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Category Archives: Supplements
Vitamin B2
Vitamin B2
Vitamin B2 Supplement
Vitamin B2 Information
Vitamin B2 is a water-soluble vitamin needed to process amino acids and fats, activate vitamin B6 and folic acid, and help convert carbohydrates into the fuel the body runs on adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Under some conditions, vitamin B2 can act as an antioxidant.
Vitamin B2 Sources
Dairy products, eggs, and meat contain significant amounts of vitamin B2. Leafy green vegetables, whole grains, and enriched grains contain some vitamin B2.
Vitamin B2 Treatments
Anemia (if deficient) Migraine headaches Canker sores Cataracts High homocysteine (for people with a specific genetic makeup) Parkinson s disease Preeclampsia Sickle cell anemia
Vitamin B2 Symptoms
Vitamin B2 deficiency can occur in alcoholics. Also, a deficiency may be more likely in people with cataracts or sickle cell anemia. In developing countries, vitamin B2 deficiency has been found to be a risk factor for the development of preeclampsia in pregnant women. People with chronic fatigue syndrome may be deficient in vitamin B2.
Vitamin B2 Side Effects
At supplemental and dietary levels, vitamin B2 is nontoxic. Vitamin B2 works with vitamin B1, vitamin B3, and vitamin B6. For that reason, vitamin B2 is often taken as part of a B-complex supplement. Certain medicines may interact with vitamin B2. Refer to drug interactions for a list of those medicines.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 Supplement
Vitamin B12 Information
Vitamin B12 is is a water-soluble vitamin needed for normal nerve cell activity, DNA replication, and production of the mood-affecting substance SAMe (S-adenosyl-L-methionine). Vitamin B12 acts with folic acid and vitamin B6 to control homocysteine levels. An excess of homocysteine is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and potentially other diseases such as osteoporosis and Alzheimer s disease.
Vitamin B12 Sources
Vitamin B12 is found in all foods of animal origin, including dairy, eggs, meat, poultry, and fish. According to one report, small, inconsistent amounts occur in seaweed (including nori and chlorella) and tempeh. Many researchers and healthcare professionals believe that people cannot rely on vegetarian sources to provide predictably sufficient quantities of vitamin B12. However, another study found substantial amounts of vitamin B12 in nori (at least 55 mcg per 100 grams of dry weight).
Vitamin B12 Treatments
Anemia (if deficient) Depression (in people with vitamin B12 deficiency) High homocysteine (combination with folic acid and vitamin B6) Pernicious anemia (Vitamin B12 deficiency) Age-related cognitive decline (in people with vitamin B12 deficiency) Anemia (for thalassemia if deficient) Bell s palsy Canker sores (for deficiency only) Chronic fatigue syndrome Cyanide poisoning Cystic fibrosis (in people with vitamin B12 deficiency) Indigestion (for people with the combination of low vitamin B12 levels, delayed gastric emptying, and Helicobacter pylori infection) Infertility (male) Low back pain (in combination with vitamin B1 and vitamin B6) Migraine headaches Sickle cell anemia (for sickle cell patients with B12 deficiency) Type 2 diabetes Alzheimer s disease Asthma Atherosclerosis Bipolar disorder Bursitis Crohn s disease Dermatitis herpetiformis (in people with vitamin B12 deficiency) Down s syndrome Heart attack Hepatitis HIV support Hives Immune function Insomnia Lung cancer (reduces risk) Osteoporosis (to lower homocysteine) Pain Phenylketonuria (in people with vitamin B12 deficiency) Pre- and post-surgery health Preeclampsia Retinopathy (associated with childhood diabetes) Schizophrenia Seborrheic dermatitis (injection) Shingles (herpes zoster)/postherpetic neuralgia (injection) Stroke Tinnitus (injection) Type 1 diabetes Vitiligo
Vitamin B12 Symptoms
