Multivitamin Side Effects: Timespan And When To Be Concerned
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People who take multivitamins often do so to improve or maintain their health, protect themselves against nutrient deficiencies, or simply make up for the odd nutrient gap in their diet .
You can purchase multivitamins without a prescription, and most people view them as safe, which might explain their popularity. Despite this, multivitamins are not risk-free.
This article discusses whether you should be concerned about taking multivitamins. It reviews the potential side effects of multivitamins and which ingredients may cause them.
Converts Food Into Energy
Most B vitamins are involved in the process of converting food into energy. Some help to metabolize carbohydrates and others aid in breaking down fat and/or protein.
While this is an essential process, that’s not to say taking a vitamin B complex supplement will boost your energy. Although B vitamins are essential for your body, the effect is different when they are consumed in the form of dietary supplements rather than food. A B-complex supplement may fill a specific vitamin gap or deficiency, however, it cannot provide energy in the form of calories like a food source.
B vitamins involved: B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, and B12
This Supplement Has Been Used In Connection With The Following Health Conditions:
Used for Wound HealingFollow label directions Thiamine , pantothenic acid , and other B vitamins have all been shown to play a role in wound healing. For this reason, some healthcare practitioners recommend a high-potency B vitamin supplement to promote wound healing.
Thiamine ,pantothenic acid , and other B vitamins have all been shown to play a role in wound healing in animal studies. For this reason, although human research is lacking, some alternative healthcare practitioners recommend a high-potency B vitamin supplement to promote wound healing.
2 StarsCanker Sores300 mg B1 daily, 20 mg B2 daily, 150 mg B6 daily People with recurrent canker sores may have a B vitamin deficiency. Supplementing with vitamins B1, B2, and B6 has been reported to provide relief.
Several preliminary studies, though not all, have found a surprisingly high incidence of iron and B vitamin deficiency among people with recurrent canker sores. Treating these deficiencies has been reported in preliminary and controlled studies to reduce or eliminate recurrences in most cases. Supplementing daily with B vitamins300 mg vitamin B1, 20 mg vitamin B2, and 150 mg vitamin B6has been reported to provide some people with relief. Thiamine deficiency specifically has been linked to an increased risk of canker sores. The right supplemental level of iron requires diagnosis of an iron deficiency by a healthcare professional using lab tests.
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Side Effects And Risks Of Vitamin B
B vitamins are water-soluble. This means that, most of the time, the body excretes extra B vitamins in the urine.
While a standard dosage does not seem to cause harm, excessively high doses of certain B vitamins can be dangerous. Speak with a clinician before taking very high doses of B-complex supplements.
Possible side effects of B-complex vitamins:
- High blood sugar. High doses of nicotinic acid, a synthetic form of vitamin B3, can raise blood sugar levels. This can interfere with diabetes medications. People with diabetes or high blood sugar should not take high doses of nicotinic acid .
- Excess nicotinic acid. Too much nicotinic acid can also cause low blood pressure, fatigue, headaches, rashes, and liver damage.
- Excess nicotinamide. High doses of nicotinamide, another form of vitamin B3, can cause diarrhea and increased bleeding. This can occur in doses of 500 mg per day. Doses higher than 3,000 mg can cause vomiting and liver damage.
- Excess folic acid. Taking more than 1,000 mcg of folic acid a day can mask a type of anemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency.
Taking a high-dose B-complex supplement can also turn the urine bright yellow. This effect is temporary and harmless. Once the kidneys get rid of the extra vitamins, the color will return to normal.
Symptoms Of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
A vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to disruption in the nervous system and the circulatory system.
Vitamin B12 deficiencies can lead to megaloblastic anemia, a condition where the bone marrow produces large abnormally shaped red blood cells that do not function properly.
Dementia, paranoia, depression, and behavioral changes can result from a vitamin B12 deficiency. Neurological damage sometimes cannot be reversed.
Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause the following symptoms:
- tiredness or fatigue
- numbness and tingling in the hands and feet
- balance problems
Try this recipe for a brunch version of ratatouille. Eggs and cheese make it a great source of vitamin B12.
Summary
Vitamin B12 deficiency is relatively common. Low levels of B12 can cause anemia, fatigue, and nerve problems.
Vitamin B6, also called pyridoxine, helps the body turn food into energy. It can also help the body fight infections by supporting the immune system.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women need it to help their babies brains develop normally.
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Conditions Of Vitamin B Deficiency Diseases
Vitamin B shortage might upsurge the danger of many syndromes and disorders that may well upset to mental well-being, brain health, heart health and further more. For instance, together B9 and B12 scarcity bases for anemia in many circumstances . Anemia may too lead to dizziness, fatigue, quickness of inhalation, and even tingling and numbness in several circumstances .
Vitamin B shortages are extremely widespread in several emerging nations, particularly wherever foods are little in fruits, vegetables and animal products, and anywhere breakfast cereal are crushed earlier to feeding. Expecting and suckling womenfolk, children and youngsters are greatest at danger of vitamin B deficits . Several B vitamin deficiencies cause homocysteinemia , notably folic acid, vitamin B12, riboflavin and vitamin B6. Importantly, homocysteinemia is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Severe thiamine scarcity may lead to the disorder beri-beri, possibly lethal heart miscarriage or peripheral neuropathy. Early symptoms of riboflavin scarcity may include burning eyes, mouth hurt, itching, fatigue and weakness. Additional progressive shortage may lead to brain dysfunction .
4.1.1 Paresthesias
4.1.2 Peripheral neuropathy
4.1.3 Psychosis
4.1.4 Heart attack and stroke
Causes Of Vitamin B Deficiency
Here is a roundup of the four top causes of vitamin B deficiency that are somewhat not to be ignored.
4.2.1 A non-balanced diet
Human body cannot accurately create B vitamins contrasting to proteins that the body constructs by mean of several minor building blocks. However, this is generally not a problematic for the reason that body develops B vitamins from the diet eaten. If any person follows a well-proportioned food that offers to body through the correct level of nutrients, these may aid to escape signs of vitamin B insufficiencies. On the other hand, for a range of causes, from time to time people do not consume the correct equilibrium of diet essential to acquire sufficient of vitamins needed. For instance, if a vegetarian or vegan food is followed, then an individual may not acquire sufficient vitamin B12 as vitamin B12 is set up practically wholly in dairy products and animal-created diets .
As such, dietary inadequacies are one of the key causes of vitamin B deficiency. So, whatever diets comprise several B vitamins that rest which B vitamin is in concern . A rapid prosperous diets that may be eaten to increase stages of each of these B vitamins is vitamin B6 vitamin B9 and vitamin B12 .
4.2.2 Excessive alcohol consumption
4.2.3 Various medications
4.2.4 Gut malabsorption conditions
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For Those Who Pregnant
B vitamins are especially important for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. These vitamins aid in fetal brain development, and they reduce the risk of birth defects.
For people who are expecting, B vitamins may help manage energy levels, ease nausea, and lower the risk of developing preeclampsia.
Choosing The Proper Vitamin B
A health care provider could advocate a sure sort of this complement, relying on an individuals well being wants.
Some vitamin and complement corporations use unbiased high quality testing of their merchandise. People who move could have a seal of approval from an unbiased testing group.
This seal doesnt assure that the product is 100-percent protected or efficient for everybody, nevertheless it implies that the product incorporates whats listed on the label with out contaminants.
