Toxicity

Definition

Toxicity is the degree to which a substance can damage an organism. In nutrition, it refers to the harmful effects of consuming excessive amounts of vitamins or other micronutrients.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) are more likely to cause toxicity because they are stored in the body's fatty tissues.
2. Vitamin A toxicity can lead to symptoms such as liver damage, blurred vision, and birth defects.
3. Hypervitaminosis D results from excess vitamin D intake and can cause calcium deposits in organs and tissues.
4. Water-soluble vitamins like B-complex and C are less likely to cause toxicity since they are excreted through urine.
5. Symptoms of vitamin toxicity vary depending on the specific vitamin involved but can include nausea, headaches, and organ dysfunction.

Review Questions

• Why are fat-soluble vitamins more likely to cause toxicity than water-soluble vitamins?
• What are some potential health consequences of vitamin A toxicity?
• How does hypervitaminosis D affect the body?

Related terms

Hypervitaminosis:

Condition resulting from excessive intake of vitamins.

Micronutrients:

Essential nutrients required by the body in small amounts.

Fat-Soluble Vitamins:

Vitamins that dissolve in fats and oils and can be stored in the body's fatty tissue.