What are the common side effects of multivitamins. How can you identify severe reactions to multivitamin supplements. Are there any long-term risks associated with taking daily multivitamins.

Understanding Multivitamin Supplements and Their Popularity

Multivitamins are among the most widely used dietary supplements in the United States, with approximately one-third of adults incorporating them into their daily routines. People often turn to these supplements for various reasons, including:

• Improving or maintaining overall health
• Protecting against potential nutrient deficiencies
• Filling gaps in their nutritional intake

The widespread availability of multivitamins without a prescription and their generally perceived safety contribute to their popularity. However, it’s crucial to understand that while multivitamins can offer benefits, they are not entirely risk-free.

Common Side Effects of Multivitamin Supplements

While multivitamins are generally considered safe when taken as directed, some individuals may experience mild side effects. These common reactions typically affect the digestive system and include:

• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Upset stomach
• Nausea

Are these side effects a cause for concern? In most cases, these gut-related issues are minor and temporary. They often subside as your body adjusts to the multivitamin regimen. However, if symptoms persist or worsen, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for guidance.

Rare and Severe Side Effects: When to Be Concerned

While less common, some individuals may experience more severe reactions to multivitamin supplements. These rare side effects can include:

• Headaches
• Nosebleeds
• Insomnia
• Gout

Is there a risk of allergic reactions to multivitamins? Yes, although rare, some people may experience allergic reactions to certain ingredients in multivitamin supplements. Signs of an allergic reaction may include:

• Rash or hives
• Itching
• Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever)
• Wheezing or tightness in the chest or throat
• Difficulty breathing, swallowing, or talking
• Unusual hoarseness
• Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat

If you experience any of these symptoms after taking a multivitamin, seek immediate medical attention. Allergic reactions can be serious and potentially life-threatening.

Factors Influencing Multivitamin Side Effects

Several factors can contribute to the likelihood and severity of side effects from multivitamin supplements:

1. Dosage: Exceeding the recommended daily intake of certain vitamins and minerals can increase the risk of adverse effects.
2. Individual sensitivity: Some people may be more sensitive to certain nutrients or inactive ingredients in multivitamins.
3. Interactions with medications: Multivitamins can interact with certain prescription and over-the-counter medications, potentially leading to side effects.
4. Pre-existing health conditions: Certain medical conditions may make individuals more susceptible to specific side effects.
5. Quality of the supplement: Choosing reputable brands and high-quality multivitamins can help minimize the risk of adverse reactions.

Long-Term Effects of Daily Multivitamin Use

While multivitamins are generally considered safe for long-term use, some concerns have been raised about potential risks associated with prolonged supplementation. These include:

• Increased risk of certain cancers: Some studies have suggested a potential link between long-term use of certain vitamins and an increased risk of specific cancers, although the evidence is mixed and inconclusive.
• Nutrient imbalances: Excessive intake of certain vitamins and minerals over time may lead to imbalances in nutrient absorption and metabolism.
• Masking underlying health issues: Relying solely on multivitamins may lead to overlooking underlying nutritional deficiencies or health problems that require medical attention.

Do the benefits of long-term multivitamin use outweigh the potential risks? The answer depends on individual circumstances. For most healthy adults who consume a balanced diet, the benefits of long-term multivitamin use may be minimal. However, certain groups, such as pregnant women, older adults, or those with specific nutritional deficiencies, may benefit from regular multivitamin supplementation under medical supervision.

Minimizing the Risk of Multivitamin Side Effects

To reduce the likelihood of experiencing adverse reactions to multivitamin supplements, consider the following recommendations:

1. Consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or take medications.
2. Choose a multivitamin that provides no more than 100% of the daily recommended intake for most vitamins and minerals.
3. Take multivitamins with food to improve absorption and minimize digestive discomfort.
4. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
5. Monitor your overall nutrient intake, including fortified foods and other supplements, to avoid excessive consumption.
6. Be aware of any changes in your health or well-being after starting a multivitamin and report concerns to your healthcare provider.