Some testing organizations and their certifications embody:
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Side Effects Requiring Immediate Medical Attention
Along with its needed effects, cyanocobalamin may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking cyanocobalamin:
Incidence not known
- bleeding from the gums or nose
- blue lips and fingernails
- coughing that sometimes produces a pink frothy sputum
- difficult, fast, noisy breathing, sometimes with wheezing
- difficulty with swallowing
- puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
- ringing in the ears
- swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs
- tightness in the chest
It May Treat Mouth Ulcers
Another symptom of vitamin B12 deficiency? Mouth sores or ulcers. These can pop up on your tongue, gums, or on the inside of your mouth. This can also be indicative of a folate deficiency . While mouth ulcers usually don’t need treatment, they can be quite painful, especially if you eat acidic fruits such as oranges, lemon, grapefruit, or something spicy. One way to decrease the pain and accelerate the healing process is to take vitamin B6 and B12 supplements.
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What Are The Natural Sources Of Vitamin B
Vitamin B is naturally found in animal-based products, such as chicken, fish, meats and dairy products. Other natural sources of vitamin B include wholewheat bread, green leafy vegetables, nuts and yeast.
Some B vitamins are added to food. For example, vitamin B9 is added to wheat flour used in bread, and B12 is added to plant-based vegetarian meat alternatives.
Because many proteins contain vitamin B, watch your protein intake. Australian Dietary Guidelines recommend the following:
- Female adults should eat 2 to 2.5 serves of protein daily.
- Male adults should eat 2.5 to 3 serves of protein daily.
On average, each of the following is 1 serve:
- 65 grams lean red meat
- 80 grams salmon
Go here for more information on foods high in vitamin B.
Side Effects Of Vitamin B Complex Components
When you experience vitamin b complex side effects, patients may experience side effects from excessive exposure to a specific B vitamin. In most cases, this discomfort can be eased by limiting your intake of the vitamin. If your reaction is particularly severe, contact your doctor immediately.
Vitamin B1 – Thiamine
In rare cases, a thiamine overdose can cause restlessness, fluid retention, nausea, weakness and sweating. In severe cases, a thiamine overdose can cause dizziness, difficulty breathing, and tightness in the chest, swelling of the tongue or face, or discoloration of the skin. Allergic reactions to thiamine can cause itching, hives or rashes on the skin.
Vitamin B2 – Riboflavin
Taking a riboflavin supplement will frequently cause the urine to turn a yellow-orange color. This side effect is harmless. In higher dosages, riboflavin may result in increase in urination or diarrhea. Severe reactions can cause difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, throat or tongue, or hives on the skin.
Vitamin B3 – Niacin
Vitamin B5 – Pantothenic Acid
Patients who take pantothenic acid are very prone to overdose, making patient experience vitamin b complex side effects. This can result in severe diarrhea. In rare cases, patients may develop an allergic reaction which may result in tightness of the chest, trouble breathing or swelling of the face, throat, lips or tongue.
Vitamin B6 – Pyridoxine
Vitamin B9 – Folic Acid
Vitamin B12 – Cyanocobalamin
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Use In Specific Populations
Foods naturally rich in vitamin U, such as cruciferous veggies, are generally considered safe for most people. However, little is known about the safety of vitamin U supplements for any specific populations.
Until more research is available, those interested in increasing their vitamin U intake should do so through foods rather than supplements.
Promotes Nervous System Health
Vitamin B2 helps maintain health of the eyes, nervous system, and skin. It also aids in the conversion of food into energy and helps enzymes in the body function properlynot to mention, it makes and repairs DNA, and helps with the optimal function of the digestive and nervous systems.
B vitamins involved: B1, B2, B3, B6, B12
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Indicators Of Vitamins B Scarcities
Neurotropic B vitamins play crucial roles as coenzymes and beyond in the nervous system. Particularly vitamin B1 , B6 , and B12 contribute essentially to the maintenance of a healthy nervous system. Taking into consideration the present information on the neurotropic vitamins B1, B6 and B12, it is ultimate that a biological interaction come to be obvious in several diverse passageways in nervous system, mainly in the PNS as illustrated by their collective usage in the management of peripheral neuropathy . This is significant to start bearing in mind about B vitamins as a therapeutic and neuroprotective tactic for peripheral neuropathies and several brain disorders equally, in forthcoming medical studies. Table 1, provides an overview on the major implications in overlapping biochemical pathways important for the nervous system, pointing to a synergistic effect as a logical consequence of these overlaps.
