This post was most recently updated on July 25th, 2023
Using the overdose amount of vitamins during pregnancy leads to many symptoms that are not good for pregnant women, such as constipation, diarrhea, etc. You need to know the exact amount of dosage for safe, and it’s effective use.
Supplementing vitamins for pregnant women is considered a necessary step to ensure the health of mothers and babies, but on the contrary, an overdose is hazardous. Symptoms of vitamin overdose vary widely according to the situation or condition. Understanding this will help you make a timely response.
What are the symptoms of overdose during pregnancy?
Manifestations of vitamin overdose during pregnancy can be confusing with pregnancy symptoms because they are quite similar. If you suspect that you have overdosed of vitamins, be aware of changes in symptoms such as:
- Cloudy urine.
- Often urination.
- Constipation.
- Diarrhea.
- No cravings.
- Nausea.
- Stomach paining.
- Muscle weakness.
- Pain in muscles, joints, or bones.
- The skin turns yellow-orange.
- Sensitive to the sun.
- Itching or rash.
- Headache.
- Tiredness.
- Mood swings.
- Heart palpitations or abnormalities.
- Eyes sensitive to light.
- Cracked dry lips.
Some terms you should know to avoid the overdose of vitamins
Recommended dosage (RDA)
It is regarded as the recommended amount of vitamins for 97-98% of healthy people.
The upper limit of safe consumption (UL)
It is the maximum amount of vitamins for one day without adversely affecting health.
Adequate amount (AI)
This value is also the amount needed per day as RDA. The difference is that RDA is drawn from studies of a substance, while AI (when there is insufficient evidence) is observed to determine its estimated need for healthy people.
Vitamin toxin
This occurs when taking too much vitamin A, B6, C, D, or niacin.
The recommended dose of vitamins per day
For pregnant women (from 19 – 50 years old)
- Folate – 600 μg.
- Niacin (vitamin B3) – 18 mg.
- Riboflavin – 1.4 mg.
- Thiamin – 1.4 mg.
- Vitamin A – 770 μg.
- Vitamin B5 – 1.9 mg.
- Vitamin B12 – 2.6 μg.
- Vitamin C – 85 mg.
- Vitamin D – 600 IU.
- Vitamin E – 15 mg.
- Vitamin K – 90 μg.
For women who are breastfeeding (19 – 50 years old)
- Folate – 500 μg.
- Niacin (vitamin B3) – 17 mg NE.
- Riboflavin – 1.6 mg.
- Thiamin – 1.4 mg.
- Vitamin A – 1300 μg.
- Vitamin B5 – 2.0 mg.
- Vitamin B12 – 2.8 μg.
- Vitamin C – 120 mg.
- Vitamin D – 600 IU. (Adequate amount)
- Vitamin E – 19 mg.
- Vitamin K – 90 μg. (Adequate amount)
Note
1 NE = 1 mg niacin or 60 mg tryptophan
200 IU of vitamin D = 5 μg cholecalciferol.
If you think you have taken too much vitamin, you should consult with a doctor immediately. And on a meet be prepared to ask these questions:
- Your age, weight, and health status?
- What is the name of the medicine you are taking?
- How long have you taken this medicine, and how is the dose?
In addition to vitamins, iron and calcium supplements are essential in pregnancy to help pregnant women avoid common diseases such as pregnancy anemia, fatigue, etc. Therefore, to prevent the overdose of vitamins and minerals during pregnancy, you should take it according to your doctor’s prescription or the instructions written on the product packaging.
