Overdose of vitamins in children: symptoms and prevention

Overdose of vitamins in children: symptoms and prevention

1. The importance of vitamins for children’s health

Vitamins are organic compounds necessary for the normal growth, development and functioning of the child’s body. They participate in numerous biochemical processes, support the immune system, contribute to the absorption of nutrients and protect the cells from damage. However, despite their importance, excessive consumption of vitamins can lead to undesirable side effects, known as hypervitaminosis or an overdose of vitamins.

1.1. The role of vitamins in the development of the child:

• Vitamin A: It is important for vision, bone growth, immune function and skin health. It helps the eyes adapt to the darkness, supports the integrity of epithelial tissues and is involved in the production of white blood cells.
• B vitamins B: They play a key role in the energy exchange, the functioning of the nervous system and the formation of red blood cells. Vitamin B1 (thiamine) is necessary for the metabolism of carbohydrates, B2 (riboflavin) is involved in redox reactions, B3 (niacin) is important for the health of the skin and nervous system, B5 (pantothenic acid) is involved in the synthesis of coenzyme A, B6 (pyridoxin) is necessary for amino acid metabolism, B7 (biotin) Participates in the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates, B9 (folic acid) is important for dividing cells and preventing defects of the nervous tube, B12 (cobalamin) is necessary for the formation of red blood cells and the functioning of the nervous system.
• Vitamin C: A powerful antioxidant strengthens the immune system, promotes the healing of wounds and the absorption of iron. It protects the cells from damage to free radicals, stimulates the production of collagen and increases resistance to infections.
• Vitamin D: It is necessary for the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, maintaining the health of bones and teeth, as well as for immune function. It regulates the level of calcium in the blood, helps to strengthen bone tissue and reduces the risk of rickets.
• Vitamin E: Antioxidant, protects cells from damage, supports skin health and immune system. It protects cell membranes from oxidation, improves blood circulation and promotes wound healing.
• Vitamin K: It is necessary for coagulation of blood and bone health. It is involved in the synthesis of blood coagulation factors and helps to strengthen bone tissue.

1.2. Sources of vitamins:

Vitamins enter the body with food, such as fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, dairy products and cereals. Enriched products, such as cereals and juices, can also be a source of vitamins. In some cases, vitamin additives can be prescribed, especially if the child has a deficiency of vitamins or certain diseases.

2. The reasons for the overdose of vitamins in children

An overdose of vitamins in children can occur for various reasons:

• Excessive use of vitamin additives: This is the most common reason. Parents, trying to improve the health of the child, can give him vitamins in doses exceeding the recommended. It is especially dangerous to give children vitamins intended for adults.
• Incorrect storage of vitamins: Children can accidentally find and eat vitamins, taking them for sweets. Vitamins should be stored in an inaccessible place for children, in the original packaging, with a clear marking.
• The combination of various vitamin preparations: The simultaneous use of several vitamin preparations containing the same vitamins can lead to an overdose.
• Enriched products: Excessive use of enriched products (for example, cereals, juices, bars) can increase the risk of overdose by some vitamins.
• Incorrect dosage calculation: With the independent appointment of vitamins, parents can be made a mistake in the calculation of dosage, especially for young children.
• Violation of metabolism: In rare cases, in children with certain metabolic diseases, the ability to absorb and derive vitamins can be impaired, which increases the risk of an overdose.
• Using vitaminized products and drugs: Some products, such as vitaminized milk or cereal, as well as some drugs, contain vitamins. The combination of these products and drugs with vitamin additives can lead to an overdose.

3. Types of vitamins and risk of overdose

The risk of an overdose of vitamins depends on the type of vitamin. Vitamins are divided into two groups: fat -soluble and water -soluble.

3.1. Fatable vitamins (A, D, E, K):

These vitamins dissolve in fats and accumulate in the body, in particular in the liver and adipose tissue. Therefore, an overdose of fat -soluble vitamins is more likely than water -soluble, since they are more slowly excreted from the body.