Alternatives to Multivitamin Supplements

For those concerned about potential side effects or seeking alternatives to multivitamin supplements, consider the following approaches:

• Focus on a balanced, nutrient-rich diet: Consuming a variety of whole foods can provide most essential vitamins and minerals naturally.
• Targeted supplementation: Instead of a broad-spectrum multivitamin, work with a healthcare professional to identify specific nutrient deficiencies and supplement accordingly.
• Food fortification: Choose fortified foods to boost intake of specific nutrients without relying on supplements.
• Lifestyle modifications: Improve nutrient absorption and overall health through regular exercise, stress management, and adequate sleep.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Multivitamin Side Effects

While most side effects of multivitamins are mild and transient, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. Contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency care if you experience:

• Signs of an allergic reaction (as mentioned earlier)
• Severe or persistent gastrointestinal distress
• Unusual muscle weakness
• Numbness or tingling sensations
• Severe headaches or migraines
• Unexplained changes in heart rate or blood pressure
• Any other concerning or persistent symptoms that develop after starting a multivitamin regimen

Can you report multivitamin side effects to regulatory authorities? Yes, in the United States, you can report adverse reactions to dietary supplements, including multivitamins, to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). You can do this by calling 1-800-332-1088 or visiting the FDA’s MedWatch website to submit a report online.

Understanding Nutrient Interactions and Absorption

One aspect of multivitamin supplementation that is often overlooked is the complex interplay between different nutrients. Some vitamins and minerals can enhance or inhibit the absorption of others, potentially affecting the overall effectiveness of the supplement and contributing to side effects. For example:

• Iron can interfere with the absorption of zinc and vice versa.
• Calcium can hinder the absorption of iron.
• Vitamin C enhances iron absorption.
• Vitamin D aids in calcium absorption.

How can you optimize nutrient absorption from multivitamins? To maximize the benefits and minimize potential side effects, consider the following strategies:

1. Take iron-containing supplements separately from calcium-rich foods or supplements.
2. Consume vitamin C-rich foods or supplements along with iron to enhance absorption.
3. Take fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) with a meal containing healthy fats to improve absorption.
4. Space out doses of certain minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, throughout the day to improve absorption and reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects.

The Role of Quality Control in Multivitamin Safety

The quality and purity of multivitamin supplements can significantly impact their safety and potential for side effects. Unlike prescription medications, dietary supplements are not subject to the same rigorous pre-market approval process by regulatory agencies. This lack of oversight can sometimes lead to issues with product quality, contamination, or mislabeling.

How can consumers ensure they are choosing high-quality multivitamin supplements? Consider the following tips:

• Look for products certified by third-party organizations such as USP (United States Pharmacopeia), NSF International, or ConsumerLab.
• Choose supplements from reputable manufacturers with a history of quality production.
• Research the company’s quality control processes and testing procedures.
• Be cautious of supplements making extraordinary claims or those marketed as “miracle cures.”
• Check for any recalls or warnings issued by regulatory authorities regarding specific multivitamin products or brands.

Special Considerations for Specific Populations

Certain groups may have unique considerations when it comes to multivitamin supplementation and potential side effects:

Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women

Pregnant and breastfeeding women have increased nutritional needs and may benefit from specific prenatal or postnatal multivitamin formulations. However, they should be particularly cautious about vitamin A intake, as excessive amounts can be harmful to fetal development.

Older Adults

Aging can affect nutrient absorption and metabolism. Older adults may have different nutritional requirements and may be more susceptible to certain side effects. They should consult with healthcare providers to determine the most appropriate multivitamin formulation for their needs.

Individuals with Chronic Health Conditions

People with chronic health conditions, such as kidney disease, liver disease, or gastrointestinal disorders, may have altered nutrient needs and metabolism. They should work closely with their healthcare providers to determine safe and appropriate multivitamin supplementation.

Vegetarians and Vegans

Those following plant-based diets may benefit from multivitamins that address potential nutrient gaps, such as vitamin B12, iron, and zinc. However, they should be aware of potential interactions between these supplements and their dietary choices.

