Side effects of vitamins for the heart

Side effects of vitamins for the heart: detailed guide

Vitamin A (retinol, retinal, retinoic acid and carotenoids)

Vitamin A, important for vision, immune function and cell growth, exists in two main forms: retinoids (contained in animal products) and carotenoids (contained in plant products). Despite its beneficial properties, excessive use of vitamin A, especially in the form of retinoids, can cause a number of side effects that potentially affect the cardiovascular system.

• Toxicity and hypervitaminosis A: The chronic use of high doses of vitamin A (more than 10,000 IU per day for adults) can lead to hypervitaminosis A. Symptoms include headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, irritability, pain in bones and joints, skin rashes and dry skin. In rare cases, hypervitaminosis and can lead to more serious complications, such as liver damage, an increase in intracranial pressure, and even death. Although the direct effect on the heart is less studied, long -term liver damage caused by excess vitamin A can indirectly affect the heart function.
• Influence on the level of lipids: Some studies show that high doses of vitamin A can affect the level of lipids in the blood. In particular, retinoids can increase the level of triglycerides, which is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. However, the results of the studies are ambiguous, and additional studies are needed to fully understand the relationship between vitamin A and lipid levels.
• Interaction with drugs: Vitamin A can interact with some drugs such as anticoagulants (for example, warfarin), increasing the risk of bleeding. This is especially important for people with cardiovascular diseases that take anticoagulants to prevent blood clots. The simultaneous use of vitamin A and anticoagulants should be carried out with caution and under the supervision of a doctor.
• Risks for pregnant women: High doses of vitamin A are associated with increased risk of congenital defects during pregnancy, including heart defects. Pregnant women should avoid the use of high doses of vitamin A, especially in the form of retinoids. A safe dose of vitamin A during pregnancy is less than 10,000 IU per day.

Vitamin B1 (Tiamin)

Vitamin B1, or Tiamin, plays a decisive role in the energy exchange and functioning of the nervous system. Tiamin deficiency can lead to serious complications, including Beri-Bury, which can affect the cardiovascular system. However, an excess of thiamine usually does not cause significant side effects.

• Rare side effects: Taking high doses of thiamine (more than 50 mg per day) rarely causes side effects. In some cases, minor side effects were reported, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches and anxiety. However, these side effects usually pass on their own and do not require medical intervention.
• Anaphylactic reactions: In very rare cases, intravenous administration of thiamine can cause anaphylactic reactions, especially in people with allergies to thiamine. Symptoms of anaphylactic reaction may include difficulty breathing, edema and throat, urticaria and dizziness. Anaphylactic reaction requires immediate medical care.
• Influence on the function of the kidneys: Some animal studies show that very high doses of thiamine can have a negative effect on the function of the kidneys. However, these results were not confirmed in people, and additional studies are needed to determine the effect of high doses of thiamine on the renal function.

Vitamin B3 (Niacin)

Vitamin B3, or Niacin, plays an important role in energy exchange and maintaining the health of the skin and nervous system. Niacin is also used to reduce cholesterol and triglycerides. However, high doses of niacin can cause a number of side effects, some of which can be serious.

• Redness of the skin: The most common side effect of niacin is redness of the skin, which is characterized by redness, itching and a burning sensation on the face, neck and chest. Redness of the skin is caused by the release of histamine and usually passes on its own within a few hours. Reception of niacin during eating or taking aspirin 30 minutes before taking niacin can help reduce redness of the skin.
• Liver damage: High doses of niacin (more than 3 grams per day) can cause liver damage, which can lead to an increase in the level of liver enzymes and, in rare cases, to liver failure. People with liver diseases should avoid taking high doses of niacin.
• Improving blood sugar: Niacin can increase blood sugar, which can be a problem for people with diabetes. People with diabetes taking niacin need to carefully monitor the level of blood sugar and, if necessary, adjust the dose of drugs for diabetes.
• Disorders of the gastrointestinal tract: Niacin can cause disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. These side effects are usually light and pass on their own.
• Influence on uric acid level: Niacin can increase uric acid level, which can increase the risk of gout. People with gout should avoid taking high doses of niacin.
• Arrhythmias: In rare cases, high doses of niacin can cause arrhythmias. People with heart diseases should consult a doctor before taking Niacin.
• Interaction with drugs: Niacin can interact with some drugs such as statins, increasing the risk of myopathy (muscle weakness). The simultaneous use of niacin and statins should be carried out with caution and under the supervision of a doctor.

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxin)

Vitamin B6, or pyridoxine, plays an important role in the metabolism of amino acids, the functioning of the nervous system and the formation of red blood cells. Vitamin B6 deficiency is rare, but high doses of vitamin B6 can cause a number of side effects.

• Nerves damage: Long -term use of high doses of vitamin B6 (more than 200 mg per day) can cause damage to nerves, known as sensory neuropathy. Symptoms of sensory neuropathy include numbness, tingling and pain in the arms and legs. In severe cases, sensory neuropathy can lead to a violation of coordination and difficulties when walking.
• Photo sensitivity: High doses of vitamin B6 can cause photosensitivity, which is characterized by increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight.
• Disorders of the gastrointestinal tract: High doses of vitamin B6 can cause disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
• Interaction with drugs: Vitamin B6 can interact with some drugs such as levodop (used to treat Parkinson’s disease), reducing the effectiveness of the drug.