• Vitamin A (Retinol): An overdose of vitamin A can lead to the following symptoms:
  • Acute overdose: Nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, irritability, cramps, increased intracranial pressure, visual impairment. In infants, a fontanel is stabbed in the babies.
  • Chronic overdose: Dryness and peeling of the skin, hair loss, itching, bone pain and joints, increased liver and spleen, impaired liver function, increase the level of calcium in the blood, anorexia, and growth retardation. In severe cases, cirrhosis of the liver may develop.
• Vitamin D (calciferol): An overdose of vitamin D can lead to hypercalcemia (an increased level of calcium in the blood), which can cause the following symptoms:
  • Nausea, vomiting, constipation, weakness, fatigue, headache, dizziness, bone pain, thirst, frequent urination, loss of appetite, heart rhythm, calcium deposition in soft tissues (kidneys, heart, lungs), renal failure. In babies, growth and development can be observed.
• Vitamin E (Tokoferol): An overdose of vitamin E is less common than an overdose of vitamins A and D, but still possible. Symptoms of overdose may include:
  • Nausea, diarrhea, headache, fatigue, impaired blood coagulation, increasing the risk of bleeding (especially in people taking anticoagulants), muscle weakness.
• Vitamin K (Phillokhinon): An overdose of vitamin K is extremely rare and usually does not cause serious side effects. However, in newborns an overdose of vitamin K can lead to hemolytic anemia and jaundice.

3.2. Water -soluble vitamins (B vitamins B, vitamin C):

These vitamins dissolve in water and do not accumulate in the body in significant quantities. Excess water -soluble vitamins are usually excreted in urine. Therefore, an overdose of water -soluble vitamins is less likely than fat -soluble.

• B vitamins B:
  • Vitamin B1 (TIAMIN): An overdose by thiamine is rare and usually does not cause serious side effects. In very high doses, an allergic reaction can be observed.
  • Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): An overdose of riboflavin is rare and usually does not cause serious side effects. It can paint the urine in bright yellow.
  • Vitamin B3 (Niacin): An overdose of niacin can cause redness of the skin of the face and neck, itching, nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, decreased blood pressure, impaired liver function.
  • Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxin): An overdose of pyridoxine can lead to neurological disorders, such as numbness and tingling in the arms and legs, impaired coordination, photosensitivity.
  • Vitamin B9 (folic acid): An overdose of folic acid can mask vitamin B12 deficiency, which can lead to irreversible neurological damage.
  • Vitamin B12 (cobalamin): An overdose of cobalamine is rare and usually does not cause serious side effects. In very high doses, an allergic reaction can be observed.
• Vitamin C (ascorbic acid): An overdose of vitamin C can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, heartburn, kidney stones.

4. Symptoms of an overdose of vitamins in children

Symptoms of an overdose of vitamins in children can vary depending on the type of vitamin, dose and age of the child. Some general symptoms of vitamin overdose include:

• General symptoms:
  • Nausea
  • Vomit
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach ache
  • Loss of appetite
  • Irritability
  • Fatigue
  • Weakness
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
• Specific symptoms (depending on vitamin):
  • Vitamin A: Dryness and peeling of the skin, hair loss, bone pain and joints, increased liver and spleen, visual impairment.
  • Vitamin D: Nausea, vomiting, constipation, weakness, fatigue, headache, thirst, frequent urination, bone pain, calcium deposition in soft tissues.
  • Vitamin E: Nausea, diarrhea, headache, fatigue, blood coagulation.
  • Vitamin B3 (Niacin): Redness of the skin of the face and neck, itching.
  • Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxin): Numbness and tingling in the arms and legs, violation of coordination.
  • Vitamin C: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, heartburn, kidney stones.

5. Diagnosis of an overdose of vitamins in children

Diagnosis of an overdose of vitamins in children is based on an anamnesis, physical examination and laboratory studies.

• Anamnesis: The doctor finds out what vitamins the child takes, in what doses and how long. It is also important to find out what food products the child consumes in large quantities (for example, enriched products).
• Physical examination: The doctor examines the child for the presence of symptoms of an overdose of vitamins, such as skin rashes, bones pain, increased liver and spleen.
• Laboratory research: To confirm the diagnosis and evaluate the severity of an overdose, the following laboratory studies can be prescribed:
  • Blood test: To determine the level of vitamins in the blood, calcium levels, liver and kidney function.
  • Urine analysis: To determine the level of vitamins in the urine and the presence of kidney stones.
  • Costy radiography: To identify changes in bone tissue during an overdose of vitamin A or D.

