Lucas Aoun on hypervitaminosis: Importance of vitamin dosage

Vitamin supplements are playing a growing role in the health toolkits of millions of Australians.

More than 40 per cent of the population regularly reaches for vitamins to support their wellbeing and many people turn to supplements during important life events, like pregnancy.

The value of the nation’s vitamins and supplements market is set to hit $5.2 billion by 2030, according to estimates by CSIRO.

But while vitamins are widely available in the aisles of pharmacies and supermarkets across Australia, they are not risk-free.

Before starting any new protocol, it’s important to consult a qualified professional to make sure the supplements are right for you and to monitor for the overconsumption of vitamins or minerals.

We spoke with naturopath Lucas Aoun, a graduate of the Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy), about getting the balance right with supplements.

He explains how Torrens University Australia students are uniquely placed to help clients navigate the world of vitamins safely and successfully.

Is it possible to overdose on vitamins and supplements?

Vitamins are readily available at retailers across Australia, but there’s a possibility they could cause harm if consumed without a proper plan or expert advice.

Aoun says it’s critical that users understand what is in the supplements they are taking because overconsuming a particular nutrient can have negative health impacts.

“This is an important subject to understand…with any compound supplement drug, the dosage really dictates its effectiveness. However, the dosage could also mean it could be toxic to the human body.

“When people are just getting interested in taking supplements, they need to be really careful about selecting the right dosage and making sure they are not getting too much,” he says.

What is hypervitaminosis?

Hypervitaminosis is a condition caused by the excessive intake of certain vitamins, which can lead to a variety of adverse symptoms.

In recent times, medical professionals have raised concerns that some Australians could be getting too much of vitamins like B6 through over-the-counter supplements. The overconsumption of these products could lead to significant issues like nerve damage, experts warn.

Aoun explains that hypervitaminosis can occur after taking too much of a range of different vitamins.

“It’s usually an issue that relates to fat-soluble vitamins, which can build up in stored tissues and also in the liver,” he says.

“Vitamin D is probably the most common one that could become toxic if people are taking a dose that is too high. Vitamin A is another example.”

Hypervitaminosis can cause a range of symptoms. Often individuals accidentally overconsume supplements without realising this might cause other health issues, Aoun says.

“With vitamin D, overuse can lead to hypercalcaemia, which is elevated calcium levels in the blood. This could also potentially damage the kidneys,” he explains.

“Vitamin A could lead to some liver damage and potentially even birth defects when consumed in high doses. We just need to be really cautious about these long-term side effects.”

How do you prevent vitamin overdose?

Aoun notes that many people at risk of hypervitaminosis are accidentally taking the wrong dose of a supplement.

“This happens quite a lot with individuals who are trying to figure things out themselves, without seeing a qualified naturopath or healthcare professional first.”

The most important thing that someone can do before starting to take a new supplement is to talk about their current goals and lifestyle with a health professional.

“People need to be really transparent and clear with the clinician about whether or not they’re actually taking certain things already. It’s best to be transparent so that we can have a bird’s eye view of their whole protocol,” Aoun explains.

Naturopaths are trained to evaluate an individual’s circumstances and advise the appropriate dose of vitamins and minerals before getting started.

“No two individuals are exactly the same, and we have to prescribe accordingly,” Aoun says.

Aoun says trained professionals can take an individualised approach and help clients evaluate what will work for them, instead of just relying on messages from social media.

“The information spread on social media about certain products may not be the best fit for them. I think taking an individualised approach is important,” he says.

Blood tests can also be used to get an objective picture of an individual’s nutrient stores. Individuals should also monitor themselves for symptoms like skin rashes, yellow eyes or insomnia, which could indicate an overconsumption issue.

Learning about vitamins and the importance of dosage at Torrens University

Students in the Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy) at Torrens University Australia complete a rigorous four-year program that equips them to advise clients on individualised supplement plans.

As well as completing core subjects like “Biological Foundations” and “Human Structure and Physiology”, which give a foundational understanding of human biology, students undertake Nutritional Therapeutics subjects that include an in-person clinical placement.

These subjects help prepare students for evaluating an individual’s situation and advising on the supplement path that is right for them.

Naturopathy students also benefit from an Advanced Herbal Therapeutics unit, where they consider risk management when formulating and prescribing herbal medicine therapies.

Aoun says the course prepared him and his colleagues for how to evaluate the appropriate treatment plan for each client.

“Throughout the degree, we did lots of research on evidence-based practices and lots of assignments and assessments looking at safe dosages, understanding toxicity data and interpreting different studies,” he says.

“All of this empowered us to use our knowledge in the clinical space.”

Lucas Aoun’s experiences after studying Naturopathy

After completing his degree in naturopathy at Torrens University Australia, Lucas Aoun is now sharing his expertise across the world.

Through both consulting and social media work, including his Boost Your Biology podcast and YouTube Channel, he educates an online audience about a range of health topics.

Aoun says the best parts of his job include connecting with a community through these platforms and hearing how his information has impacted patients.

“The feedback I get from the patients that get better [is a highlight],” he says.

“I would say that is definitely one of the best things about the job, as well as being able to work from anywhere in the world.”

He believes future naturopathy students should think about how to connect with the community around them while they are still completing their degrees.

As more and more people search for wellness information online, digital skills are becoming increasingly important.

“It would be great if while studying, they could also try to simultaneously build their own social media presence. That way, when they’re finished, they have people lined up, waiting to book a consult.”