Vitamin B9 (folic acid)

Vitamin B9, or folic acid, is necessary for cell growth, DNA synthesis and red blood cells. Folic acid is especially important for pregnant women, as it helps to prevent congenital defects in the nervous tube. Although folic acid is usually considered safe, high doses can mask vitamin B12 deficiency and cause other side effects.

• Masks of the deficiency of vitamin B12: High doses of folic acid can mask vitamin B12 deficiency, which can lead to irreversible damage to the nervous system. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause neurological symptoms, such as numbness, tingling, weakness and confusion.
• Interaction with drugs: Folic acid can interact with some drugs such as methotrexate (used to treat cancer and autoimmune diseases), reducing the effectiveness of the drug.
• Enlarged risk of cancer: Some studies have shown that high doses of folic acid can increase the risk of cancer, especially prostate cancer and colon cancer. However, the results of the studies are ambiguous, and additional studies are necessary to determine the effect of high doses of folic acid on the risk of cancer.

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin)

Vitamin B12, or cobalamin, is necessary for the functioning of the nervous system, the formation of red blood cells and DNA synthesis. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause a number of serious complications, including anemia, damage to the nervous system and cognitive disorders. Vitamin B12 is usually considered safe, even in high doses.

• Rare side effects: Vitamin B12 is usually well tolerated, and side effects are rare. In some cases, minor side effects were reported, such as nausea, diarrhea and skin rashes.
• Interaction with drugs: Vitamin B12 can interact with some drugs such as metformin (used to treat diabetes), reducing vitamin B12 absorption.

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)

Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is a powerful antioxidant that plays an important role in immune function, collagen synthesis and wound healing. Vitamin C is usually considered safe, but high doses can cause a number of side effects.

• Disorders of the gastrointestinal tract: High doses of vitamin C (more than 2000 mg per day) can cause disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain.
• The formation of kidney stones: High doses of vitamin C can increase the risk of kidney stones, especially in people prone to the formation of kidney stones.
• Interaction with drugs: Vitamin C can interact with some drugs such as warfarin, reducing the effectiveness of the medicine.
• Iron overload: Vitamin C can increase iron absorption, which can be a problem for people with hemochromatosis (a disease characterized by an excess of iron in the body).

Vitamin D (calciferol)

Vitamin D plays an important role in maintaining bone health, immune function and regulating the level of calcium in the blood. Vitamin D deficiency is common, but high doses of vitamin D can cause hypercalcemia (increased blood calcium in the blood) and other side effects.

• Hypercalcemia: High doses of vitamin D (more than 4000 IU per day) can cause hypercalcemia, which can lead to a number of symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, weakness, constipation, disorientation and, in severe cases, renal failure and arrhythmias.
• Calcium deposition in soft tissues: Chronic hypercalcemia can lead to calcium deposition in soft tissues, such as kidneys, heart and lungs.
• Interaction with drugs: Vitamin D can interact with some drugs such as digoxin (used to treat heart failure), increasing the risk of digoxin toxicity.

Vitamin E (tocopherol)

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects the cells from damage caused by free radicals. Vitamin E also plays an important role in the immune function and blood coagulation. High doses of vitamin E can increase the risk of bleeding and cause other side effects.

• Increased risk of bleeding: High doses of vitamin E (more than 800 IU per day) can increase the risk of bleeding, especially in people taking anticoagulants or antiplatelets.
• The risk of hemorrhagic stroke: Some studies have shown that high doses of vitamin E can increase the risk of hemorrhagic stroke (stroke caused by cerebral hemorrhage).
• Disorders of the gastrointestinal tract: High doses of vitamin E can cause disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, such as nausea, diarrhea and abdominal pain.
• Interaction with drugs: Vitamin E can interact with some drugs such as warfarin, increasing the risk of bleeding.

Vitamin K (Fillokhinon, Menakinon)

Vitamin K plays an important role in blood coagulation and maintaining bone health. Vitamin K deficiency is rare, but high doses of vitamin K can interact with anticoagulants.

• Interaction with anticoagulants: Vitamin K can interact with anticoagulants such as warfarin, reducing the effectiveness of the drug. People taking warfarin need to maintain a constant level of vitamin K consumption in order to avoid changes in blood coagulation.

Important considerations:

• Always consult a doctor or other qualified medical worker before taking any vitamin additives, especially if you have any diseases or you take any medicine.
• Do not exceed the recommended doses of vitamins. No longer always means better.
• Be careful when taking several vitamin additives at the same time, as this can increase the risk of side effects.
• Pay attention to any unusual symptoms that may occur after the start of taking vitamin additives, and inform your doctor about them.
• Get vitamins from a balanced diet when possible. Food sources of vitamins are usually safer and effective than additives.

Conclusion:

Vitamins are necessary to maintain health, but it is important to remember that high doses of vitamins can cause side effects, some of which can be serious. Always consult a doctor before taking any vitamin additives, and follow the dosage recommendations. A balanced diet is the best way to get the necessary vitamins.