.

So how can you tell if you are over doing it or taking a supplement you shouldn't (you might be allergic or taking medicine it is causing a reaction with)?

- Changes in stool/bowel movements. Changes in color, frequency (diarrhea or constipation), or consistency (small hard balls, tarry, mucousy, etc.).
- Changes in skin. Dry, itchy skin, rashes, eczema, color (redness, orange or yellow skin, etc.).
- Changes in digestion. Nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, indigestion, heartburn, excessive gas.
- Changes in circulation. Swollen ankles and hands, rapid heartbeat, slow heartbeat, irregular heartbeat, feeling faint or dizzy, chest pains.
- Changes in nervous system. Feeling "jittery", tingling sensations, numbness, seizures, headaches, weakness, loss of balance or coordination.
- Urination - Pain when going, going all the time, unusual odor (unless you just ate asparagus).
- Lethargy
- Sudden weight gain or loss.
- Sudden hair loss - this includes eyelashes and eyebrows not just what is on top of your head.

These symptoms can be caused by excessive amounts of vitamins and nutritional supplements OR diseases. Take information on EVERYTHING you are taking (what, how much and how frequently) and go see your doctor. They can determine the cause with a few simple tests and either tell you to cut back OR get you the treatment you need.

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