special subjects
Multivitamins and Megavitamins
What are the possible side effects of multivitamins and megavitamins?
Taking multivitamins that provide nutrients in amounts that are similar to recommended daily intakes should be safe for most healthy people. However, there are certain risks: Large doses of beta-carotene,vitamin E, and possiblyvitamin Ain multivitamins or megavitamins can increase the risk of death. Multivitamins and megavitamins containing large amounts ofvitamin Aor beta-carotene could increase the risk of lung cancer in people who smoke or who used to smoke. Use of multivitamins or megavitamins containing large amounts ofvitamin Aby pregnant women could increase the risk of birth defects in their babies. Use of excessively high doses of certain vitamins (for example,vitamin A) can cause toxicity. can elevate the level of calcium in the blood (see Hypercalcemia (High Level of Calcium in the Blood) ). Use of supplements with large amounts of calcium can increase the risk of a heart attack, and high doses of some antioxidants (such asvitamin E) could increase the risk of prostate cancer in men. If the multivitamin or megavitamin capsule or pill is very large, older people may have difficulty with swallowing and be at risk of choking. 