Food Nutrients
Vitamins

Vitamins

Functions of vitamins
Although vitamins do NOT give the body energy, they are essential for life as they are used as helpers in the extraction of energy (coenzymes). Vitamins help regulate metabolism, help convert fat and carbohydrates into energy, and assist in forming bone and tissue.

Source of vitamins
With the exception of vitamin D, (which can be made within the skin), vitamins cannot be made in the body; they must be provided in the diet or in dietary supplements. Some are produced for us within the gut, by bacteria that live there. We will discuss the food sources that are naturally rich in each particular vitamin below.

Required doses of vitamins
Although vitamins are essential for life, we do not need a lot of them. In states of good health and a well-balanced diet, we can get the vitamins we need from the food we eat. In states of altered metabolism (including mental and physical stresses, and during or following an illness), though, we may need more amounts of vitamins as the body's natural processes of healing and repair cannot go forward unless we have enough-sometimes more-of the vitamins required.

The recommended dietary allowance (RDA):

There may be a misunderstanding of the meaning of RDA. RDA is not the recommended amount of vitamins to take daily. Rather, it represents the minimum amount required to prevent an overt, frank deficiency-in healthy people with good absorption and the ability to maintain normal nutritional status.

The RDA underestimates the requirements of an organism under stress. It is not a good guide for your nutritional or dietary intake. For vitamin C, for example, the RDA is 60 milligrams a day-just enough to prevent scurvy in a healthy sailor.

The Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs)

These are a group that includes the following other nutrient measures:

RDAs
Adequate Intakes (AI)
Estimated Average Intakes (EAR)
Tolerable Upper Intakes (UL)
DRIs are slowly becoming the more accepted form for nutrient recommendations. Experts expect that DRIs will take the place of the RDAs in time.

The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of vitamins and minerals

g =grams
mg = milligrams (0.001 g)
mcg = micrograms (0.000001g)
IU = International Units
RE = Retinol Equivalent
Alpha TE = alpha Tocopherol equivalent
+ Generally the higher number was reported.
* AI (Adequate Intake) from the new Dietary Reference Intakes, 1997: Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Vitamin D, and Fluoride. Values have changed from previous RDA.
** RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance) from the new Dietary Reference Intakes, 1997: Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Vitamin D, and Fluoride. Values have changed from previous RDA.

Note: remember that the dosage above is prophylactic i.e. it is the minimum that you require per day, to prevent serious deficiency. The therapeutic dose of the nutrient is usually increased considerably, but the toxicity level must be kept in mind.

Classification of vitamins
13 different vitamins divided into two types, water-soluble and fat-soluble.

A. Fat-soluble vitamins: Four vitamins; A, D, E, and K are known as the fat-soluble vitamins. They are digested and absorbed with the help of fats that are in the diet.

B. Water-soluble vitamins: they include the vitamin B group of several vitamins and vitamin C, or ascorbic acid. These water-soluble vitamins are not stored in the body for long. Good sources should be eaten every day.

Multivitamins

Important tips about multivitamins
Do not take more of a multivitamin than is prescribed for you or is directed on the package. Large doses of multivitamins can be dangerous.

What are multivitamins?
Vitamins are naturally occurring substances necessary for many processes in the body. Vitamins are found in the foods we eat.

Multivitamins are combinations of vitamins in tablets, capsules, liquids, and injections. Multivitamins are used to treat vitamin shortages in the body that may occur because of illness, pregnancy, poor nutrition, decreased absorption of foods through the stomach, and many other circumstances.

Multivitamins may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Contraindications of multivitamins
Some multivitamins may affect other medical conditions or treatments. Do not start taking a multivitamin without first talking to your doctor if you have any health problems or conditions, or if you take other prescription or over-the-counter medications.

Multivitamins are generally considered to be safe for use during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Special prenatal vitamins are available and are important for the healthy development of a baby. However, large doses of some vitamins can be harmful. Talk to your doctor about taking a vitamin and mineral supplement during pregnancy or breast-feeding.