Vegans (vegetarians who also avoid dairy and eggs) frequently become deficient, though the process often takes many years. People with malabsorption conditions, including those with tapeworm infestation and those with bacterial overgrowth in the intestines, often suffer from vitamin B12 deficiency. Malabsorption of vitamin B12 can also result from pancreatic disease, the effects of gastrointestinal surgery, or various prescription drugs. Pernicious anemia is a special form of vitamin B12 malabsorption due to impaired ability of certain cells in the stomach to make intrinsic factor a substance needed for normal absorption of vitamin B12. By definition, all people with pernicious anemia are vitamin B12-deficient. They require either vitamin B12 injections or oral supplementation with very high levels (1000 mcg per day) of vitamin B12. Older people with urinary incontinence and hearing loss have been reported to be at increased risk of B12 deficiency. Infection with Helicobacter pylori, a common cause of gastritis and ulcers, has been shown to cause or contribute to adult vitamin B12 deficiency. H. pylori has this effect by damaging cells in the stomach that make intrinsic factor a substance needed for normal absorption of vitamin B12. In one trial, H. pylori was detected in 56% of people with anemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency. Successful eradication of H. pylori led to improved blood levels of B12 in 40% of those infected. Other studies have also suggested a link between H. pylori infection and vitamin B12 deficiency. Elimination of H. pylori infection does not always improve vitamin B12 status. People with H. pylori infections should have vitamin B12 status monitored. In a preliminary report, 47% of people with tinnitus and related disorders were found to have vitamin B12 deficiencies that may be helped by supplementation. HIV-infected patients often have low blood levels of vitamin B12. A disproportionate amount of people with psychiatric disorders are deficient in B12. Significant vitamin B12 deficiency is associated with a doubled risk of severe depression, according to a study of physically disabled older women. A preliminary study found that postmenopausal women who were in the lowest one-fifth of vitamin B12 consumption had an increased risk of developing breast cancer. Although blood levels of vitamin B12 may be higher in alcoholics, actual body stores of vitamin B12 in the tissues (e.g., the liver) of alcoholics is frequently deficient. Low blood levels of vitamin B12 are sometimes seen in pregnant women; however, this does not always indicate a vitamin B12 deficiency. The help of a healthcare professional is needed to determine when a true vitamin B12 deficiency exists in pregnant women with low blood levels of the vitamin. Hydroxocobalamin (a form of vitamin B12) has been recognized for more than 40 years as an effective antidote to cyanide poisoning. It is currently being used in France for that purpose. Because of its safety, hydroxocobalamin is considered by some researchers to be an ideal treatment for cyanide poisoning.
Vitamin B12 Side Effects
Oral vitamin B12 supplements are not generally associated with any side effects. Although quite rare, serious allergic reactions to injections of vitamin B12 (sometimes even life-threatening) have been reported. Whether these reactions are to the vitamin itself, or to preservatives or other substances in the injectable vitamin B12 solution, remains somewhat unclear. Most, but not all, injectable vitamin B12 contains preservatives. If a person is deficient in vitamin B12 and takes 1,000 mcg or more of folic acid per day, the folic acid supplementation can improve the anemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency. The effect of folic acid on vitamin B12 deficiency-induced anemia is not a folic acid toxicity. Rather, the folic acid supplementation is acting to correct one of the problems caused by B12 deficiency. The other problems caused by a lack of vitamin B12 (mostly neurological) do not improve with folic acid supplements, and can become irreversible if vitamin B12 is not provided to someone who is vitamin B12 deficient. Some doctors are unaware that vitamin B12 deficiencies often occur without anemia even in people who do not take folic acid supplements. This lack of knowledge can delay diagnosis and treatment of people with vitamin B12 deficiencies. This can lead to permanent injury. When such a delayed diagnosis occurs in someone who inadvertently erased the anemia of vitamin B12 deficiency by taking folic acid supplements, the folic acid supplementation is often blamed for the missed diagnosis. This problem is rare and should not occur in people whose doctors understand that a lack of anemia does not rule out a vitamin B12 deficiency. Anyone supplementing 1,000 mcg or more per day of folic acid should be initially evaluated by a doctor before the folic acid can obscure a proper diagnosis of a possible B12 deficiency. Certain medicines may interact with vitamin B12. Refer to drug interactions for a list of those medicines.