The Future of Multivitamin Research and Development

As our understanding of nutrition and supplement science evolves, the landscape of multivitamin formulations and their potential effects continues to change. Ongoing research is focusing on several key areas:

• Personalized nutrition: Tailoring multivitamin formulations to individual genetic profiles and health needs.
• Improved bioavailability: Developing new delivery systems and forms of nutrients that enhance absorption and reduce side effects.
• Targeted formulations: Creating multivitamins designed for specific health conditions or life stages.
• Natural sources: Exploring plant-based and whole food-derived nutrients as alternatives to synthetic vitamins and minerals.
• Long-term safety studies: Conducting more extensive research on the long-term effects of multivitamin supplementation on various health outcomes.

How might these advancements impact the future of multivitamin supplementation? As research progresses, we may see more effective, safer, and personalized multivitamin options becoming available. This could potentially lead to reduced side effects and improved health outcomes for those who rely on these supplements to meet their nutritional needs.

Conclusion

While multivitamins can play a valuable role in supporting overall health and addressing nutrient deficiencies, it’s essential to approach their use with an informed and cautious mindset. By understanding the potential side effects, considering individual health needs, and choosing high-quality supplements, consumers can maximize the benefits of multivitamins while minimizing the risks. As always, consulting with healthcare professionals and staying informed about the latest research and recommendations is key to making safe and effective decisions about multivitamin supplementation.

Daily Multi-Vitamins with Minerals Side Effects: Common, Severe, Long Term

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Generic name: multivitamin with minerals

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 3, 2023.

Note: This document contains side effect information about multivitamin with minerals. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Daily Multi-Vitamins with Minerals.

Applies to multivitamin with minerals: oral tablet. Other dosage forms:

• oral capsule, oral liquid, oral tablet, oral tablet chewable
• oral capsule
• oral miscellaneous
• oral wafer

Serious side effects

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your
doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing;
  tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue,
  or throat.
• Very upset stomach or throwing up.
• Severe diarrhea.
• Very bad constipation.
• Muscle weakness.
• Numbness and tingling.

Other side effects

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical
help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Upset stomach or throwing up.
• Diarrhea.
• Constipation.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical
advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

More about Daily Multi-Vitamins with Minerals (multivitamin with minerals)

• Check interactions
• Compare alternatives
• Dosage information
• Drug class: vitamin and mineral combinations

Patient resources

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Professional resources

• Prescribing Information

Related treatment guides

• Vitamin/Mineral Supplementation and Deficiency

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer

Timespan and When to Be Concerned

Multivitamins are one of the most commonly used supplements in the United States — around one-third of adults currently take them (1).

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 (1).

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.

Your body needs to consume at least 13 vitamins and 16 minerals regularly to function properly.

A well-balanced diet is the best way to obtain these nutrients. That said, multivitamins provide a good alternative source for those who are unable to meet their nutrient requirements through diet alone.

Multivitamins that provide up to 100% of the daily Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) are generally considered safe and often free of side effects, as long as you take them as directed.

Nonetheless, some people may still experience a few side effects when taking multivitamins. Some side effects are more common than others (2, 3).

Common side effects

Certain side effects are more likely to occur than others when you’re taking multivitamins. These include (2, 3):

• constipation
• diarrhea
• upset stomach
• nausea

These gut-related side effects are generally minor and often temporary. They tend to disappear as your body gets used to taking the multivitamin.

Nevertheless, contact your healthcare provider for further assistance if your symptoms persist.

Rare side effects

Rarer side effects of multivitamins include (2, 3):

• headaches
• nosebleeds
• insomnia
• gout

These typically occur very infrequently, especially if the dosage of nutrients in your multivitamin does not exceed the daily safe upper limit (UL).

However, people who combine multivitamins with other supplements or eat significant amounts of fortified foods may exceed the UL for certain nutrients. This may increase their risk of side effects (4).

Food companies sometimes add nutrients to foods during the manufacturing process. These are fortified foods.

Some people may also experience severe allergic reactions to certain multivitamins, although this is very rare.

