Nutrition, deficiency & diseases: side effects

Showing posts with label side effects. Show all posts

Magnesium supplement side effects

Home › Magnesium daily requirement › Magnesium homeostasis › Magnesium supplement side effects
Magnesium (Mg) supplements rarely cause side effects in healthy individuals as excess Mg is removed and excreted by the kidneys.

Advertisements

Magnesium is available in multivitamin-mineral supplements. Magnesium is also available in dietary supplements and magnesium fortified foods. Compounds of magnesium as aspartate, citrate, lactate, and chloride are readily absorbed. Mg is also present in certain laxatives and antacids, which may cause mild side effects.

Magnesium is naturally available in plant food such as leafy green vegetables, seeds, nuts, and whole cereal products. Eating balanced diet rich with fruits and vegetables can contribute much to the daily requirement of the mineral. However, dietary surveys in the United States consistently show that a majority of Americans of all ages ingest less magnesium than their daily demand. The situation is due excessive emphasis on calcium supplementation as well as erratic eating habits, nutrient-depleted diet and skewed nutrient ratios.

Considering the possible harmful outcome of megadose of magnesium, the Food and Nutrition Board (FNB) at the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies (USA) has established the upper limit for magnesium in dietary supplements. Please note that this daily upper limit pertains only to supplements. There is no limitation for magnesium sourced from natural foods. The upper limits are: children 1–3 years - 65 mg; children 4–8 years - 110 mg; children 9–18 years - 350 mg; and adults - 350 mg.

Side effects of magnesium supplements

The common supplements of Mg are compounds containing aspartate, taurate, carbonate, oxide, hydroxide, citrate, lactate, glycinate and chloride of Mg, which are generally well tolerated.

Calcium supplement side effects

Mar 2014 Home › Calcium deficiency › Calcium requirement › Calcium supplement side effects

Calcium supplements, when taken within the tolerable upper intake levels (UL), are well tolerated and have almost no side effects.

Advertisements

In rare cases, taking calcium supplements may cause some minor side effects such as stomach and intestinal irritation, belching, bloating, flatulence and constipation. These minor side effects may be nullified by taking the calcium supplements with food. The absorption of the supplement is directly related to the vitamin D status of an individual. However doses over and above the UL can increase the risk of renal calculus (kidney stone), prostate cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Dietary calcium supplements

Calcium supplements are prescribed and used to prevent and treat deficiency. Recommended dietary allowance (RDA) by the Office of Dietary Supplements, National Institutes of Health, United States, for adults ranges from 1000 mg to 1300 mg. It is recommended to spread the doses over the day, ideally every 6 to 8 hours. It is also advised not to take more than 600 mg at a time as with the increase in the intake, the absorption of the mineral decreases.

Zinc overdose

Selenium overdose

Calcium overdose

Zinc deficiency symptoms

Calcium carbonate side effects

Calcium citrate side effects

These supplements are marketed in various forms of carbonate, citrate, phosphate, lactate, gluconate, aspartate, malate and fumarate salts of calcium. An important fact to be noted is that the mineral requirements are always expressed in terms of the amount of required elemental form. For example, 1000 mg of carbonate supplement tablet will contain only 40% or 400 mg of the elemental calcium.

Calcium carbonate
It is the most common and the least expensive supplement. It better absorbed when taken along with the food. Acidic conditions in the intestine help in better absorption. Some individuals may develop mild side effects like stomach and intestinal discomfort and flatulence when the carbonate form is consumed. Carbonate form contains 40% of the element. Coral calcium is predominantly a carbonate salt and has traces of other minerals. Several brands of antacids also contain the carbonate salt.

Calcium citrate

Citrate supplements are easily absorbed by the intestines and are devoid of side effects. The bioavailability of the citrate is comparable to carbonate supplements. Citrate salt has no effect over the stomach acid. In persons with impaired gastric acid production the citrate compound is the supplement of choice. Citrate form is prefered over carbonate form in patients who have undergone gastric bypass surgery. These citrate salts contribute about 21.1% of the element. However citrate supplements are costlier when compared to carbonates and more of it has to be taken to get same amount of the element.

Calcium phosphate
Calcium phosphate supplement is available in the form of dicalcium phosphate and Microcrystalline Hydroxyapatite (MH). Hydroxyapatite is about 40% of the element. It is expensive when compared to carbonate supplements. In some persons mild side effects have been noted.

Calcium lactate
Unlike carbonate salt, lactate compound can be absorbed at various PHs and can be taken separately with no side effects. It is used as a supplement as well as an antacid. The available element in the compound is less and it is expensive.