Precaution Of Vitamin B Intake
You should not take B vitamin supplements if you are breastfeeding, pregnant, suffer from diabetes, ulcers or gout, are prone to allergic reactions to medications or are taking additional herbal or complementary medications that could negatively react to these vitamins. Combine your supplement use with a healthy diet, natural sources of B vitamins, a balanced diet and exercise for the best results to reduce vitamin b complex side effects.
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Side Effects Of Vitamin B Complex
Side effects of taking a B vitamin complex are not common, especially if the patient takes the medication as prescribed amount. However, taking excessive amounts of a vitamin B complex can cause side effects. An overdose is signaled by dizziness, frequent urination, change in the color of the urine, black stools, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, redness of the skin and itching.
In severe cases, patients may develop an allergic reaction to their vitamin B complex. If you are taking a B vitamin complex and suddenly experience itching, a rash, kidney stones, swelling, wheezing or hives, stop taking the complex right away. If your symptoms persist or you feel as though your reaction is life threatening, contact your physician as soon as possible.
Reduces The Risk Of Birth Defects
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , folic acid can help reduce birth defects, including spina bifida and anencephaly. A baby is diagnosed with spina bifida when its spine doesn’t develop correctly, which can ultimately lead to severe physical disabilities. Anencephaly is equally as serious, as it’s a condition in which the baby’s brain and skull do not form correctly. To prevent these serious birth defects, the CDC recommends that pregnant women take a vitamin with 400 micrograms of folic acid daily.
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Which Foods Contain Vitamin B3
Food sources of vitamin B3 include:
- meat, including poultry, beef, pork, and fish
- some nuts, legumes, and grains
- fortified breads and cereals
These Thai chicken tacos with peanut sauce are a great way to get niacin in your diet.
Summary
Vitamin B3 deficiencies are very rare in the United States. In severe cases, low B3 can lead to a serious condition called pellagra.
May Protect Your Lungs Liver And Kidneys
Vitamin U may safeguard your lungs, liver, and kidneys from damage.
In an animal study, vitamin U helped reverse some of the liver damage caused by the common anti-seizure medication valproic acid .
In another study, rats given vitamin U experienced less severe kidney damage after receiving valproic acid than those given no vitamin U. This substance also appeared to reduce markers of inflammation (
Still, human studies are necessary.
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A Note About Sex And Gender
Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms, male, female, or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. .
If a product contains the vitamin B complex, it should have some of each of the following:
- Vitamin B1 thiamin. Vitamin B1 is vital to the healthy growth and function of organs, including the brain and heart.
- Vitamin B2 riboflavin. The body needs vitamin B2 to break down fats and drugs.
- Vitamin B3 niacin. The body needs niacin to maintain healthy skin, nerves, and digestion. Doctors high doses of niacin to help improve cholesterol levels.
- Vitamin B5 pantothenic acid. Vitamin B5 is essential for the health of the brain and nervous system.
- Vitamin B6 pyridoxine. Vitamin B6 helps the body make new red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body. It also helps keep the immune system strong.
- Vitamin B7 biotin.Biotin is essential for healthy hair, nails, and nerve function.
- Vitamin B9 folic acid. The body uses folic acid or folate, its natural form to make DNA and genetic material. Before and during pregnancy, sufficient amounts of folic acid
May Aid Wound Healing And Skin Protection
Vitamin U may offer some protection against the suns ultraviolet rays, as well as expedite wound healing.
Test-tube and animal studies report that applying vitamin U directly to wounds may speed wound closure. Moreover, vitamin U appears to protect against burns and other damage caused by UV rays (
Based on these findings, some researchers suggest that certain cosmetics should be formulated with vitamin U.
Yet, a lack of human research means that further studies are necessary.
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