Why do vitamins make me nauseous
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Why Do Vitamins Make Me Nauseous?
Vitamin Overdose and Nausea
One of the primary reasons vitamins can cause nausea is due to overdosing. When taken in large doses, certain vitamins can lead to adverse effects, including nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. This is particularly true for fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K, which can accumulate in the body and reach toxic levels more easily than water-soluble vitamins2. Overdosing on vitamin supplements, rather than obtaining vitamins from food, is a common cause of these side effects2.
Individual Tolerances and Health Conditions
Individual tolerances to vitamins can vary widely based on factors such as age and overall health. Some people may experience nausea even at lower doses if they have underlying health conditions or sensitivities. For instance, a case study reported that a woman experienced nausea and vomiting after taking a dietary supplement containing vitamin D, which led to vitamin D intoxication4. This highlights the importance of considering personal health conditions when taking vitamin supplements.
Vitamin B6 and Nausea Management
Interestingly, while some vitamins can cause nausea, others can help manage it. Vitamin B6, for example, has been shown to be effective in reducing nausea and vomiting, particularly in pregnant women. A study found that women with severe nausea experienced a significant reduction in symptoms after taking vitamin B6 compared to a placebo1. This suggests that the relationship between vitamins and nausea is complex and can vary depending on the specific vitamin and context.
Conclusion
In summary, vitamins can cause nausea primarily due to overdosing, individual tolerances, and underlying health conditions. While some vitamins like B6 can help alleviate nausea, others, especially when taken in excess, can lead to adverse effects. It is crucial to follow recommended dosages and consider personal health factors when taking vitamin supplements to avoid these unpleasant side effects.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Vitamin B6 is effective therapy for nausea and vomiting of pregnancy: A randomized, double‐blind placebo‐controlled study
Vitamin B6 therapy significantly reduced the severity of nausea and the number of patients with vomiting in pregnant women with severe nausea compared to placebo.
RCT
Highly CitedA review on adverse effects of overdose vitamins on human health
Overdosing on vitamins can cause side-effects like nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting, with recovery often achieved by reducing the dosage.
Literature ReviewVitamins and Minerals for Energy, Fatigue and Cognition: A Narrative Review of the Biochemical and Clinical Evidence
B vitamins, vitamin C, iron, magnesium, and zinc play crucial roles in cognitive and psychological processes, and their deficiency can lead to fatigue and mental symptoms.
Literature Review
Very Rigorous JournalHighly CitedDietary supplement-induced vitamin D intoxication.
Dietary supplements can cause vitamin D intoxication, causing fatigue, constipation, back pain, forgetfulness, nausea, and vomiting, and should be carefully evaluated for potential risks.
Case ReportVitamin D Toxicity: A Clinical Perspective
Vitamin D toxicity (VDT) is caused by excessive long-term intake of vitamin D, malfunctions in the vitamin D metabolic pathway, or coincidental disease, and can result in severe hypercalcemia if not promptly identified.
Highly CitedSupplementation with vitamin C and N-acetyl-cysteine increases oxidative stress in humans after an acute muscle injury induced by eccentric exercise.
Vitamin C and N-acetyl-cysteine supplementation after an acute muscle injury can transiently increase tissue damage and oxidative stress.
RCTHighly CitedSystematic review with meta‐analysis: The effect of vitamin E supplementation in adult patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Vitamin E supplementation may improve biochemical and histological parameters in adult patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Meta-Analysis
Rigorous JournalAN OVERVIEW OF THE LEVEL OF KNOWLEDGE ON SELF-MEDICATING VITAMIN C STUDENTS D III PHARMACY STIKES WDH TANGERANG DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
During the Covid-19 pandemic, 96.88% of D III Pharmacy students at STIKes Widya Dharma Husada Tangerang had a "Good" knowledge of self-medicating with vitamin C.
The Effect of a High-Dose Vitamin B Multivitamin Supplement on the Relationship between Brain Metabolism and Blood Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress: A Randomized Control Trial
High-dose B-group vitamin supplementation may reduce oxidative stress and inflammation by increasing oxidative metabolism, potentially promoting myelination, cellular metabolism, and energy storage.
RCTVery Rigorous JournalHighly CitedVitamin D deficiency changes the intestinal microbiome reducing B vitamin production in the gut. The resulting lack of pantothenic acid adversely affects the immune system, producing a "pro-inflammatory" state associated with atherosclerosis and autoimmunity.
Vitamin D deficiency alters the intestinal microbiome, leading to reduced pantothenic acid production, increased arthritic pain, and a pro-inflammatory immune response.
Highly Cited