Calcium gluconate
This compound is used intravenously to treat hypocalcemia. Side effects include nausea, constipation, upset stomach.

The tolerable upper intake levels (ULs)

ULs for infants: 0-6 months of age is 1,000 mg/day
6-12 months of age is 1,500 mg/day

ULs for children: 1-8 years of age is 2,500 mg/day
9-13 years of age is 3,000 mg/day

ULs for adolescents: 14-18 years of age is 3,000 mg/day

ULs for adults: 19-50 years of age is 2,500 mg/day
above 51 years of age is 2,000 mg/day

ULs for pregnant or lactating women: 14-18 years of age is 3,000 mg/day
19-50 years of age is 2,500 mg/day

Calcium side effects

The major side effect of excessively high intake of calcium is hypercalcemia. Hypercalcemia, high levels of calcium in the blood, is primarily associated with primary hyperparathyroidism and cancers. Some of the side effects of excessive intake of calcium supplements are:

Hypercalcemia: Some of the symptoms and side effects of severe hypercalcemia include, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, indigestion, constipation, excessive thirst, frequent urination, muscle pain, joint pain, weakness, lethargy, formation of kidney stones, high levels of calcium in the urine, prostate cancer, calcification of soft tissues, heart arrhythmia and confusion.

Hypercalciuria: Hypercalciuria is a side effect of high intake of supplements. Hypercalciuria is considered to be present when urinary excretion of calcium exceeds 250 mg/day in women or 275-300 mg/day in men. It is the outcome of kidney's inability to reabsorb calcium. The presence of hypercalcemia and the related renal insufficiency leads to hypercalciuria. Hypercalciuria may also occur due to hyperabsorption of calcium in the intestines or enhanced excretion of the mineral.

Decreased renal efficiency: Decreased renal efficiency can either be the cause of hypercalcemia or arise as the side effect of hypercalcemia. Excessive blood levels of calcium damages kidney function affecting the renal efficiency. In persons with compromised renal health slightly higher levels of the mineral in the diet can bring about many of the side effects. In aged people there is decrease in renal efficiency and slightly higher levels of calcium may become problematic.

Metastatic calcification (soft tissue calcification): Metastatic calcification is deposition of calcium salts in the normal tissues. The cause is high blood levels of the mineral. Interstitial tissues of the blood vessels, kidneys, lungs, and gastric mucosa may get affected. Nephrocalcinosis, deposition of calcium salts in the renal parenchyma, may occur as a side effect of excess consumption of the supplements. Hypercalciuria and hypercalciuria are the basic causes for nephrocalcinosis.

Calcification of vascular tissues and cardiovascular risks: Decrease in the renal function increases the risks of cardiovascular disease. Deposition of the mineral inside the blood vessels leads to side effects like their calcinosis.

Nephrolithiasis (formation of kidney stones): Hypercalciuria is the primary contributing factor for the formation of kidney stones. Various dietary and non-dietary factors are involved in the formation of kidney stones. About 80% of the kidney stones involve calcium.

Burnett's syndrome (milk-alkali syndrome): Milk-alkali syndrome is characterized by hypercalcemia. Milk-alkali syndrome is caused in persons taking excessive amounts of milk and antacids in order to control dyspepsia (indigestion). High alkaline condition along with the side effects of excessive calcium inhibits parathyroid hormone secretion by the parathyroid gland leading to high blood levels. Milk-alkali syndrome when not properly treated can lead to deposition of the mineral salts in otherwise normal tissue and renal failure.

Calcium and nutrient interactions

Absorption of iron in the intestines is affected in the presence of calcium. The interaction can be minimized by taking the supplement a few hours after the food. When anemia is being treated, milk, yogurt and antacids should not be taken at the same time as iron as they will interfere with iron absorption.

Calcium and zinc compete in their absorption by the body. Calcium at higher doses affects the absorption zinc whereas zinc at high doses affects absorption of the other mineral. It is advisable to take these supplements at different times to avoid the side effects.

Calcium supplements interactions with medications

Dietary supplements are known to interact with several types of medications. Individuals under any type of medication may take the advice of their health provider before starting on any supplement, as there is always a possibility of interaction or side effect.

Calcium supplements can give side effects and decrease the absorption of antibiotics like fluoroquinolone, ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin and tetracyclines. At least one hour gap may be given between the antibiotic and the supplement.
The absorption of bisphosphonates given for the treatment of osteoporosis is decreased. The absorption of phenytoin (antiepileptic drug) and levothyroxine (hormone) is affected.
Thiazide-type diuretics can increase the risk of side effects when taken along with the supplements.
Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium increase the urinary excretion of the element.
Laxatives decrease the absorption of the mineral.
Prolonged use of glucocorticoids has serious side effects and can deplete the mineral in the body.
Estrogen pills apart from their side effects can increase the blood levels of the mineral in the body.
Intravenous ceftriaxone and calcium can give rise life-threatening side effects and there should be at least 48 hours gap in administration.

