Vitamin Supplements

There are very few dangerous drug—nutrient interactions, but there are many drugs which interfere with the action of nutrients, thereby increasing your need:

• Aspirin increases the need for vitamin C
• The birth control pill and HRT increase the need for B6, B12, folic acid and zinc
• Antibiotics increase the need for B vitamins and beneficial bacteria
• Paracetamol increases the need for antioxidants Potentially dangerous combinations are:
• Warfarin (a blood-thinning drug), aspirin, vitamin E and high EPA/DHA fish oils: These all thin the blood and the combined effect is likely to be too strong. It is better to reduce the drugs and increase the nutrients, but first check with your doctor.
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• MAOI anti-depressants (such as Nardil or Parstelin) and yeast-containing supplements: Yeast and alcohol and specific foods must be avoided while on these drugs.
• Anti-convulsants and folic acid: Some anti-convulsant drugs are anti-folate, creating an increased need, yet supplementation can impair the action of the drug. Specialist advice from your doctor and clinical nutritionist is recommended. For epileptics, be careful of supplementing the brain nutrient DMAE or high-dose essential fatty acids such as evening primrose oil.
• Folic acid without B12: In cases of B12 deficiency, supplementing folic acid can reduce symptoms while the underlying deficiency gets worse. Therefore, it is best to supplement both nutrients, preferably as part of a B complex.

Dos and Don’ts of Supplement Taking

Very few problems occur with vitamin supplements. However, it is good to be aware of the following:

• Vitamin A (retinol) in doses in excess of 10,000iu (3000mcg) should not be given to pregnant women or women trying to conceive.
• Beta-carotene, in excess, makes your skin go yellow. If you have excessively yellowing skin check your beta-carotene intake from food and supplements. (This is quite different from jaundice or hepatitis in which the eyes go yellow too.)
• Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) makes your urine bright yellow. This is normal.
• Vitamin B3in the form of niacin, usually in doses of 100mg or more, can make you flush, and go red, hot and itchy for up to 30 minutes. This is normal and is not an allergy. While beneficial, if you do not like it you can take less or take half the dose twice a day. Your flushing potential decreases with regular supplementation.
• Vitamin C has a laxative effect in very high doses, normally above 5g a day. Some people are very sensitive, even at lg a day, while others can tolerate 10g a day. The ideal dose is the ‘bowel tolerance’ level so adjust your intake accordingly.

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