Vitamins and Potential Toxic Effects
When can Vitamins be a problem?
What are the signs of over supplementing
When can Vitamins be a problem?
What are the signs of over supplementing
The following was from one of my past postings on a Facebook page…
Part of why ICR evolved was to try to provide good information and advice to help each other, and especially for the health and welfare of our birds. With that said, I spent this AM typing up some information that I would like you all to save and print out for future reference.
Our members appear to consist of experienced and novice cockatiel enthusiasts. In reading some of the posts from members new to the breeding and care of their birds, I am reminded of my early years in breeding and some of the mistakes I made. We all want our birds to be healthy and happy, but if we do not understand diets and the nutrient needs, what we think is good may be causing harm to our birds.
In my early years I thought that supplementing my diet with vitamins was a good thing. I used vitamin fortified seed, greens and veggies, and vitamins. I thought I was doing the right thing for my birds yet they were having unexplained health issues. I was spending a fortune on treatments that were not working. After many antibiotic and antifungal treatments the birds seemed worse and the problems were still there. This went on for a year.
I had a bird named Croaker because she lost her voice from so many antibiotic treatments. A couple others lost their eyesight from repeated vet prescribed antibiotic treatments of Baytril. One day I went back to the vet in tears because my birds were getting worse, not better. I explained what I was doing and from this discussion we realized that MOST of my health issues were a result of excessive use of vitamins.
If you look thru the listing below I have listed recommended daily requirements. If you do give vitamins you might want to look at the listing of health related side effects from excess vitamins. Many of these symptoms can mimic disease related problems, thus the birds condition can be misdiagnosed and require unnecessary treatments.
NOTE: The same hold true when hand feeding babies. NEVER add additional vitamins to the formula or overfeed. The formula is designed to be nutrient balanced for good growth. read the label. Most formula manufacturers recommend 10-12 % of body weight per feeding. When in excess of this amount is being fed there is a potential risk of the fat soluble nutrients being stored in the body, thus a toxicity. When this occurs it can mimic other health issues.
Also, if someone asks you what your diet is, please do not feel they are being critical or picking on you. Many of us that have been breeding and caring for our birds have learned that diet plays an important role in the health of our birds. Others can look at what you are offering and add constructive advice as to if the diet is balanced or make suggestions for changes or additions.
Please, I ask one thing, what you learn here Pay It Forward to others so that they can learn and share and encourage them to do the same. In the end our birds are the winners and benefit from our efforts.
Part of why ICR evolved was to try to provide good information and advice to help each other, and especially for the health and welfare of our birds. With that said, I spent this AM typing up some information that I would like you all to save and print out for future reference.
Our members appear to consist of experienced and novice cockatiel enthusiasts. In reading some of the posts from members new to the breeding and care of their birds, I am reminded of my early years in breeding and some of the mistakes I made. We all want our birds to be healthy and happy, but if we do not understand diets and the nutrient needs, what we think is good may be causing harm to our birds.
In my early years I thought that supplementing my diet with vitamins was a good thing. I used vitamin fortified seed, greens and veggies, and vitamins. I thought I was doing the right thing for my birds yet they were having unexplained health issues. I was spending a fortune on treatments that were not working. After many antibiotic and antifungal treatments the birds seemed worse and the problems were still there. This went on for a year.
I had a bird named Croaker because she lost her voice from so many antibiotic treatments. A couple others lost their eyesight from repeated vet prescribed antibiotic treatments of Baytril. One day I went back to the vet in tears because my birds were getting worse, not better. I explained what I was doing and from this discussion we realized that MOST of my health issues were a result of excessive use of vitamins.
If you look thru the listing below I have listed recommended daily requirements. If you do give vitamins you might want to look at the listing of health related side effects from excess vitamins. Many of these symptoms can mimic disease related problems, thus the birds condition can be misdiagnosed and require unnecessary treatments.
NOTE: The same hold true when hand feeding babies. NEVER add additional vitamins to the formula or overfeed. The formula is designed to be nutrient balanced for good growth. read the label. Most formula manufacturers recommend 10-12 % of body weight per feeding. When in excess of this amount is being fed there is a potential risk of the fat soluble nutrients being stored in the body, thus a toxicity. When this occurs it can mimic other health issues.
Also, if someone asks you what your diet is, please do not feel they are being critical or picking on you. Many of us that have been breeding and caring for our birds have learned that diet plays an important role in the health of our birds. Others can look at what you are offering and add constructive advice as to if the diet is balanced or make suggestions for changes or additions.