Pyruvic acid helps in the conversion of sugar and starches into energy. Pyruvic acid is a naturally occurring chemical in the body. Pyruvic acid is found to increase the fat metabolism. To increase metabolic rates and burn more fat, calcium pyruvate supplement is taken, which is a combination of pyruvic acid and with the element. Up to one gram of pyruvic acid per meal per day is recommended for a week. During the treatment, if calcium rich food is consumed or supplements are also taken, there is a likelihood of exceeding the safe upper limits causing several side effects.

Advertisements

Related topics in nutrition, deficiency
and diseases:
Vitamin deficiency diseases.
Protein deficiency.
Carbohydrates deficiency.
Minerals deficiency.
Fats deficiency.
Nutritional deficiency.
Docosahexaenoic acid.
Eicosapentaenoic acid.
Arachidonic acid.
Low blood calcium.

Interesting topics in nutrition, deficiency
and diseases:
High calcium in blood.
Porous bones.
Zinc immune system.
Zinc for diarrhea.
Osteomalacia treatment.
Zinc rich foods.
Zinc health benefits.
Keshan disease.
Selenium sulfide shampoo.
Selenium yeast.

Reference:
Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet. National Institutes of Health.
http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Calcium-HealthProfessional/

Current topic on nutrition, deficiency diseases:
calcium supplements and side effects.

Excess zinc side effects - Zinc overdose symptoms

Home › Zinc in nutrition › Zinc excess and overdose

Excess zinc and overdose levels have adverse and serious effects on our health. From food sources, people can rarely reach overdose levels.

However intake of supplements in excess and use of zinc products can be harmful, leading to copper deficiency and resultant neurological damage. As specific minerals may serve different functions in the body, the symptoms of excess or low levels may be numerous.

USDA Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for zinc is 11 mg/day for men and 8 mg/day for women. The recent median intake of this trace mineral from food in United States is approximately 14 mg/day for men and 11 mg/day for women. For an adult, FDA approved Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) of supplements of this trace mineral is 40 mg/day and consumption in excess of this level can pose certain risks.

Effects of zinc overdose

gastrointestinal distress
The immediate acute effects of overdose of this trace mineral are metallic taste in the mouth, headache, epigastric pain, lack of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea and related gastrointestinal distress.
Copper and iron metabolism
Zinc overdose suppresses copper and iron absorption and leads to nutritional deficiency of these trace minerals, anemia and neurological problems.
Overdose of 200-300 mg/day has been found to induce copper deficiency and connected neurological problems.
Prolonged use of its supplements ranging about 150 mg per day, apart from low copper status and decreased iron function, can result in red blood cell microcytosis, a type of anemia characterized by small red blood cells.
Neutropenia, a condition of an abnormally low number of neutrophils (white blood cells) may also result due to excess and overdose of the mineral.
Urinary and genital complications
In a trial on elderly men, an intake at 80 mg/day has shown increased urinary complications and hospitalizations.
Taking excess of this mineral in the form of supplements may cause its elevated levels in prostate gland and may increase the risk factors of enlarged prostrate gland or prostate cancer.
Zinc and medications
This mineral may interfere with the absorption of antibiotics like ciprofloxacin, enoxacin, ofloxacin, quinolone, trovafloxacin, sparfloxacin, tetracycline, demeclocycline and minocycline.
There is interaction in the gastrointestinal tract when both the mineral and antibiotic are taken together. and the absorption of both antibiotic and the mineral is inhibited. Differing the intake time of the supplement by at least 2-4 hours before or after the intake of antibiotic may solve the problem.
Similarly its overdose interferes with the absorption of rheumatoid arthritis drug, penicillamine, and spacing the intake time by at least two hours helps in the absorption of both.

Suppression of immune response, loss of smell sense, decrease in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and renal failure are some of the adverse effects of chronic overdose with its supplements.

Channels to excess zinc levels

Taking its supplements in excess of the recommended dosage,
eating or drinking acidic food from zinc containers or containers galvanized with this metal,
swallowing things made of its metallic form,
inhaling freshly formed zinc oxide fumes,
ingestion through overuse of denture adhesive creams,
nasal sprays containing this trace mineral,
Frequent use of cold lozenges containing the trace mineral,
accidental consumption of topical products containing zinc,
drinking well-water contaminated by zinc fertilizers,
accumulation in patients with acute renal failure,
haemochromatosis patients may accumulate excess zinc levels,

Consuming zinc in excess of one gram may prove to be fatal.