If you notice hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, tongue, lips, or throat after taking a multivitamin, seek emergency medical help immediately.

Side effects in infants and children

Side effects in children are similar to those that adults may experience. However, children are likely to experience them at much lower doses than adults.

In other words, children who take multivitamins may have a higher risk of consuming extremely high levels of nutrients, which can lead to nutrient overdoses and even death in severe cases.

Companies market many multivitamins specifically for infants and children. However, a recent study suggests that up to 65% of them contain nutrient levels above the safe upper limits (UL) for children (5).

This may explain why experts report that children who consume multivitamins have a high risk of exceeding the UL, particularly for vitamin A, folic acid, and zinc (4).

Giving your child an iron-containing multivitamin when they don’t need it may also cause them to overdose on iron. Scientists consider this to be a lead cause of poisoning in children 6 years old and under (4).

To reduce the risk of side effects or toxic overdoses, make sure to consult your healthcare provider before giving your child a multivitamin.

Summary

Multivitamins are generally safe as long as they provide nutrient levels that fall within the DRI guidelines. Some people experience gut-related side effects when they first start taking a multivitamin, but these usually resolve quickly. Other side effects are rare.

The National Institutes of Health asserts that multivitamins providing nutrient levels that fall close to their DRI shouldn’t cause serious side effects. However, it’s important to note that the government doesn’t regulate multivitamins in the same way as it does medications (4).

This means there’s a risk that a multivitamin could contain higher levels of nutrients than its label states. Nutrient levels in some multivitamins may sometimes even reach or exceed the daily UL.

Others offer megadoses of certain nutrients that purposefully exceed the UL recommendations, capitalizing on some people’s belief that the more nutrients you ingest, the better the health effects.

Megadoses of some nutrients may not be particularly harmful, but extremely high doses of certain nutrients can seriously harm your health (4).

Nutrients to watch out for

Multivitamins generally contain three categories of nutrients:

• Water-soluble vitamins. These can dissolve in water and don’t usually accumulate in the body nor cause severe side effects if you take them in excess (e.g., B vitamins, vitamin C).
• Fat-soluble vitamins. These dissolve in fat and accumulate in the body, reaching toxic levels and potentially causing havoc if you take them in excess (e.g., vitamins A, D, E, and K).
• Minerals. These are inorganic elements that can accumulate in the body and sometimes cause harmful effects if you take them in excess (e.g., iron, iodine, zinc, copper, and selenium).

Some of these cause more side effects at higher dosages than others. The sections below highlight the nutrients from each category that may be particularly harmful if you take them at high doses.

Water-soluble vitamins

Excess intakes of water-soluble vitamins don’t typically cause severe side effects, even when intakes are close to the UL.

This is because your body tends to flush out excess intakes of these vitamins through your urine. Still, intakes that are several times over the UL may result in a variety of issues.

For instance, vitamin C intakes that are three times larger than the UL may cause cramps, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or migraines (6, 7).

Excess vitamin B3, also known as niacin, starting from intakes three times above the current UL may result in stomach pain, high blood pressure, vision problems, and liver damage (8).

Similarly, taking vitamin B6 at 10 times above the UL over the long term has been linked to skin lesions, light sensitivity, heartburn, and neurological problems (9).

Finally, excess intakes of vitamin B9, also known as folic acid, may weaken the immune system, cause neurological problems, and mask a severe vitamin B12 deficiency (10).

Fat-soluble vitamins

Multivitamins that offer large amounts of fat-soluble vitamins can be harmful, as excess levels of these vitamins can build up in the body.

For instance, excess intakes of vitamin A may cause headaches, liver damage, weaker bones, and birth defects (11).

Smokers and former smokers may especially benefit from avoiding multivitamins containing high amounts of vitamin A or beta carotene, which the body can convert into vitamin A. Getting too much of these nutrients may increase the risk of lung cancer (1, 4, 11).

Similarly, taking too much vitamin D, either due to manufacturing errors or taking an inappropriately high dosage, may result in nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, cognitive problems, heart problems, kidney failure, and even death in severe cases (12).

