What are the potential side effects of taking multivitamins. How can you recognize an allergic reaction to multivitamins. When should you be concerned about multivitamin side effects.

Understanding Multivitamin Allergic Reactions

Multivitamins are widely used supplements, with approximately one-third of adults in the United States taking them regularly. While generally considered safe, it’s crucial to be aware of potential side effects, including allergic reactions.

An allergic reaction to multivitamins can manifest in various ways. Common signs include:

• Skin rashes or hives
• Itching
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Wheezing or tightness in the chest
• Unusual hoarseness

Are these symptoms always indicative of an allergic reaction. Not necessarily. Some individuals may experience mild skin irritations or digestive discomfort that are not true allergic responses. However, if you notice any of these symptoms after taking a multivitamin, it’s essential to discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional immediately.

Common Side Effects of Daily Multivitamins

While severe allergic reactions are rare, multivitamins can cause several common side effects. These typically affect the digestive system and may include:

1. Upset stomach
2. Nausea
3. Vomiting
4. Diarrhea
5. Constipation

Why do these side effects occur. Often, they result from taking vitamins on an empty stomach or from the body adjusting to increased nutrient intake. In most cases, these symptoms are mild and temporary, resolving as your body adapts to the supplement.

Can you minimize these side effects. Yes, there are several strategies:

• Take multivitamins with food
• Split the dose throughout the day
• Choose a multivitamin formulated for easy digestion
• Stay well-hydrated

Severe Side Effects: When to Seek Medical Attention

While rare, severe side effects can occur with multivitamin use. These may require immediate medical attention and include:

• Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)
• Persistent and severe vomiting
• Extreme diarrhea
• Severe constipation
• Muscle weakness
• Numbness and tingling sensations

How quickly can severe side effects develop. Allergic reactions can occur within minutes to hours after taking a multivitamin. Other severe side effects may develop over time with prolonged use of high-dose supplements.

Should you stop taking multivitamins if you experience severe side effects. Absolutely. Discontinue use immediately and seek medical help. Your healthcare provider can assess your symptoms, determine the cause, and recommend appropriate treatment or alternative supplements if necessary.

Long-Term Side Effects of Multivitamin Use

While multivitamins are generally safe for long-term use when taken as directed, some concerns exist about potential long-term side effects, particularly with excessive intake of certain nutrients.

What are some potential long-term side effects of multivitamin overuse?

• Iron overload: Excessive iron intake can lead to hemochromatosis, causing damage to the liver and other organs.
• Vitamin A toxicity: High doses of vitamin A over time can cause liver damage, vision problems, and bone pain.
• Calcium buildup: Excess calcium intake may contribute to kidney stones and cardiovascular issues.
• Nerve damage: Prolonged high doses of vitamin B6 can cause nerve damage and sensory neuropathy.

How can you prevent these long-term side effects. The key is moderation and following recommended dosages. Avoid taking multiple supplements that contain the same nutrients, and be cautious with fortified foods if you’re also taking multivitamins.

Identifying Specific Nutrient-Related Side Effects

Different components of multivitamins can cause specific side effects. Understanding these can help you identify the source of any adverse reactions:

Iron

Iron can cause constipation, nausea, and stomach upset. In high doses, it may lead to iron toxicity, causing symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain.

Vitamin C

High doses of vitamin C might cause diarrhea, nausea, and stomach cramps. It can also increase the risk of kidney stones in some individuals.

B Vitamins

B vitamins, particularly B3 (niacin), can cause skin flushing and itching. Excessive B6 intake may lead to nerve damage over time.

Zinc

High zinc intake can cause nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and headaches. Long-term excessive use may impair copper absorption.

How can you determine which nutrient is causing side effects. Keep a detailed record of your symptoms and when they occur. This information can help your healthcare provider identify the specific nutrient causing issues.