Related topics:
Health benefits
Role in immunity
Current Nutrition Deficiency and Diseases' topic : Zinc overdose - Excess zinc

Home
Index

Selenium Side effects - Selenium overdose - Too much selenium

Home › Nutritional deficiency › Too much Selenium - side effects - overdose

Exceeding the upper tolerable levels of selenium is fraught with many overdose side effects.

While it is being advised to take adequate levels of the essential trace mineral selenium either through food or through supplements, there is a lurking danger of overdose and side effects by taking too much of it.

In fact the adult requirement is only 50-60 mcg. However the tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) is also low and there is a possibility of excess intake

Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) of selenium and its overdose

When blood levels of this essential trace mineral exceed 100 μg (mcg or micrograms per one deciliter (dL) of blood, selenosis, an excess of the mineral condition with many side effects is caused. Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) has been set by The Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences, for preventing the risks of selenosis, at 400 micro-grams per day for adults.

Tolerable Upper Intake Levels for Infants, Children, and Adults.

Age	Males and Females (μg/day)
0 - 6 months	45
7 - 12 months	60
1-3 years	90
4-8 years	150
9-13 years	280
14-18 years	400
19 years +	400

Selenium intake at levels above the UL carry very high risk of overdose and the resultant side effects.

Causes of selenium overdose

Normally we get sufficient of this mineral from our diet. The situation of excess can occur in the following circumstances.

Excess presence in soil and food.
Soils in different regions of the world contain varying levels of selenium.
Foods grown in very high selenium bearing soils have too much of it and cause selenosis.
A typical example is the case in China where people suffered selenosis when they consumed corn grown on carbonaceous shale which was extremely rich in selenium (as much much as 9%).

Self medication and excess and unregulated use of supplements
Use of selenium supplements without proper analysis of the requirement can lead to excess consumption and overdose. Frequent use of Brazil nuts and other foods very rich in the mineral can lead too much accumulation of it in the body causing the health problems.

Selenium side effects on consuming too much of it

Side effects of consumption of too much of this mineral include garlic odor in breath, lung problems, breathlessness gastrointestinal irritation, stomach upsets, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, fatigue, muscle cramps, restlessness, listlessness, dementia, behavioral problems, metallic taste in the mouth, hair loss, skin inflammation, tooth decay, and fingernail discoloration.

Other problems on too much of this mineral are damage to nervous system, impairment of liver, impairment of kidney, thyroid malfunction, jaundice, dermatitis, birth defects, and stunting of growth. In extreme cases fever and damage to lung and heart occur and may result in mortality.

Relief, treatment and cure from selenium side effects

Treating selenosis starts with removing the causative factor. The patient is made to drink sufficient water to flush out the excess reducing the problems. There is no antidote for this mineral. In severe overdose cases hospitalization is necessary for the convalescence of the patient and for the treatment.

Selenium overdose and side effects(current topic).

Home
Index

Niacin flush - side effects - cholesterol control

Home > Niacin flush side effects during cholesterol control

Benefits of niacin like increase in good cholesterol and lipid management and control outnumber its side effects - niacin flush.

Niacin, when taken for cholesterol control, in its nicotinic acid form causes reactions which are called 'niacin flush'. The necessity and benefits of niacin in nutrition are well known.

There are other uses of niacin in achieving good health. Niacin, though in its nicotinic acid form has been found to control cholesterol.

Dyslipidemia

Dyslipidemia is the disorder of blood lipid levels. Usually dyslipidemia occurs as an elevation of lipid levels in the blood and is hyperlipidemia .

This increase and the lack of cholesterol control is due to many factors like genes, food habits, malnutrition and lifestyle. The side effects of chronic high levels of insulin is dyslipidemia.

Benefits of niacin in control of cholesterol

To reduce the blood serum lipids there are cholesterol control ways like exercise, regulated diet and medication.

Nicotinic acid helps in the regulation of lipid levels.

Niacin is very effective in lowering triglycerides, serum lipids and in low density cholesterol.

Niacin doses of 500 mg, 1000 mg and even 2 gm are prescribed for lipid control.

In high doses,though there is flush and side effects, serum levels of both 'very low density lipoprotein' (VLDL) and 'low density lipoprotein' (LDL) are reduced and the serum level of 'high density lipoprotein' (HDL) is increased with control of cholesterol .