Administration of multivitamins
Take multivitamins exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Take multivitamins with food to lessen stomach upset.

Some multivitamins are available in a chewable tablet formulation. Chew these tablets thoroughly before swallowing.

Some multivitamins are also available in liquid form. To ensure that you get the correct dosage, measure liquid multivitamins with a dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.

Do not take more of a multivitamin than is prescribed for you or is directed on the package. Large doses of multivitamins can be dangerous.

Store multivitamins at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

In case of missing a dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose.

In case of overdosage
Seek emergency medical attention.

Most commonly, symptoms of a multivitamin overdose include nausea and vomiting.

Avoid the following while taking multivitamins
There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activities while you are taking multivitamin supplements. Follow any special instructions your doctor gives you.

Side effects of multivitamins
Stop taking multivitamins and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Nausea, constipation, black stools, and diarrhea are among the most common. Taking multivitamins with food may decrease these side effects.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Other drugs that will affect multivitamins
Before taking a multivitamin, tell your doctor if you are taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines. You may not be able to take the multivitamin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you are taking any other medicines.

Need more information?
Your pharmacist has more information about multivitamins written for health professionals that you may read.

Prescription details
Multivitamins are available by prescription and over-the-counter generically and under many brand names in several formulations. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

Multivitamins and minerals

Important tips about multivitamins and minerals
Do not take more of a multivitamin and minerals than is prescribed for you or is directed on the package. Large doses of multivitamins and minerals can be dangerous.

What are multivitamins and minerals?
Vitamins and minerals are naturally occurring substances necessary for many processes in the body. Vitamins and minerals are found in the foods we eat.

Multivitamins (combinations of vitamins) and minerals are available in tablets, capsules, liquids, and injections. Multivitamins and minerals are used to treat vitamin and mineral shortages in the body that may occur because of illness, pregnancy, poor nutrition, decreased absorption of foods through the stomach, and many other circumstances.

Multivitamins and minerals may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Contraindications of multivitamins and minerals
Some multivitamins and minerals may affect other medical conditions or treatments. Do not start taking a vitamin or mineral without first talking to your doctor if you have any health problems or conditions, or if you take other medications.

Multivitamins and minerals are generally considered safe for use during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Special prenatal vitamins are available and are important for the healthy development of a baby. However, large doses of some vitamins can be harmful. Talk to your doctor about taking a vitamin and mineral supplement during pregnancy or breast-feeding.

Administration of multivitamins and minerals
Take multivitamins and minerals exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Take multivitamins and minerals with food to lessen stomach upset.

Some multivitamins and minerals are available in a chewable tablet formulation. Chew these tablets thoroughly before swallowing.

Some multivitamins and minerals are also available in liquid form. To ensure that you get the correct dosage, measure liquid multivitamins and minerals with a dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.

Do not take more of a vitamin or mineral than is prescribed for you or is directed on the package. Large doses of multivitamins and minerals can be dangerous.

Store multivitamins and minerals at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

In case of missing a dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose.

In case of overdosage
Seek emergency medical attention.

Most commonly, symptoms of a vitamin and mineral overdose include nausea and vomiting.

Avoid the following while taking multivitamins and minerals
There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activities while you are taking vitamin or mineral supplements. Follow any special instructions your doctor gives you.

Side effects of multivitamins and minerals
Stop taking multivitamins and minerals and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Nausea, constipation, black stools, and diarrhea are among the most common. Taking multivitamins and minerals with food may decrease these side effects.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Other drugs that will affect multivitamins and minerals
Before taking a multivitamin and mineral, tell your doctor if you are taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines. You may not be able to take the multivitamin and mineral supplement, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you are taking any other medicines.

Need more information?
Your pharmacist has more information about multivitamins and minerals written for health professionals that you may read.

Prescription details
Multivitamins and minerals are available by prescription and over-the-counter generically and under many brand names in several formulations. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.