Interactions Between Multivitamins and Medications

Multivitamins can interact with various medications, potentially altering their effectiveness or causing adverse reactions. Some notable interactions include:

• Antibiotics: Calcium and iron in multivitamins can reduce the absorption of certain antibiotics.
• Blood thinners: Vitamin K can interfere with the action of blood-thinning medications like warfarin.
• Thyroid medications: Iron and calcium can affect the absorption of thyroid hormones.
• Diuretics: These medications can alter the balance of certain minerals in the body, potentially leading to excess levels when combined with multivitamins.

Should you avoid multivitamins if you’re on medication. Not necessarily, but it’s crucial to consult your healthcare provider. They can advise on potential interactions and may recommend taking your multivitamin at a different time than your medications to minimize interactions.

Choosing the Right Multivitamin to Minimize Side Effects

Selecting an appropriate multivitamin can help reduce the risk of side effects. Consider the following factors:

1. Age and gender-specific formulations
2. Quality and purity of ingredients
3. Dosage levels (aim for 100% or less of Daily Value for most nutrients)
4. Third-party testing for quality assurance
5. Form of the vitamin (e.g., tablet, capsule, liquid) that’s easiest for you to tolerate

How can you ensure you’re choosing a high-quality multivitamin? Look for products certified by reputable organizations like USP (United States Pharmacopeia) or NSF International. These certifications indicate that the product has been tested for quality, purity, and potency.

Is a more expensive multivitamin always better? Not necessarily. Price doesn’t always correlate with quality. Focus on the factors mentioned above rather than cost alone when selecting a multivitamin.

When to Consult a Healthcare Professional

While multivitamins are generally safe, certain situations warrant professional medical advice:

• If you experience persistent or severe side effects
• Before starting a new multivitamin regimen, especially if you have existing health conditions
• If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding
• If you’re taking medications that might interact with multivitamins
• If you’re considering high-dose supplementation of any specific nutrient

What information should you provide to your healthcare provider? Be prepared to discuss your current diet, any other supplements you’re taking, existing health conditions, and any symptoms you’re experiencing. This comprehensive information will help your provider make the best recommendations for your individual needs.

Can a healthcare provider test for vitamin deficiencies? Yes, blood tests can determine if you have any specific nutrient deficiencies. This information can guide more targeted supplementation if necessary, potentially reducing the risk of side effects from unnecessary nutrients.

Alternatives to Multivitamins: Addressing Nutrient Needs Safely

For those concerned about multivitamin side effects, there are alternative ways to ensure adequate nutrient intake:

1. Balanced diet: Focus on a varied diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
2. Single-nutrient supplements: If you have a specific deficiency, targeted supplementation may be more appropriate.
3. Food fortification: Many foods are fortified with essential nutrients, which can help meet daily requirements.
4. Lifestyle changes: Adequate sleep, stress management, and regular exercise can improve nutrient absorption and utilization.

Are these alternatives as effective as multivitamins? In many cases, yes. A well-balanced diet can provide most necessary nutrients in their most bioavailable forms. However, certain populations (e.g., older adults, vegetarians, individuals with absorption issues) may still benefit from targeted supplementation.

How can you determine if you need supplements? Consult with a registered dietitian or your healthcare provider. They can assess your diet and health status to determine if supplementation is necessary and, if so, which specific nutrients you might need.

Monitoring and Managing Multivitamin Side Effects

If you choose to take multivitamins, it’s important to monitor for potential side effects and manage them effectively:

• Keep a symptom diary: Note any changes in how you feel after starting a multivitamin.
• Adjust timing: Try taking your multivitamin at different times of day to see if it affects tolerance.
• Consider dosage: If side effects persist, discuss with your healthcare provider about potentially reducing the dosage or switching to a different formulation.
• Stay hydrated: Adequate water intake can help mitigate some digestive side effects.
• Regular check-ups: Schedule periodic health check-ups to monitor your overall health and nutrient levels.

How long should you give your body to adjust to a new multivitamin? Generally, allow 2-4 weeks for your body to adapt. If side effects persist beyond this period, consult your healthcare provider.

Can you develop side effects after long-term use of multivitamins? Yes, it’s possible. Regular monitoring and periodic reassessment of your supplement needs are important, even if you’ve been taking multivitamins without issues for a long time.