Clinical trials have demonstrated that nicotinic acid effectively controls progress of atherosclerosis (fat deposits in arteries) and cardiovascular disease.

However it has these very unpleasant side effects.

Causes, signs and symptoms of niacin flush

Cutaneous reddening and pruritus (itch) are side effects of taking higher doses of nicotinic acid in cholesterol control.

Nicotinic acid adverse reactions occurs within 30 minutes of ingestion of the tablet, causing cutaneous reddening of face and neck and trunk.

Side effects like gastrointestinal upset, headache, warmth, tingling and itching of face and the trunk may also occur during flush.

There can be pricking and itching sensations on the body during the side effects.

Particularly the areas of the body which are covered by the dress show more adverse reactions like pricking sensations during the flush.

The side effects are due to dilation of the capillaries in the skin and greater blood flow to the skin.

Earlier it was believed that histamine was the cause of it. However it was found that histamine was not involved in the reactions.

It is found that Prostaglandin is the prime cause for inducing the adverse reactions like flush during cholesterol control; serotonin also has a role in the reactions.

These nicotinic acid symptoms and side effects last for about an hour and then they subside.

Treatment and remedies for niacin flush

Though niacin flush is harmless the severity of the symptoms sometimes deter people from continuing taking niacin effective cholesterol is not achieved.

The symptoms and side effects of 'niacin flush' usually subside after 60 minutes. Tolerance to nicotinic acid develops slowly and the reactions also usually taper off.

It is advised to take two to four split doses to reduce adverse reactions.

It is advised not to do exercise immediately after taking the tablets.

Starting the niacin dosage at low levels and gradually increasing it over a period of time may prevent the severity of side effects.

If there is a break in this treatment for cholesterol control, it is advised to go back to initial low doses and gradually increase it to avoid recurrence of severe side effects.

Taking aspirin or ibuprofen 30 minutes before taking niacin tablet helps in preventing it.

However as these drugs are notorious for stomach irritation and bleeding consult your healthcare provider about the dosage and suitability.

Taking hot beverages or alcohol around the time of niacin consumption may cause severity in these side effects.

Take niacin tablet along with food so that absorption will be slower and may reduce it.

Drinking up to 250 ml of water dilutes the vitamin and adverse reactions are reduced.

If there are any indications of the start of flush, immediately take plenty of water to stop or to control it.

Say no to 'flush free' or no-flush' niacin

Inositol hexanicotinate is a very efficient vitamin B3 supplement. This vitamin B3 form is being branded and sold as 'flush free' and 'no flush' niacin.

This product is available in 200mg, 500mg and 1000mg strengths as reaction free tablets over the counter. They are only vitamin supplements.

Though it does not cause side effects, cholesterol reduction is not achieved and the purpose is not achieved.

Experiments have proved that, this 'no flush' vitamin B3 has no effects and there is no niacin reactions.

Nicotinamide and niacinamide also are not useful in cholesterol control and hypercholesterolemia management and do not cause side reactions.

The addition of amide group inhibits niacin reactions and vasodilation.

So there is no cholesterol control, no reactions and no side effects.

So the best way is to get around niacin reactions with precautions and control cholesterol for our healthy life.

Related topics:
Pellagra disease
Causes
Symptoms
Diagnosis-Treatment
Dr Joseph Goldberger

Current topic:
Niacin flush in cholesterol control and side effects.

Home
Index

Underweight	:below 18.5
Normalweight	:18.5-24.9
Overweight	:25-29.9
Obesity	:above 30.0

Body Mass Index
cm/kgin/lb
Height:
Weight:

BMI:

Nutrition, deficiency & diseases

Magnesium supplement side effects

Side effects of magnesium supplements

Calcium supplement side effects

Dietary calcium supplements

The tolerable upper intake levels (ULs)

Calcium side effects

Calcium and nutrient interactions

Calcium supplements interactions with medications

Excess zinc side effects - Zinc overdose symptoms

Effects of zinc overdose

Channels to excess zinc levels

Selenium Side effects - Selenium overdose - Too much selenium

Exceeding the upper tolerable levels of selenium is fraught with many overdose side effects.

Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) of selenium and its overdose

Causes of selenium overdose

Selenium side effects on consuming too much of it

Relief, treatment and cure from selenium side effects

Niacin flush - side effects - cholesterol control

Dyslipidemia

Causes, signs and symptoms of niacin flush

Treatment and remedies for niacin flush

Say no to 'flush free' or no-flush' niacin

1.Zinc

2.Selenium

3.Vitamin C

4.Vitamin B₃

5.Proteins