Vitamin B-Complex
Vitamin B-Complex
Vitamin B-Complex Supplement
Vitamin B-Complex Information
The vitamin B-complex refers to all of the known essential water-soluble vitamins except for vitamin C. These include thiamine (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin (vitamin B3), pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), pyridoxine (vitamin B6), biotin, folic acid and the cobalamins (vitamin B12). “Vitamin B” was once thought to be a single nutrient that existed in extracts of rice, liver, or yeast. Researchers later discovered these extracts contained several vitamins, which were given distinguishing numbers. Unfortunately, this has led to an erroneous belief among non-scientists that these vitamins have a special relationship to each other. Further adding to confusion has been the “unofficial” designation of other substances as members of the B-complex, such as choline, inositol, and para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), even though they are not essential vitamins. Each member of the B-complex has a unique structure and performs unique functions in the human body. Vitamins B1, B2, B3, and biotin participate in different aspects of energy production, vitamin B6 is essential for amino acid metabolism, and vitamin B12 and folic acid facilitate steps required for cell division. Each of these vitamins has many additional functions. However, contrary to popular belief, no functions require all B-complex vitamins simultaneously. Human requirements for members of the B-complex vary considerably from 3 mcg per day for vitamin B12 to 18 mg per day for vitamin B3 in adult males, for example. Therefore, taking equal amounts of each one as provided in many B-complex supplements makes little sense. Furthermore, there is little evidence supporting the use of megadoses of B-complex vitamins to combat everyday stress, boost energy, or control food cravings, unless a person has a deficiency of one or more of them. Again, contrary to popular belief, there is no evidence indicating people should take all B vitamins to avoid an imbalance when one or more individual B vitamin is taken for a specific health condition. Most multivitamin-mineral products contain the B-complex along with the rest of the essential vitamins and minerals. Since they are more complete than B-complex vitamins alone, multiple vitamin-mineral supplements are recommended to improve overall micronutrient intake and prevent deficiencies.
Vitamin B-Complex Side Effects
Vitamin B-complex includes several different components, each of which has the potential to interact with drugs. It is recommended that you discuss the use of vitamin B-complex and your current medication(s) with your doctor or pharmacist.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A
Vitamin A Supplement
Vitamin A Information
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin with four major functions in the body: (1) It helps cells reproduce normally a process called differentiation (cells that have not properly differentiated are more likely to undergo pre-cancerous changes). (2) It is required for vision; vitamin A maintains healthy cells in various structures of the eye and is required for the transduction of light into nerve signals in the retina. (3) It is required for normal growth and development of the embryo and fetus, influencing genes that determine the sequential development of organs in embryonic development. (4) It may be required for normal reproductive function, with influences on the function and development of sperm, ovaries and placenta.
Vitamin A Sources
Liver, dairy products, and cod liver oil are good sources of vitamin A. Vitamin A is also available in supplement form.
