How Safe Are The Vitamins You're Popping?

Apparently, half of us pop vitamins and supplements on a daily basis. That's what the American Dietetic Association has surveyed. That all sounds fine because beauty really begins from the inside. But do you exceed the dosages? Do you need all these pills? Is there a vitamin overload?

Some medical experts seem to think so, and that's been the buzz in the headlines today. Watch what you are popping for vitamins, because you could mess up the inside of your body.

Vitamin A (retinol) Great for skin, bones, teeth, and vision. Too much Vitamin A, however, can cause birth defects in pregnant women. Too much can also make your hair fall out and skin turn yellow. On the other hand, too little Vitamin A can also cause birth defects. Limit dosage to 5000 IU.

Vitamin B6. Builds a strong nervous system. But high doses can damage arms and legs. Limit dosage to 100 mg.

Vitamin B9. Folic acid is necessary for healthy blood. Too much folic acid, however, can bring about nausea and insomnia. Limit dosage to 1000 mcg.

Vitamin C. Folks around the globe all applaud the good stuff in Vitamin C, especially for keeping colds at bay. But overdosing on it can cause indigestion, diarrhea, and gastro-intestinal problems. Limit dosage to 2000 mg.

Vitamin D. We've all heard about the welcome benefits of Vitamin D, to prevent cancer and other ailments. Dr. Weil raves about it. But too much of a good thing can go badly, like kidney stones and kidney damage. Do not exceed 2000 IU.

Vitamin E. Faithful Vitamin E takers swear buy this golden supplement, calling it one of the great anti-oxidants of all time, a pill that maintains good cardiovascular health. But overdosing on E can cause serious bleeding and even congestive heart failure. Plus, latest medical studies now show that E has 'no proven clinical benefits.' Do not exceed 400 IU.

There you have it. Please keep a record of all the vitamins and supplements you take, so that your primary care physician has a good idea of how you're treating your body.