Moreover, excess amounts of vitamin E may result in bleeding, diarrhea, weakness, blurred vision, and fertility problems (1, 13).

As for vitamin K, research has not found excessive intakes to cause too many problems. However, this vitamin can interact with various medications, including antibiotics and blood thinners.

People currently taking medications should let their healthcare provider know if they’re taking a multivitamin containing vitamin K (14).

Minerals

Like fat-soluble vitamins, minerals can accumulate in the body if you take them in excess, possibly causing harmful effects.

For instance, overly high intakes of certain minerals, such as iron, copper, magnesium, and zinc, can cause stomach upset, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and headaches (4, 15, 16, 17, 18).

Excess iron intake is particularly harmful because it may also cause liver problems.

For this reason, authorities advise adult men and postmenopausal women to avoid taking multivitamins that contain 18 mg of iron or more unless their healthcare provider advises them to do so (19).

Multivitamins containing high levels of iron, copper, and zinc may also prevent the body from absorbing other nutrients you consume (15, 16, 17).

Multivitamins containing too much iodine can cause thyroid problems. On the other hand, those with too much selenium may cause garlic-like breath, hair loss, brittle nails, or a metallic taste in the mouth (20, 21).

Selenium intakes above the UL may also cause severe neurological symptoms, kidney failure, and heart issues (21).

DRIs and ULs for each nutrient of concern

Most of the side effects mentioned in this article occur after a person consumes nutrient amounts that exceed the current upper levels (ULs).

Every nutrient has a UL at which scientists believe it becomes toxic. Exceeding a nutrient’s UL can lead to an overdose and severe side effects, such as liver damage and even death.

The following chart outlines both the DRI and UL for each nutrient of concern for adults.

Specific recommendations for infants and children vary widely based on their age. You can find more information in these exhaustive nutrient tables (22).

	DRI for adult men	DRI for adult women	UL
Vitamin A	900 mcg retinol activity equivalents (RAE)	700 mcg RAE	3,000 international units (IU)
Vitamin B3 (niacin)	16 mg niacin equivalents (NE)	14 mg NE	35 mg*
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)	1. 3 mg	1.3 mg	100 mg
Vitamin B9 (folate)	400 mcg dietary folate equivalents (DFE)	400 mcg DFE	1,000 mcg*
Vitamin C	90 mg	75 mg	2,000 mg
Vitamin D	600 IU	600 IU	4,000 IU
Vitamin E	15 mg	15 mg	1,000 mg*
Vitamin K	120 mcg	90 mcg	No UL established
Copper	900 mcg	900 mcg	10,000 mcg
Iodine	150 mcg	150 mcg	1,100 mcg
Iron	10 mg	18 mg	45 mg
Magnesium	420 mg	320 mg	350 mg*
Selenium	55 mcg	55 mcg	400 mcg
Zinc	11 mg	8 mg	40 mg

*Applies only to synthetic forms from supplements, fortified foods, or a
combination of the two.

It’s important to note that there’s no DRI available for folic acid, the synthetic form of vitamin B9 that you can find in multivitamins.

The form of vitamin B9 in the table above is called folate, and you can get it from natural sources — not multivitamins.

However, studies have found that dosages of the synthetic folic acid of more than 1,000 mcg per day may be associated with a range of negative health consequences in several populations (23, 24, 25).

Currently, researchers don’t fully understand the effects and safety of long-term intakes of vitamin or mineral dosages that fall between the DRI and UL. Therefore, scientists need to do more research on this topic.

Until more is known, it’s likely safest to avoid supplements that offer nutrient levels that exceed their DRIs.

Summary

Consuming multivitamins that contain nutrient levels exceeding the daily UL may result in an array of side effects. Scientists need to conduct more research to evaluate the effects of nutrient intakes that fall between the DRI and UL.

Multivitamins may also become contaminated with harmful compounds, such as arsenic or lead (26, 27).

When you ingest these harmful compounds in large amounts or over a longer period of time, they may cause a variety of health issues, including physical, muscular, and neurological problems, as well as birth defects (26, 28).