Vitamin A Treatments
Anemia (for deficiency) Childhood diseases Cystic fibrosis Infection Leukoplakia Measles (for deficiency) Night blindness Bronchitis Celiac disease (for deficiency only) Heart attack Immune function Iron-deficiency anemia (as an adjunct to supplemental iron) Measles (for severe cases) Menorrhagia (heavy menstruation) Peptic ulcer Retinitis pigmentosa Sprains and strains (for deficiency only) Wound healing Acne Alcohol withdrawal support Conjunctivitis/blepharitis Crohn s disease Diarrhea Gastritis Goiter HIV support Hypothyroidism Lung cancer Pap smear (abnormal) Pre- and post-surgery health Premenstrual syndrome (see dosage warnings) Retinopathy (in combination with selenium, vitamin C and vitamin E) Sickle cell anemia Urinary tract infection Vaginitis
Vitamin A Symptoms
People who limit their consumption of liver, dairy foods, and beta-carotene-containing vegetables can develop a vitamin A deficiency. Extremely low birth weight babies (2.2 pounds or less) are at high risk of being born with a deficiency, and vitamin A shots given to these infants have been reported in double-blind research to reduce the risk of lung disease. The earliest deficiency sign is poor night vision. Deficiency symptoms can also include dry skin, increased risk of infections, and metaplasia (a precancerous condition). Severe deficiencies causing blindness are extremely rare in Western societies. Less severe deficiencies are more likely to occur with a variety of conditions causing malabsorption. A high incidence of vitamin A deficiency in people infected with HIV has also been reported. People with hypothyroidism have an impaired ability to convert beta-carotene to vitamin A. For this reason, some doctors suggest taking supplemental vitamin A (perhaps 5,000-10,000 IU per day) if they are not consuming adequate amounts in their diet. Very old people with type 2 diabetes have shown a significant age-related decline in blood levels of vitamin A, irrespective of their dietary intake.
Vitamin A Side Effects
Since a 1995 report from the New England Journal of Medicine, women who are or could become pregnant have been told by doctors to take less than 10,000 IU (3,000 mcg) per day of vitamin A to avoid the risk of birth defect. A recent report studied several hundred women exposed to 10,000-300,000 IU (median exposure of 50,000 IU) per day. Three major malformations occurred in this study, but all could have happened in the absence of vitamin A supplementation. Surprisingly, no congenital malformations happened in any of the 120 infants exposed to maternal intakes of vitamin A that exceeded 50,000 IU per day. In fact, the high-exposure group had a 50% decreased risk for malformations compared with infants not exposed to vitamin A. The authors noted that some previous studies found no link between vitamin A and birth defects, and argued the studies that did find such a link suffered from various weaknesses. A closer look at the recent study reveals a 32% higher than expected risk of birth defects in infants exposed to 10,000-40,000 IU of vitamin A per day, but paradoxically a 37% decreased risk for those exposed to even higher levels. This suggests that both higher and lower risks may have been due to chance. Excessive dietary intake of vitamin A has been associated with birth defects in humans in fewer than 20 reported cases over the past 30 years. Presently, the level at which vitamin A supplementation may cause birth defects is not known, though combined human and animal data suggest that 30,000 IU per day should be considered safe. Women who are or who could become pregnant should consult with a doctor before supplementing with more than 10,000 IU per day. Vitamin A supplements can both help and hurt children. Many people have heard that vitamin A supplements support immune function and prevent infections. This is true under some circumstances. However, vitamin A can also increase the risk of infections, according to the findings of a double-blind trial. In a study of African children between six months and five years old, a 44% reduction in the risk of severe diarrhea was seen in those children given four 100,000-200,000 IU applications of vitamin A (the lower amount for those less than a year old) during an eight-month period. On further investigation, the researchers discovered that the reduction in diarrhea occurred only in children who were very malnourished. For children who were not starving, vitamin A supplementation actually increased the risk of diarrhea compared with the placebo group. The vitamin A-supplemented children also had a 67% increased risk of coughing and rapid breathing, signs of further lung infection, although this problem did not appear in children infected with AIDS. These findings should be of concern to American parents, whose children are not usually infected with AIDS or severely malnourished. Such