My Vitamins Are Killing Me !! - Jeffrey Dach MD

DAVIE, Fla. - Dec. 19, 2014 - PRLog -- Which Vitamins Require Caution?
The water soluble vitamins C is readily excreted in the urine and therefore can be taken at high doses with no ill effects.  B vitamins are also considered relatively safe with the exception of vitamin B6, pyridoxine, which can be toxic causing sensory neuropathy above 300 mg per day.  The biologically active form of pyridoxine is called P-5-P (pyridoxal-5-phosphate) which has no reported toxicity and is preferred. (17-21)  Make sure your B Vitamin Complex uses the P-5-P version rather than plain old pyridoxine. We routinely measure serum P-5-P levels just to be on the safe side.  Niacin in large doses can cause characteristic flushing, and skin tingling of the neck and face.  Although harmless, this can be alarming to the unsuspecting patient who may seek medical assistance resulting in over-treatment for a harmless self-limiting symptom.  When considering B vitamin supplementation, it’s best to consult a knowledgeable physician to measure relevant levels and make dosage recommendations.

The fat soluble vitamins A and D can accumulate and cause toxicity at high doses over prolonged periods, so these must be monitored.  We routinely measure vitamin D blood levels, and supplement Vitamin D with serial monitoring of blood levels. Also, Vitamin E and fish oils have a blood thinning effect, which can cause bleeding tendencies.  Most anesthesiologists will recommend avoiding Vitamin E and Fish Oil prior to elective surgery to avoid bleeding.  Also, make sure to inform your surgeon or anesthesiologist about your intake of other blood thinners like aspirin, persantine or coumadin if you are thinking about having elective surgery.

This article is part one of a series.
Click here to read part two: http://jeffreydachmd.com/2013/12/vitamins-killing-two-jef...

Jeffrey Dach MD
Offices of Willow Grove
7450 Griffin Road, Suite 190
Davie, Fl 33314
Telephone (954) 792 - 4663