Please, I ask one thing, what you learn here Pay It Forward to others so that they can learn and share and encourage them to do the same. In the end our birds are the winners and benefit from our efforts.
Below is a listing of Potential Toxic Effects of
Vitamins when given in Excess
Vitamins when given in Excess
The following information is compiled from AVIAN MEDICINE: Principles and Applications by Ritchie, Harrison and Harrison
Vitamin A: Recommended daily allowances
Min: 2500.00 IU/kg Recommended: 5000.00 IU/KG*
Vitamin A: 20-100 times required amount
Weight loss
Decreased food intake
Swelling and/or crusting eyelids
Inflammation of the mouth
Inflammation of the nares
Decreased bone strength
Dermatitis
Hepatopathy (excess storage in the liver)
Hemorrhaging
Vitamin D3: Recommended daily allowances
Min: 500.00 IU/kg Recommended: 1000.00 IU/kg*
Vitamin D3: 4-10 times the required amount
Increased calcium absorption
Increased bone resorption
Hypercalcemia
Decreased PTH
Mineralization of soft tissue
Nephrocalcemia (excess calcium to the kidneys)
Polyuria
Vitamin E: Recommended daily allowances
Min: 15.00 IU/kg Recommended: 20.00*
Vitamin E: 100 times required
Decreased growth
Anemia
Increased prothrombin time (increased time for blood to coagulate)
Decreased bone mineralization
Decreased liver storage of vitamin A
Vitamin K: Recommended daily allowances
Min: 0.80 ppm Recommended: 1.00 ppm
Vitamin K: 1000 times required amount
High mortality
Anemia
Hyperbilirubinemia
Niacin: Recommended daily allowances
Min: 40.00 ppm Recommended: 75.00 ppm
Niacin: 10 times required amount
Flushing – vasodilation
Pruritus
Gastroenteritis
Pyridoxine: Recommended daily allowances
Min: 4.00 ppm Recommended: 10.00 ppm
Pyridoxine: 50 times the required amount
Decreased egg production
Infertility
Choline Chloride: Recommended daily allowances
Min: 750.00 ppm Recommended: 1000.00 ppm
Choline Chloride: 2 times required amount
Increased mortality
Decreased use of Vitamin B6
Calcium: Recommended daily allowances
Min: 0.30 % Recommended: 0.50%*
Calcium: 2.5% in excess of diet
Nephrosis
Visceral gout
Renal gout
Hypercalcemia
Hypophosphotemia
Decreased food intake
Magnesium: Recommended daily allowances
Min: 5000.00 ppm Recommended: 600.00 ppm
Magnesium: 20 times the required amount
Decreased growth
Decreased egg production
Decreased egg quality
Manganese: Recommended daily allowances
Min: 60.00 ppm Recommended: 75.00 ppm
Manganese: 20-50 times required amount
Iron deficiency
Selenium: Recommended daily allowances
Min: 0.10 ppm Recommended: 0.10 ppm
Selenium: 50 times the required amount
Decreased weight gain
Weight loss
100 times required amount
Decreased egg weight
Decreased hatchability
Dermatitis
Severe Excess
Blind staggers
Pulmonary congestion/edema
Liver cirrhosis
Copper: Recommended daily allowances
Min: 6.00 ppm Recommended: 8.00 ppm
Copper: 50 times required
Decreased growth
Hepatopathy
Accumulates in liver
Death
Zinc: Recommended daily allowances
Min: 40ppm Recommended: 50 ppm
Zinc: 10-20 times the required amount
Gastroenteritis
Decreased food intake
Anemia
Decreased bone mineralization
Depression
NOTE: * Increased levels are suggested for growth/breeding diets due primarily to the high requirements for adequate chick growth as opposed to increased demands for low level breeding.*
NOTE: Not included in this list are phosphorus, potassium, sodium, chloride, iron and iodine. I will try to add as I research.
NOTE: Toxicity unlikely because the following is water soluble nutrients and not stored in the body.