It’s impossible to identify whether a multivitamin contains these harmful compounds by looking at its label alone.

However, some manufacturers opt to get their supplements verified by third-party labs, which can confirm whether they’re free of contaminants and that they truly contain what the label states.

Some examples of independent supplement testing companies include ConsumerLab, NSF International, and U.S. Pharmacopeia.

Summary

Multivitamins can become contaminated with harmful compounds, such as arsenic or lead. To minimize this risk, consider choosing multivitamins that a third-party lab has independently tested.

Depending on the nutrient and its dosage, some side effects may occur very quickly, while others may take a longer time to develop (11).

For instance, taking a very high dose of one or multiple nutrients may cause gut symptoms that generally develop shortly after taking the supplement (15, 16, 17).

However, more severe side effects may develop over time as excess amounts of nutrients or unwanted contaminants gradually accumulate in the body. These longer-term side effects may include birth defects and liver, heart, and cognitive issues (11, 20, 21, 27, 28).

If you think you’re experiencing any side effects, make sure to bring them up with your healthcare provider as promptly as possible.

Summary

The speed at which you may experience side effects depends on the type and dosage of nutrient you consumed. Make sure to discuss any side effects with your healthcare provider as soon as you notice them.

Multivitamins can be helpful for those who are unable to reach their daily nutrient needs through diet alone.

However, multivitamins cannot replace a balanced diet, and taking them in high amounts may result in side effects ranging from mild stomach upset to severe liver and heart problems.

Like many supplements, multivitamins are not strictly regulated and may contain much higher levels of nutrients than the label states. Depending on the nutrient, this will influence the speed and severity at which you may experience side effects.

You can minimize your risk by only taking multivitamins when you truly need them. Opt for ones that contain nutrient levels close to the current DRIs and have been tested by a third-party lab.

Vitamin D Allergy: Symptoms and Treatment

Vitamin D is one of the substances vital to the human body for normal functioning. According to the molecular structure, vitamin D resembles a hormone and actively participates in many physiological processes in the body. At the same time, vitamin D itself is partly produced in human skin, partly it must come from outside – with food and, if they are not enough, with vitamin supplements. At the same time, in some (fortunately, infrequent) cases, allergic reactions to vitamin D may occur. Why does this happen? What are the symptoms of a vitamin D allergy? How to avoid this and what to do if an allergy appears?

When do adults and children become allergic to vitamin D3?

Given that vitamin D appears in the human body in two ways, it must be emphasized that there are no allergic reactions to endogenous cholecalciferol, which is produced in the skin under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. Simply because the substance is produced in the course of physiological reactions taking place in the body, and, accordingly, the immune system is perceived as “its own”. An allergy is possible only to vitamin D, which comes from outside, and in the vast majority of cases – in the composition of multivitamin preparations and supplements enriched with cholecalciferol. Theoretically, allergic reactions are also possible to the “natural” vitamin D found in food, but it is almost impossible to differentiate a specific allergy to cholecalciferol from an allergy to a product as a whole. Therefore, in such cases, they usually talk about an immune reaction to red fish, cod liver, egg yolk and other products, and not about an allergy to vitamin D contained in them. Moreover, one of the predisposing factors for a pathological immune reaction is often an overdose of cholecalciferol, which its entry into the body with food is practically impossible. Therefore, speaking of an allergy to vitamin D, we are still talking about an allergy to a component of vitamin complexes and supplements.

The cause of allergic reactions to cholecalciferol is an individual reaction to synthetic vitamin D. Such a reaction is due to the genetic characteristics of a particular organism. Therefore, cases of family resistance to synthetic cholecalciferol are often noted. Pathology can manifest itself both as an acute allergy and a delayed-type immune reaction, which manifests itself gradually, in parallel with the accumulation of an allergy-provoking substance in the human body.

Allergic…not to vitamin D?

