Question:
Can you take too many vitamins post op?

I have no problem taking vitamins regularly. I've been doing it since I was a little girl. But I was wondering if, between vitamin pills, nutritional shakes and bars, etc. etc. one would have to worry about getting too much of certain nutrients post-op RNY? I know too much iron is dangerous and I've heard that too much vitamin A can be bad too. Any ideas? Thanks!!    — [Anonymous] (posted on February 5, 2002)

February 5, 2002
YOu are right on target with Vitamin A and Iron. Too much of either is bad for you.
   — Ken G.

February 5, 2002
Yes, too many vitamins can be dangerous and produce many side effects. For example, Vit. A..If more than 5 times the RDA is consumed, it could cause liver damage, headaches, hair loss, or blurred vision. Vit. B-6.. more than 200 times the RDA can cause nerve damage, numbness in the mouth and hands and difficulty walking. Vit. C in high doses produce stomachaches and diarrhea. Vit. D.. more than 125 times RDA can result in a build up of calcium deposits which interfere with functioning of muscles, including heart tissue. While we malabsorb a percentage of what we ingest, I'm still not sure how much of each vitamin is needed for optimal health. I would think that it would have to be difficult to get this amount in order to overdose. I know that there are a lot of vitamins/nutrients that just flush through our system if the body cannot utilize them. But which ones, I'm not sure. I believe that protein is one of those. If more than 30g. of protein is ingested at one time, then the rest is wasted. There is definitely a lot to learn with WLS and nutrients. Michelle Curran (vitalady) seems to be up-to-date with the vitamin thing. Maybe she could shed some more light on this. Enjoy your journey!!
   — Cheri M.

February 5, 2002
Yes & no. There are certain elements we malabsorb (see a detailed physiology for the list of 8) and those items need to be supplemented in higher than RDA dosages. Since we malabsorb everything but sugars to a degree, we generally take TWO multi-vites (equal to Centrum) and then tuck in the edges with the basic 8. Generally, we use a formula that has worked for many and then fresh labs quarterly show any adjustments to be made.
   — vitalady