Getting lots of vitamins may seem like a healthy idea, but it's possible to have too much of a good thing.

From A to zinc, your body needs vitamins and minerals. In general, the best way to get this important nutrition is through the foods you eat.

If you choose to take supplemental vitamins, you should stick close to the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs). These guidelines tell you what vitamin levels are sufficient to meet the nutritional needs of most healthy people.

Avoid taking too much of any individual vitamin, especially vitamins A, D, E and K. These are fat-soluble vitamins, which means that your body stores excess amounts, primarily in your liver.

Here's a look at some of the risks of taking too much of one vitamin:

• Vitamin A. Too much can cause dizziness, nausea, headaches, coma and even death. Some studies have linked high intakes of vitamin A to reduced bone mineral density and increased fracture risk.
• Vitamin D. Excess vitamin D can cause heart arrhythmias and kidney stones. It can also raise blood levels of calcium, leading to heart, blood vessel and kidney damage.
• Vitamin E. High doses of vitamin E supplements can cause hemorrhage, including hemorrhagic stroke. Research suggests that high levels of vitamin E may also increase the risk of prostate cancer.

Talk to your doctor before taking any supplements. There may be ways to modify your diet to get the vitamins you need without taking a supplement.

If a supplement is necessary for good health, choose those that don't exceed your doctor's recommendations.