Thiamine (rapidly excreted by kidneys)
Riboflavin (rapidly excreted by kidneys0
Pantothenic acid
Folic Acid
Cyanocobalamin
Vitamin C
Vitamin A: Recommended daily allowances
Min: 2500.00 IU/kg Recommended: 5000.00 IU/KG*
Vitamin A: 20-100 times required amount
Weight loss
Decreased food intake
Swelling and/or crusting eyelids
Inflammation of the mouth
Inflammation of the nares
Decreased bone strength
Dermatitis
Hepatopathy (excess storage in the liver)
Hemorrhaging
Vitamin D3: Recommended daily allowances
Min: 500.00 IU/kg Recommended: 1000.00 IU/kg*
Vitamin D3: 4-10 times the required amount
Increased calcium absorption
Increased bone resorption
Hypercalcemia
Decreased PTH
Mineralization of soft tissue
Nephrocalcemia (excess calcium to the kidneys)
Polyuria
Vitamin E: Recommended daily allowances
Min: 15.00 IU/kg Recommended: 20.00*
Vitamin E: 100 times required
Decreased growth
Anemia
Increased prothrombin time (increased time for blood to coagulate)
Decreased bone mineralization
Decreased liver storage of vitamin A
Vitamin K: Recommended daily allowances
Min: 0.80 ppm Recommended: 1.00 ppm
Vitamin K: 1000 times required amount
High mortality
Anemia
Hyperbilirubinemia
Niacin: Recommended daily allowances
Min: 40.00 ppm Recommended: 75.00 ppm
Niacin: 10 times required amount
Flushing – vasodilation
Pruritus
Gastroenteritis
Pyridoxine: Recommended daily allowances
Min: 4.00 ppm Recommended: 10.00 ppm
Pyridoxine: 50 times the required amount
Decreased egg production
Infertility
Choline Chloride: Recommended daily allowances
Min: 750.00 ppm Recommended: 1000.00 ppm
Choline Chloride: 2 times required amount
Increased mortality
Decreased use of Vitamin B6
Calcium: Recommended daily allowances
Min: 0.30 % Recommended: 0.50%*
Calcium: 2.5% in excess of diet
Nephrosis
Visceral gout
Renal gout
Hypercalcemia
Hypophosphotemia
Decreased food intake
Magnesium: Recommended daily allowances
Min: 5000.00 ppm Recommended: 600.00 ppm
Magnesium: 20 times the required amount
Decreased growth
Decreased egg production
Decreased egg quality
Manganese: Recommended daily allowances
Min: 60.00 ppm Recommended: 75.00 ppm
Manganese: 20-50 times required amount
Iron deficiency
Selenium: Recommended daily allowances
Min: 0.10 ppm Recommended: 0.10 ppm
Selenium: 50 times the required amount
Decreased weight gain
Weight loss
100 times required amount
Decreased egg weight
Decreased hatchability
Dermatitis
Severe Excess
Blind staggers
Pulmonary congestion/edema
Liver cirrhosis
Copper: Recommended daily allowances
Min: 6.00 ppm Recommended: 8.00 ppm
Copper: 50 times required
Decreased growth
Hepatopathy
Accumulates in liver
Death
Zinc: Recommended daily allowances
Min: 40ppm Recommended: 50 ppm
Zinc: 10-20 times the required amount
Gastroenteritis
Decreased food intake
Anemia
Decreased bone mineralization
Depression
NOTE: * Increased levels are suggested for growth/breeding diets due primarily to the high requirements for adequate chick growth as opposed to increased demands for low level breeding.*
NOTE: Not included in this list are phosphorus, potassium, sodium, chloride, iron and iodine. I will try to add as I research.
NOTE: Toxicity unlikely because the following is water soluble nutrients and not stored in the body.
Thiamine (rapidly excreted by kidneys)
Riboflavin (rapidly excreted by kidneys0
Pantothenic acid
Folic Acid
Cyanocobalamin
Vitamin C
A birds nutritional needs change with it is
Deliberated (sick)
Deliberated (sick)
Vitamin C: A healthy bird is able to synthesize (manufacture) its own vitamin C. When there is hepatic (liver) damage there is a need for increased Vit. C to compensate for the lowered synthesizing of this nutrient in the body.
Vitamin D: Disease that affects the liver and kidneys, the enzymes required to produce the metabolically active form of vitamin D3 are impaired, thus the bird would benefit from FSL (Full Spectrum) therapy.
Vitamin K: Vitamin K is synthesized from the intestinal flora in the intestinal tract. Antibiotic treatments can interfere with this so it may be necessary to provide vitamin K.
Vitamin B Complex: In the case of a bird that is anorectic may be beneficial to provide additional B vitamins, especially thiamine. Other water soluble vitamins such as riboflavin, pyndoxine and folic acid are important for protein and energy metabolism, therefore these vitamins have increased importance in a disease state.