relatively healthy children fared poorly in the African trial in terms of both the risk of diarrhea and the risk of continued lung problems. Vitamin A provided no benefit to the well-nourished kids. Therefore, it makes sense to not give vitamin A supplements to children unless there is a special reason to do so, such as the presence of a condition causing malabsorption (e.g., celiac disease). In a study of people with retinitis pigmentosa (a degenerative condition of the eye), participants received 15,000 IU of vitamin A per day for 12 years with no signs of adverse effects or toxicity. For other adults, intake above 25,000 IU (7,500 mcg) per day can in rare cases cause headaches, dry skin, hair loss, fatigue, bone problems, and liver damage. At higher levels (for example 100,000 IU per day) these problems become more common. A controlled clinical trial showed that people who took 25,000 IU of vitamin A per day for a median of 3.8 years had an 11% increase in triglycerides, a 3% increase in total cholesterol and a 1% decrease in HDL cholesterol compared to those who did not take vitamin A. Although the significance of these findings is not clear, people at risk for cardiovascular disease should use caution when considering long-term vitamin A supplementation. One study found that increasing the intake of vitamin A in the diet was associated with bone loss and risk of hip fracture, possibly due to a vitamin A-induced stimulation of cells that break down bone. In this study, a vitamin A intake greater than 5,000 IU per day, when compared to a lower intake, was associated with a reduction in bone mineral density that approximately doubles the risk of hip fracture. Beta-carotene (which can be used by the body to make vitamin A) has not been linked to reduced bone mass. Until more is known, people concerned about osteoporosis may consider taking beta-carotene supplements rather than supplementing with vitamin A. Data from test tube, animal, and human studies show that excessive vitamin A intake can accelerate bone loss and inhibit formation of new bone, increasing the risk of osteoporosis. In humans, small studies have found these effects at about 85,000-125,000 IU per day. Taking vitamin A and iron together helps overcome iron deficiency more effectively than iron supplementation alone. Supplementation with zinc, iron, or the combination has been found to improve vitamin A status among children at high risk for deficiency of the three nutrients. Certain medicines may interact with vitamin A. Refer to drug interactions for a list of those medicines.
Vinpocetine
Vinpocetine
Vinpocetine Supplement
Vinpocetine Information
Vinpocetine is a chemical substance synthesized from vincamine, a natural constituent found in the leaves of Vinca minor (lesser periwinkle).
Vinpocetine Sources
Vinpocetine is synthesized from vincamine, a constituent of the leaves of Vinca minor (lesser periwinkle)
Vinpocetine Treatments
Age-related cognitive decline Stroke (intravenous vinpocetine only) Vertigo Alzheimer s disease Memory Retinopathy Urinary incontinence
Vinpocetine Symptoms
Vinpocetine is not an essential nutrient, so no deficiencies are possible.
Vinpocetine Side Effects
Studies on vinpocetine report no serious side effects with amounts up to 60 mg per day. Vinpocetine has blood-thinning effects, which suggests that people with bleeding disorders or who are taking anticoagulant or other blood-thinning medications should consult a doctor before taking vinpocetine. However, one study found no such interaction between vinpocetine and the anticoagulant drug warfarin. Certain medicines may interact with vinpocetine. Refer to drug interactions for a list of those medicines.
Vanadium
Vanadium
Vanadium Supplement
Vanadium Information
Vanadium is an ultra-trace mineral found in the human diet and the human body. It is essential for some animals. Deficiency symptoms in these animals include growth retardation, bone deformities, and infertility. However, vanadium has not been proven to be an essential mineral for humans.
Vanadium Sources
Vanadium is found in very small amounts in a wide variety of foods, including seafood, cereals, mushrooms, parsley, corn, soy, and gelatin.
Vanadium Treatments
Type 2 diabetes
Vanadium Symptoms
Deficiencies of vanadium have not been reported in humans, and it is not known whether this mineral is essential for humans.
Vanadium Side Effects
Information about vanadium toxicity is limited. Workers exposed to vanadium dust can develop toxic effects. High blood levels have been linked to manic-depressive mental disorders, but the meaning of this remains uncertain. Vanadium sometimes inhibits, but at other times stimulates, cancer growth in animals. However, the effect in humans remains unknown. Vanadium is not known to interact with other nutrients. At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with vanadium.
