Supplements can be good for us, if you know what your body needs. These vitamins and minerals are a source of nutrients and can improve overall health, as well as keep some health conditions at bay. Sometimes, they're even prescribed by health professionals to their patients. But research has shown that taking too much of these supplements can come with side effects - here are six to be aware of. And remember, you should always consult your GP or another health professional if you are worried about the side effects of the supplements you take (Picture: Getty)

1. Vitamin D

We all hear about how important vitamin D is for us. We need it for calcium absorption in the body, which helps protect bones and prevent bone diseases such as rickets in children and osteomalacia and osteoporosis in adults. We should be aiming to have 10 micrograms (mcg) a day, according to the NHS. But the health body warns that taking too much vitamin D can lead to too much calcium building up in the body. This can weaken the bones, damage the kidneys and the heart. According to Nebraska’s University Health Center, symptoms of a vitamin D deficiency could include:
• Fatigue
• Not sleeping well
• Bone pain or achiness
• Depression or feelings of sadness
• Hair loss
• Muscle weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Getting sick more easily
• Pale skin
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2. Vitamin C

Although it is very rare, overdosing on vitamin C is possible. Vitamin C protects the body from free radicals that damage and destroy otherwise healthy cells. The NHS states that we need around need 40 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C a day. However, if you take too much, you could experience symptoms such as:
• Stomach pain
• Diarrhoea
• Flatulence
(Picture: Getty)

3. Iron

Iron is needed to make red blood cells, which carry oxygen around the body. Men need around 8.7mg of iron a day, whereas women need 14.8mg, and women over 50 need 8.7mg. However, the NHS reveals that if you take too much iron, over 20mg, you can see side effects such as:
• Constipation
• Feeling sick
• Being sick
• Stomach pain
If you are experiencing any of these side effects after taking a large amount of iron not previously prescribed by your doctor, you should go to your nearest emergency care centre, as taking very high levels of iron can be fatal (Picture: Getty)

4. Magnesium

Magnesium is a mineral that people take to turn the food we eat into energy, and can be found in foods such as spinach, nuts and wholemeal bread. The NHS recommends men get around 300mg a day, whereas women need 270mg. However, too much magnesium can cause stomach issues, such as abdominal cramping, gas, and diarrhoea. Taking far too much, such as over 5,000mg, can lead to toxicity, which, according to the National Institutes of Health, can lead to:
• Low blood pressure and fainting
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Flushed face
• Inability to urinate
• Depression
• Lethargy and muscle weakness
• Difficulty breathing
• Irregular heartbeat
• Cardiac arrest (heart attack)
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5. Vitamin A

Vitamin A is crucial for our bodies, and helps our natural defences against illness and infection (the immune system) work properly. It also helps us see better in dim light, and keeps parts of our skin healthy. Men typically need 700 mcg and women need 600 mcg of vitamin A each day. However, taking too much can lead to some issues. For example, some research has suggested that having more than an average of 1.5 mcg over many years could affect your bones, making them more likely to fracture when you're older. Another study reveals that prolonged and excessive vitamin A intake can result in significant organ damage, including the liver, bones, central nervous system, and skin, some of which may be irreversible (Picture: Getty)

6. Omega 3

Omega 3 is very important for your heart, eye and brain health, due to its anti-inflammatory properties and role in cell structure. They are usually found in fatty fish such as salmon and can help lower triglycerides, reduce blood pressure, and potentially lower the risk of heart disease and stroke. For heart health, the British Heart Foundation and NHS recommend two 140g portions of fish per week, including one of oily fish. However, research has suggested that excess amounts of omega-3 fatty acids can lead to a dysfunctional immune response to a viral or bacterial infection (Picture: Getty)