Zinc: If the bird is nutrient deficient zinc will improve healing and is an important component in protein synthesis. Therefore zinc is necessary for the maintenance of the immune system and phagocytic activity. Some interesting facts on Zinc from Dr. Harrisons site: Zinc is a cofactor for the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase. Zinc plays a role in cell division, cell stability, protein metabolism, and carbohydrate digestion. It aids in wound healing and lymphocyte productions. Deficiency can reduce the number or T cells and decrease natural killer cell activity.
Copper enhances the development of red and white blood cells. Deficiency reduces the maturation of lymphocytes.
Magnesium is crucial for lymphocyte growth. Deficiency reduces the levels of immunoglobulin and antibody forming cells and promotes production of free radicals and lipid peroxidation.
Some Common Terms:
Hypovitaminosis means deficiency of one or more essential vitamins.
Hypervitaminosis means a condition produced by ingestion of excessive amounts of vitamins.
There are 2 categories of vitamins:
Fat-soluble vitamins, which are: A, D, E, and K. Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the body, and build up in the liver and fatty tissues. Feeding excessive amounts of vitamins (such as a pellet diet or fortified diet with supplemental vitamins) can cause the fat soluble vitamins to build up an allergic reaction or a toxicity. In either case this can cause an intense itch under the skin which results in plucking to relieve the itch. Also some foods that have corn can cause allergic reactions that contribute to plucking. If plucking is around the flank of the bird this could indicate an irritation to the kidneys.
Water-soluble vitamin/nutrients are: The B family (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12) Biotin, Choline, Folic acid, Insotol, PABA, C, P (bioflavonoids). Water-soluble nutrients are NOT stored in the body. They are excreted daily, thus they need to be constantly replenished during times of stress, molting, etc, and the best way to supplement is with Brewers Yeast.
The labeling can give a clue to distinguish between natural and synthetic forms. If the ingredient is prefixed with a d-, this would be natural. If it is prefixed with either a dl- OR an l- this is a synthetic (chemical) component. EX: d-alpha-tocopherol = natural E dl-alfa-tocopherol = synthetic E
The natural form is identical to what the body makes and what is found in food, thus the body absorbs it better, and it stays in the system longer.
GREAT LINK that shows the vitamin, minerals and nutrient content of veggies: http://www.health-alternatives.com/vegetables-nutrition-chart.html
Vitamin D: Disease that affects the liver and kidneys, the enzymes required to produce the metabolically active form of vitamin D3 are impaired, thus the bird would benefit from FSL (Full Spectrum) therapy.
Vitamin K: Vitamin K is synthesized from the intestinal flora in the intestinal tract. Antibiotic treatments can interfere with this so it may be necessary to provide vitamin K.
Vitamin B Complex: In the case of a bird that is anorectic may be beneficial to provide additional B vitamins, especially thiamine. Other water soluble vitamins such as riboflavin, pyndoxine and folic acid are important for protein and energy metabolism, therefore these vitamins have increased importance in a disease state.
Zinc: If the bird is nutrient deficient zinc will improve healing and is an important component in protein synthesis. Therefore zinc is necessary for the maintenance of the immune system and phagocytic activity. Some interesting facts on Zinc from Dr. Harrisons site: Zinc is a cofactor for the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase. Zinc plays a role in cell division, cell stability, protein metabolism, and carbohydrate digestion. It aids in wound healing and lymphocyte productions. Deficiency can reduce the number or T cells and decrease natural killer cell activity.
Copper enhances the development of red and white blood cells. Deficiency reduces the maturation of lymphocytes.
Magnesium is crucial for lymphocyte growth. Deficiency reduces the levels of immunoglobulin and antibody forming cells and promotes production of free radicals and lipid peroxidation.
Some Common Terms:
Hypovitaminosis means deficiency of one or more essential vitamins.
Hypervitaminosis means a condition produced by ingestion of excessive amounts of vitamins.
There are 2 categories of vitamins:
Fat-soluble vitamins, which are: A, D, E, and K. Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the body, and build up in the liver and fatty tissues. Feeding excessive amounts of vitamins (such as a pellet diet or fortified diet with supplemental vitamins) can cause the fat soluble vitamins to build up an allergic reaction or a toxicity. In either case this can cause an intense itch under the skin which results in plucking to relieve the itch. Also some foods that have corn can cause allergic reactions that contribute to plucking. If plucking is around the flank of the bird this could indicate an irritation to the kidneys.
Water-soluble vitamin/nutrients are: The B family (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12) Biotin, Choline, Folic acid, Insotol, PABA, C, P (bioflavonoids). Water-soluble nutrients are NOT stored in the body. They are excreted daily, thus they need to be constantly replenished during times of stress, molting, etc, and the best way to supplement is with Brewers Yeast.