The Future of Multivitamin Research and Development

As our understanding of nutrition and supplementation evolves, so does the field of multivitamin research and development. Future trends may include:

• Personalized formulations based on genetic profiles and individual health needs
• Advanced delivery systems for improved absorption and reduced side effects
• Integration of probiotics and other beneficial compounds into multivitamin formulations
• More comprehensive safety studies on long-term multivitamin use
• Development of plant-based and sustainable vitamin sources

How might these advancements affect multivitamin side effects? Ideally, they could lead to more targeted and better-tolerated supplements, potentially reducing the incidence of side effects while maximizing benefits.

Will multivitamins become obsolete in the future? It’s unlikely. While a balanced diet remains the best source of nutrients, factors like soil depletion, busy lifestyles, and increased nutrient needs in certain populations suggest that multivitamins will continue to play a role in supporting overall health.

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

Other brands

Prosteon, Hemax, Vitafol, Tozal, . .. +6 more

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.

How to relieve allergies – Consulting and diagnostic center “G8 Sochilab”

tel. 8 (862) 279-29-00

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It is recommended to consult an allergist to start treatment. “Many people can be wrong. You might think spring is to blame, but it could be dust, mold, or your cat. Allergy is an individual disease for each person, ”says Tringail, an American allergist.
Taking antihistamines is not the only way to deal with spring allergies. It is possible to alleviate and reduce allergic reactions without the help of drugs.

1. Limit pollen exposure by minimizing outdoor exposure when pollen is highest.
Wear sunglasses and hats, close windows at home, and avoid being outside at noon and afternoon when pollen levels are at their highest. And when you get home, take off your street clothes, take a shower and wash your hair.

2. Eat the right foods.
Poor eating habits exacerbate many health problems, including asthma and seasonal allergies. The powerful antioxidants found in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, green tea, and other foods have been repeatedly shown in medical research to help fight inflammation within your body, which is a critical factor in fighting allergies.

3. Try natural remedies.
Are you not a fan of conventional drugs? Naturopathic Dr. Doni Wilson recommends that patients take natural supplements such as nettle and a plant pigment called quercetin to help relieve runny noses, watery eyes, hives, and swelling caused by allergies. Another strategy: vitamin C. “It’s a natural antihistamine, but it’s very gentle – you need to take 500-1000 mg, three times a day, to reduce symptoms.” Dr. Bassett chooses cayenne pepper and green tea: “Spices like cayenne and chili contain capsaicin, which helps reduce nasal congestion and swelling,” he says. Others: Daily multivitamin and mineral supplement including magnesium, selenium, vitamin E, and all B vitamins; a cup of peppermint or chamomile every night before bed; daily dose of echinacea, a course of two weeks.

4. Reduce stress.
Every time you encounter stress, your body releases a cascade of stress hormones. If this happens day in and day out without physical release, stress can take a toll on your immune system. A weakened immune system increases allergic reactions. “An allergic disorder means that you have a chronic illness in your immune system,” says Dr. Tringail. “Exercise can boost your immune system, which means it’s a useful strategy when you’re battling allergies.” Learn to control stress and emotions. Yoga, qigong, exercise, and nature walks can help.

5. Lose extra pounds.
Being overweight makes it difficult to breathe – a problem that you do not need at all when you suffer from allergies. A lot of fat around your belly prevents your lungs from fully expanding, and your diaphragm doesn’t move down well, in other words, you can’t get a good deep breath. Losing weight will give you more oxygen.

6. Do a good housecleaning.
Being indoors is often worse for your allergies than being outdoors. Fabric furniture and pillows, carpeting, tightly closed windows, and warm, humid rooms can contribute to allergies. Studies show that indoor air pollution can be up to 10 times greater than outdoor pollution, and its effects are much more intense as we typically spend more than 90% of our time indoors. Do a thorough cleaning of your home and things, especially where allergens collect (bedding, carpet, wet areas and air filters of air conditioners, humidifiers, etc.).

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