Turmeric
Turmeric
Turmeric Supplement
Turmeric Treatments
Indigestion Rheumatoid arthritis Anterior uveitis (chronic) Atherosclerosis Bursitis Crohn’s disease Genital herpes (topical) HIV support Inflammation Low back pain Osteoarthritis (in combination with boswellia, ashwagandha, and zinc) Pre- and post-surgery health Ulcerative colitis
Turmeric Side Effects
Used in the recommended amounts, turmeric is generally safe. It has been used in large quantities as a condiment with no adverse reactions. Some herbal books recommend not taking high amounts of turmeric during pregnancy as it may cause uterine contractions and people with gallstones or obstruction of bile passages should consult their healthcare practitioner before using turmeric. At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with turmeric.
Tocotrienols
Tocotrienols
Tocotrienols Supplement
Tocotrienols Information
Tocotrienols are members of the vitamin E family. Like vitamin E, tocotrienols are potent antioxidants against lipid peroxidation (the damaging of fats by oxidation).
Tocotrienols Sources
Tocotrienols are found primarily in the oil fraction of rice bran, palm fruit, barley, and wheat germ. Supplemental sources of tocotrienols are derived from rice bran oil and palm oil distillates. Tocotrienol supplements are available in capsules and tablets.
Tocotrienols Treatments
Atherosclerosis High Cholesterol Stroke
Tocotrienols Symptoms
As it is not an essential nutrient, no deficiency state exists.
Tocotrienols Side Effects
No significant adverse effects have been reported with tocotrienols. Certain medicines may interact with tocotrienols. Refer to drug interactions for a list of those medicines.
Thyroid Extracts
Thyroid Extracts
Thyroid Extracts Supplement
Thyroid Extracts Information
Thyroid extracts are thyroid extracts derived from the thyroid glands of usually bovine (beef) sources.
Thyroid Extracts Sources
Thyroid extracts are available as nutritional supplements in capsules and tablets.
Thyroid Extracts Treatments
Hypothyroidism
Thyroid Extracts Symptoms
As thyroid extract is not an essential nutrient, therefore, no deficiency state exists.
Thyroid Extracts Side Effects
No side effects or adverse reactions have been reported. However, people taking prescription thyroid hormones should consult their doctor before using non-prescription thyroid extracts. At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with thyroid extracts.
Thymus Extracts
Thymus Extracts
Thymus Extracts Supplement
Thymus Extracts Information
Thymus extracts are extracts derived from the thymus glands usually of young calves (bovine). The thymus is one of our major immune system glands. It is composed of two soft pinkish-gray lobes lying in bib-like fashion just below the thyroid gland and above the heart. To a large extent, the health of the thymus determines the health of the immune system. The thymus is responsible for many immune system functions, including the production of T lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell responsible for “cell-mediated immunity.” Cell-mediated immunity refers to immune mechanisms not controlled or mediated by antibodies. Cell-mediated immunity is extremely important in the resistance to infection by certain bacteria, yeast (including Candida albicans), fungi, parasites, and viruses (including herpes simplex, Epstein-Barr, and the viruses that cause hepatitis). Cell-mediated immunity is also critical in protecting against the development of cancer, allergies, and autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis. The thymus gland also releases several hormones, such as thymosin, thymopoeitin, and serum thymic factor, that regulate many immune functions.
Thymus Extracts Sources
Thymus extracts (from bovine sources) are found in capsules and tablets as a dietary supplement. Thymomodulin is not available in the United States, and it is unknown whether any of the thymus extracts that are available have the same effects as Thymomodulin.
Thymus Extracts Treatments
Bronchitis Allergies Hay fever Hepatitis Immune function Recurrent upper respiratory tract infections Asthma HIV infection
Thymus Extracts Symptoms
Since it is not an essential nutrient, no deficiency state exists.
Thymus Extracts Side Effects
No side effects or adverse reactions have been reported with the use of thymus preparations. Certain medicines may interact with thymus extracts. Refer to drug interactions for a list of those medicines.