6. Treatment of an overdose of vitamins in children

Treatment of an overdose of vitamins in children depends on the type of vitamin, dose and severity of symptoms.

• Continuing taking vitamin additives: This is the first and most important step. It is necessary to immediately stop giving the child vitamin supplements.
• Gastric lavage: If the child took a large dose of vitamins recently (within 1-2 hours), the doctor may prescribe a gastric lavage to remove non-abused vitamins.
• Activated carbon: Activated carbon helps to tie vitamins in the gastrointestinal tract and prevent their further absorption.
• Symptomatic treatment: To facilitate the symptoms of overdose, drugs can be prescribed, such as anti -excavation agents, painkillers, laxatives.
• Intravenous fluid administration: To maintain hydration and eliminate vitamins from the body, intravenous administration of fluid can be prescribed.
• Treatment of hypercalcemia (with an overdose of vitamin D): Intravenous administration of fluids, diuretics (to increase the excretion of calcium in urine) and corticosteroids may be required (to reduce blood calcium).
• Supporting therapy: In severe cases, it may require hospitalization in the intensive care unit for maintenance therapy, such as monitoring of cardiac activity, maintaining breathing and treatment of complications.

7. Prevention of an overdose of vitamins in children

Prevention of an overdose of vitamins in children includes the following measures:

• Consultation with a doctor: Before giving a child vitamin additives, you need to consult a doctor. The doctor will determine whether the child needs vitamin additives, and select the correct dosage.
• Compliance with the recommended dosage: Strictly observe the recommended dosage of vitamins indicated on the package or prescribed by a doctor. Do not give the child more vitamins than necessary.
• Using children’s vitamin preparations: Use vitamin preparations designed specifically for children. Do not give the child vitamins intended for adults, as they contain higher doses of vitamins.
• Proper storage of vitamins: Keep vitamins in no way for children, in the original packaging, with a clear marking. Do not leave vitamins in a prominent place where a child can accidentally find and eat them.
• Information about vitamins: Be attentive to the content of vitamins in food, especially in enriched products. Consider the total number of vitamins that the child receives from all sources to avoid an overdose.
• Limiting the use of enriched products: Limit the use of enriched products, such as cereals, juices, bars.
• Attentiveness with a combination of vitamin preparations: Do not give the child several vitamin preparations containing the same vitamins.
• Children’s education: Explain to the children that vitamins are medicines, not sweets, and that they can only be taken under the supervision of adults.
• Regular medical examinations: Regularly visit a doctor for preventive examinations and monitoring the state of health of the child.

8. The influence of an overdose of vitamins on different age groups of children

An overdose of vitamins can differently affect children, depending on their age.

• Newborns and babies: In newborns and babies, the organs and systems are not yet fully developed, so they are more sensitive to overdose of vitamins. An overdose can lead to serious consequences, such as impaired liver and kidney function, neurological disorders, and growth and development delay.
• Preschool children: Preschool children are more prone to accidental overdose of vitamins, as they can accidentally find and eat vitamins by taking them for sweets. An overdose can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, irritability and other symptoms.
• School children and adolescents: School children and adolescents can perseveize vitamins, taking them in large doses in order to improve sports results or appearance. An overdose can lead to serious consequences, such as impaired liver function, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders.

9. Alternative approaches to providing children with vitamins

Instead of relying on vitamin additives, parents can provide children with the necessary vitamins using the following alternative approaches:

• Balanced nutrition: Provide the child with a diverse and balanced diet, including fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, dairy products and cereals.
• Cooking at home: Cooking at home allows you to control the ingredients and the content of vitamins in food.
• Enrichment of the diet: Instead of giving the child vitamin additives, you can enrich his diet with products, rich vitamins and minerals.
• Sunlight: Provide the child with a sufficient stay in the sun for the synthesis of vitamin D.
• Consultation with a nutritionist: Consult a nutritionist to develop an individual food plan that takes into account the child’s needs for vitamins and minerals.

10. Myths and errors about vitamins in children

There are many myths and misconceptions about vitamins in children that can lead to improper use of vitamin additives and overdose.