In some cases, the symptoms of an allergic reaction do not occur to cholecalciferol itself, but to any auxiliary components of the multivitamin preparation. Any preparations or additives contain certain additional components that are formative (starch, talc in tablets, gelatin in capsules, etc.), solvents for the active substance (oils for oil solutions of vitamin D, the basis of chewable tablets), are designed to make the taste, the color and aroma of the product are attractive for taking it (this is especially true for children’s multivitamins). Any of these components, no matter how high-quality the product, can also cause an allergic reaction. Therefore, having discovered an allergy “to vitamin D”, it is important to figure out whether cholecalciferol is really its “culprit”. Or the reason is not in it at all, but in the orange flavor or yellow dye added to the product.

Now about the reactions to a substandard product. There are a lot of multivitamin supplements containing cholecalciferol on the shelves of pharmacies and online stores. And if certified goods are sold in pharmacies, and the assortment is constantly monitored by regulatory authorities, then you cannot say the same about online stores and network distributors of all kinds of dietary supplements, complexes and health products. It is not safe to buy cholecalciferol supplements from such sellers, and vitamin complexes themselves can cause not only allergic reactions, but also poisoning.

In addition, it is fraught with allergies, and even intoxication, taking benign, but expired multivitamins or supplements with a disturbed storage regime. For some reason, there is a strong stereotype in society that it is important to observe the expiration date and storage conditions only for medicines, while vitamins “will not disappear” even if they stand on a lighted shelf for several years. Naturally, this is a mistake. Multivitamin preparations can also become hazardous to health after the expiration date or violation of the recommended storage conditions, in particular, they can begin to provoke unwanted reactions, even if the drug has not previously caused problems.

Symptoms of vitamin D allergy

Signs of an allergy to synthetic cholecalciferol are usually not much different from any other symptoms of a food or drug allergy. Among the most common symptoms are the following:

• dyspeptic symptoms – nausea, vomiting, discomfort and malaise from the digestive system;
• bloating and stool disorder – loosening, rarely constipation;
• headache, general weakness;
• skin manifestations – rashes like urticaria, eczema, pruritus;
• edema;
• rarely – bronchospasm, asthmatic cough;
• rarely – convulsions;
• rarely – acute generalized allergic reactions (angioedema, anaphylactic shock).

The insidiousness of an allergic reaction lies in the fact that a person does not always perceive a malaise as a sign of a pathological immune reaction. Dyspepsia and stool disorders can be mistakenly considered manifestations of dysbacteriosis, and sleep disorders and chronic fatigue can be attributed to stress and overwork at work.

Treatment of vitamin D allergy

The most important condition for the successful treatment of any allergic reaction is to stop contact with the allergen. Therefore, at the slightest suspicion that the cause of the pathological reaction of the immune system is a supplement with vitamin D, you need to stop taking it and contact an allergist. During the examination, the doctor will determine which specific component of the supplement caused the pathology, advise replacing the remedy (if it is an allergy to its auxiliary components), or recommend completely refusing to take synthetic cholecalciferol, if possible, compensating for this by increasing the duration of insolation and eating foods rich in vitamin D.

To alleviate the symptoms of an allergic reaction – rash, stool disorders, swelling – the patient is recommended to take antihistamines that interrupt the pathological immune response. In case of an acute generalized allergic reaction – Quincke’s edema or anaphylactic shock – it is necessary to immediately call an ambulance, since we are talking about life-threatening conditions that cannot be stopped with home first aid kit.

It should be noted that in children an allergic reaction, including a life-threatening, generalized one, can develop very quickly. Therefore, swelling, convulsions, intense rashes on the body of an infant are a good reason for an urgent call to a doctor.

Allergy or overdose?

It is not uncommon to mistake the symptoms of a supplement overdose for symptoms of vitamin D allergy. Exceeding the permissible dose most often occurs with uncontrolled intake of vitamins by a child. “Children’s” vitamins often contain flavoring and aromatic additives, due to which the product is perceived by the child as sweet. It is not surprising that a baby, if he has access to dietary supplements, can eat them in the same way as ordinary sweets and get a serious overdose. Therefore, it is important that adults give vitamin supplements to the child, exactly in the dose that he needs. An overdose of vitamin D is dangerous and requires medical attention.

