Some side effects are more common than others 2 , 3. These include 2 , 3 :. These gut-related side effects are generally minor and often temporary. They tend to disappear as your body gets used to taking the multivitamin. Rarer side effects of multivitamins include 2 , 3 :.
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 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. 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. 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. 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. Nutrient levels in some multivitamins may sometimes even reach or exceed the daily UL. Megadoses of some nutrients may not be particularly harmful, but extremely high doses of certain nutrients can seriously harm your health 4. 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.
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 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 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 , 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 However, some supplements may be better off consumed on their own.
Multivitamins that contain a lot of iron like a prenatal vitamin or iron supplements themselves can cause nausea, according to Dr. Some research suggests that multivitamins could cause side effects when taken at the same time estrogen levels are elevated which could happen with birth control , Hensrud added. For example, iron is better absorbed when taken with vitamin C, Poppers explained.
Taking iron with calcium, however, may have the opposite effect. The label on your vitamins should provide directions for taking them, along with details on ingredients, manufacturing and the percent daily value for that nutrient. Check the information before taking it to see what else you should know. People can typically get their recommended daily amount through a proper diet. Find out more about the different vitamin supplements — and when best to take them — on the NHS website.
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