• Myth: Vitamin additives are necessary for all children.
  • Fact: Most children receive enough vitamins from a balanced diet. Vitamin additives are necessary only in certain cases, such as vitamin deficiency, certain diseases or special dietary needs.
• Myth: The more vitamins, the better.
  • Fact: Excessive consumption of vitamins can lead to an overdose and undesirable side effects.
• Myth: Vitamin additives are safe and have no side effects.
  • Fact: Vitamin additives can cause side effects, especially with an overdose.
• Myth: Vitamin additives can cure any disease.
  • Fact: Vitamin additives are not a medicine and cannot cure any disease. They can only support the body and improve the overall health.
• Myth: All vitamin additives are equally effective.
  • Fact: The effectiveness of vitamin additives depends on the quality of the ingredients, dosage and method of use.

11. Legal aspects and responsibility for overdose vitamins

In some countries, there are legislative norms that regulate the production, sale and use of vitamin additives. Parents are responsible for the health and safety of their children, including the correct use of vitamin additives. In the case of an overdose of vitamins, which led to serious consequences for the health of the child, parents can be held accountable.

12. Overdose by vitamins and chronic diseases in children

In children with chronic diseases, such as kidney, liver or cardiovascular system diseases, the risk of vitamins overdose can be increased. In such children, it is necessary to carefully monitor the level of vitamins in the blood and follow the doctor’s recommendations on the use of vitamin additives.

13. The role of medical workers in the prevention of overdose vitamins

Medical workers, such as doctors, nurses and pharmacists, play an important role in the prevention of an overdose of vitamins in children. They should inform parents about the proper use of vitamin additives, recommend the correct dosage, warn about possible side effects and control the state of health of the child.

14. Research and statistics on an overdose of vitamins in children

There are various studies and statistics on an overdose of vitamins in children. These data show that an overdose of vitamins is a common problem, especially in young children. It is necessary to conduct further research to identify risk factors and develop effective preventive measures.

15. Information resources and support for parents

There are many information resources and organizations that can provide parents with information and support on children’s health issues, including on the use of vitamin additives and overdose prevention. Parents can contact their doctor, nurse, pharmacist, nutritionist, as well as specialized websites and organizations involved in children’s health.

16. Overdose by vitamins and food additives: risk comparison

Along with vitamin additives, children can also use various nutritional supplements. It is important to understand that food additives can also contain vitamins and other active ingredients that can lead to an overdose if they are consumed in large quantities. The risk of an overdose of food additives can be higher than when using vitamin additives, since the composition and dosage of active ingredients in food additives are often not adjusted as strictly as in vitamin additives.

17. Overdose by vitamins and interaction with drugs

Vitamins can interact with some drugs, which can enhance or weaken the effect of the drug, or increase the risk of side effects. For example, vitamin K can reduce the effectiveness of anticoagulants, and vitamin C can enhance iron absorption. It is important to inform the doctor about all drugs and vitamin additives that the child takes to avoid undesirable interactions.

18. Overdose by vitamins and special groups of children (children with special needs, vegetarians, children on breastfeeding)

Some groups of children have special needs for vitamins and minerals and can be more at risk of overdose. For example, children with special needs, such as children with genetic diseases or diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, may need higher doses of vitamins, but are also more sensitive to overdose. Vegetarians and vegans may experience a deficiency of vitamin B12 and need in addition, but it is important to observe the recommended dosage. Breastfeeding children may need vitamin D additions, especially if they live in regions with insufficient sunlight.

19. Economic aspects of overdose by vitamins: the cost of treatment and prevention

Treatment of vitamin overdose can be expensive, especially in severe cases requiring hospitalization and intensive care. Prevention of vitamin overdose is a more economical approach than treatment. Preventive measures, such as consultations with a doctor, compliance with the recommended dosage, proper storage of vitamins and parents’ training, can significantly reduce the risk of overdose and related expenses.

20. Future research in the field of overdose of vitamins in children

Further studies are needed to identify risk factors for overdose by vitamins in children, develop effective prevention measures, study the long -term consequences of an overdose and optimization of treatment methods. It is also important to conduct research on the study of the influence of various factors, such as genetics, age, gender and lifestyle, on sensitivity to overdose of vitamins.