Signs of vitamin D overdose are as follows:

• impaired consciousness, weakness, severe drowsiness or, conversely, insomnia, agitation;
• fluctuations in blood pressure, more often its increase;
• vomiting;
• increased urination up to dehydration;
• swelling, aching pain in muscles and joints;
• marked pallor;
• arrhythmia.

Some manifestations of overdose resemble those of an allergic reaction, but overdose does not cause anaphylactic shock or angioedema. In case of severe malaise, you should contact a doctor as soon as possible, who will determine the cause of the pathology and recommend the necessary treatment.

Vitamins Valenta Pharmaceuticals BIO-MAX Multivitamin complex – “Terrible allergy to the Multivitamin complex BIO-MAX!”

Yes, vitamins should be drunk wisely, everyone knows this, but, unfortunately, no one is immune from the sad consequences of their own stupidity. A year ago, around this time, in the spring, I felt that I was just starting to hibernate: there was terrible sleepiness and lethargy every day, no matter how much I slept. Of course, the first thing it was concluded was that it was just a spring beriberi and it was necessary to support the body with vitamins. I asked my friends and, on the advice of one girl, I decided to buy Bio Max vitamins and not an ordinary one, but a large pack at once.

Vitamins Biomax

I confess that I am allergic, at the end of summer I am strangled by polynosis, and during the period of exacerbation, sometimes an allergy to food begins to appear, but I have never had an allergy to medicines before.

The first days 7-8 of taking vitamins were completely painless , although even then the first rare pimples began to appear, but I attributed this to the approaching women’s days and simply did not pay attention to them, since periodically such a picture on my face happened. But things got worse! Every day the acne became more and more, and after 2 weeks I realized that something was wrong. The 14th tablet was the last I took, but that was enough for me!

The rash got worse and worse! Red, inflamed pimples covered the entire face, neck, chest and even back. I didn’t have this even in puberty! And this was at the end of spring, when all normal people undressed, I was looking in the store for T-shirts that would cover my chest and neck, because it was just scary to look at my skin! And ahead of me was approaching my birthday and a trip. Naturally, there was no mood, I did not want to show myself in front of anyone. And from the eyes of other people, I hid myself under clothes and hair, loosening them and trying to cover my temples and cheeks with them to the maximum. I could not even cover up these pimples, because they were terribly inflamed and I was afraid to burden the skin with additional cosmetic products. Sorry, I can’t attach a photo, because at that time I just didn’t want to be photographed.

I re-read a bunch of recipes, during this time I bought a large number of foams, lotions, alcohol tinctures, ointments, including hormonal ones, smeared everything possible on myself. Immediately after the vitamins, I drank a course of activated charcoal to somehow clean myself. With varying success, about a month later, the skin came to a more or less tolerable state: well, as tolerable, acne became smaller and not so fleshy red, but remained on the face in the same amount. I could already somehow mask them with tonal means and corrective pencils. Finally, all the consequences disappeared after about 2.5 months.

The inflammation began to gradually subside, but with my fingers I could feel hard nodules under the skin, outwardly I looked more like a cucumber in pimples, but only pink-flesh-colored. I don’t know how to describe the contents of the pores, but they were clearly clogged and not just sebum, as, for example, on the nose, which happens in enlarged pores, no, rather hard balls were hidden in the pores. Ripening, some crawled out on their own when I scratched my face (and it itched, even despite the fact that during this time I had taught myself to keep my hands away from my face, sometimes I just forgot), some squeezed out, like ordinary pimples, they seemed to rise over time closer to the surface of the skin, the immature ones hid somewhere deep and ached. During this cucumber-skin period, sitting in public transport, I often secretly looked at the faces of the girls sitting opposite me and envied their smooth skin, reproaching myself every time again and again for having decided to buy these ill-fated vitamins!

I will remember this lesson for the rest of my life! Subsequently, I talked with an allergist-immunologist on this topic and she advised me: you should not use multivitamin complexes with minerals with such an extensive composition, it is to such complexes that allergies and negative reactions most often occur.