The labeling can give a clue to distinguish between natural and synthetic forms. If the ingredient is prefixed with a d-, this would be natural. If it is prefixed with either a dl- OR an l- this is a synthetic (chemical) component. EX: d-alpha-tocopherol = natural E dl-alfa-tocopherol = synthetic E
The natural form is identical to what the body makes and what is found in food, thus the body absorbs it better, and it stays in the system longer.
GREAT LINK that shows the vitamin, minerals and nutrient content of veggies: http://www.health-alternatives.com/vegetables-nutrition-chart.html
Link with information explaining the Avian Immune System:
http://www.holisticbirds.com/pages/immunesystem0504.htm
Herbs for the Immune System Listed in the above link
Astragalus promotes healing and strengthens the immune system and is often used as a preventative at the onset of infection. It has been found to enhance the immune system by stimulating the responsiveness of T-cells. Research at the University of Texas took damaged immune cells from cancer patients and added Astragalus extract to the cells and compared them to normal immune cells. The Astragalus was able to completely restore the cancer patient’s cells to normal and in some instances the cells were stimulated to a more heightened response than that of a normal cells. Another study suggested long-term use (35 days) heightened the activity of spleen cells.
Echinacea helps to activate macrophages that are directly involved with the destruction of infectious agents. It also increases the production of interferon (a protein released by virus-infected cells that protect uninfected tissue cells from viral takeover), an important part of the body’s defense against viral infections. It has also been shown to activate natural killer T cells and is an anti-inflammatory. It also inhibits the bacterial enzyme hyaluronidase, to help prevent bacterial access to healthy cells.
Garlic is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Helps to enhance phagocyte activity and proliferation of T cells and the sulfur compounds enhance natural killer cells. It has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal activity. It has been shown to inhibit the growth of the yeast organism Candidiasis albicans
Reishi Mushroom has adaptogenic qualities that normalize bodily functions and improve stamina. It is an antioxidant that raises T-cell levels and inhibits bacteria and viruses.
http://www.holisticbirds.com/pages/immunesystem0504.htm
Herbs for the Immune System Listed in the above link
Astragalus promotes healing and strengthens the immune system and is often used as a preventative at the onset of infection. It has been found to enhance the immune system by stimulating the responsiveness of T-cells. Research at the University of Texas took damaged immune cells from cancer patients and added Astragalus extract to the cells and compared them to normal immune cells. The Astragalus was able to completely restore the cancer patient’s cells to normal and in some instances the cells were stimulated to a more heightened response than that of a normal cells. Another study suggested long-term use (35 days) heightened the activity of spleen cells.
Echinacea helps to activate macrophages that are directly involved with the destruction of infectious agents. It also increases the production of interferon (a protein released by virus-infected cells that protect uninfected tissue cells from viral takeover), an important part of the body’s defense against viral infections. It has also been shown to activate natural killer T cells and is an anti-inflammatory. It also inhibits the bacterial enzyme hyaluronidase, to help prevent bacterial access to healthy cells.
Garlic is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Helps to enhance phagocyte activity and proliferation of T cells and the sulfur compounds enhance natural killer cells. It has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal activity. It has been shown to inhibit the growth of the yeast organism Candidiasis albicans
Reishi Mushroom has adaptogenic qualities that normalize bodily functions and improve stamina. It is an antioxidant that raises T-cell levels and inhibits bacteria and viruses.
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All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be produced and/or distributed in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without prior permission by this author.
TERMS OF USE: Use of this work is subject to the following terms except as permitted under the Copyright Act of 1976 and the right to store or retrieve on copy of this article.
You may not decompile, dissemble, re-mix or reverse engineer, reproduce, modify, create derivative works based upon your own re-wording, transmit, distribute, disseminate, sell, publish or sublicense this article/work or any part of it without Susanne Russo’s (email ask.noodles@outlook.com )
You may use parts of this work for your own noncommercial and personal use only. Any other use of this article is strictly prohibited.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be produced and/or distributed in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without prior permission by this author.
TERMS OF USE: Use of this work is subject to the following terms except as permitted under the Copyright Act of 1976 and the right to store or retrieve on copy of this article.
You may not decompile, dissemble, re-mix or reverse engineer, reproduce, modify, create derivative works based upon your own re-wording, transmit, distribute, disseminate, sell, publish or sublicense this article/work or any part of it without Susanne Russo’s (email ask.noodles@outlook.com )
You may use parts of this work for your own noncommercial and personal use only. Any other use of this article is strictly prohibited.
