Supplements Guide: Side Effects & Best Multivitamins

Vitamins and supplements like melatonin and fish oil offer health benefits but can cause side effects if misused. Learn about the impact of saw palmetto on blood pressure and find the best multivitamins for young women and adults over 50.

Woman Holding And Showing Medication Capsule

L-Tyrosine for Fatigue

L-tyrosine is an amino acid that is purported to help boost flagging energy levels or reduce fatigue-related memory problems, often attributed to hormonal insufficiencies due to adrenal fatigue or poor thyroid function. You will find L-tyrosine in tablet, capsule and pill forms.

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cottage

Coke & Phosphorus

Since Civil War veteran and pharmacist John Pemberton introduced Coca-Cola in the late 19th century, millions of people have turned to the product and other colas as their everyday beverage.

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Maximum Vitamin D Daily Dosage

The maximum vitamin D daily dosage recommended is a hot topic among physicians and researchers, with many giving different recommendations.

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Diabetes doing glucose level test. Vegetables in background

What Is Effect of Glucosamine on Diabetes?

Glucosamine sulfate is a chemical found in the fluid within your joints. Glucosamine supplements are often taken to help manage arthritis, treat glaucoma and aid weight loss. Glucosamine can be taken alone or mixed with a variety of other ingredients.

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Castor oil seeds-ricinus communis

Castor Oil for a Stiff Neck

A stiff neck is no fun. You have limited upper body movement, and pain may radiate to your shoulders and down your back from tensing your upper back and neck muscles. If the stiff neck or neck pain is a result of a head or neck injury, visit your doctor before using alternative methods to alleviate the stiffness.

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One dozen eggs

What Is Methyl B-12?

Vitamin B-12 serves as a generic term to represent several different forms of the vitamin, one of which is Methyl B-12, an active form that supports metabolism. If you’re healthy and get your recommended daily intake of vitamin B-12, your methyl B-12 needs should be met.

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Magnesium & Irregular Heartbeat

Changes in the amounts of different minerals in your blood can affect many tissues, including your heart. Although your body only contains small amounts of magnesium, having too much or too little magnesium can affect your heart's rhythm. Talk to your doctor before taking magnesium or any other type of supplement.

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Spilled bottle of B Complex

B-Complex Vitamin Toxicity

B-complex is a vitamin supplement made of a blend of B-vitamins. There are eight B vitamins in all -- thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, B-6, biotin, B-12 and folate or folic acid.

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Spirulina powder in ceramic bowl

The Benefits of Spirulina for the Skin

Spirulina is a type of oceanic algae that contains a wide array of nutrients. Known as one of the "super foods," spirulina can provide your body with many different health benefits.

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Fish oil on wooden spoon with wooden background

How Soon to Stop Taking Fish Oil Before Surgery

While gearing up for surgery, your surgeon will probably give you a list of medications -- both prescription and over-the-counter -- that you’ll need to stop beforehand. Some medications you can skip just a day ahead of time, but others, like fish oil, you usually need to avoid long before you go under the knife.

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Chakrasana

Calcium Storage & Release

Calcium is used by almost every cell in your body. While most of the calcium your body has is stored in the bones and teeth, each cell has its own way of storing and releasing the calcium it needs when it needs it.

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Iron Deficiency & Wounds That Do Not Heal

Iron deficiency causes a type of anemia. It can be a temporary condition, such as when a person loses blood in trauma, surgery or childbirth. In a normal, healthy individual, iron-supplementation will bring the iron stores back to normal in a matter of weeks.

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Vitamin C for Fever

Fevers consist of an abnormality with your body heat, which causes your temperature to rise 1 degree or more above the average body temperature of 98.6 degrees.

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Fried salmon fillet rustic serving

What Does It Mean If I Have a Vitamin D Level of 12?

Your body produces vitamin D, also called the sunshine vitamin, after exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays. That may seem like the only excuse you need to head outdoors, but organizations like the American Academy of Dermatology urge you to consider the skin risks involved in soaking up the sun.

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Pills

FDA-Approved Vitamins

While vitamins are a common dietary supplement, they are subject to much less regulatory supervision than medication. Unlike medications and prescription drugs, the Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, does not have to approve or even inspect vitamins sold in the United States.

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Iron Deficiency and Blackstrap Molasses

Low iron is the most common nutrient deficiency in the United States and a leading cause of anemia. Fortunately, iron deficiency is usually treatable by dietary changes, supplements or a combination.

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Side Effects of Taking Too Many Dietary Supplements

You may take supplements to improve your overall health, treat a health condition, lose weight or boost your immune system. When you start a new supplement, it’s important to understand the proper dosage for the supplement and evaluate the way it interacts with other supplements and medicines.

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Mother and Daughter Brushing Teeth Together

The Effects of Ingesting Too Much Fluoride

Found naturally in your body as calcium fluoride, fluoride helps prevent cavities and helps develop strong, healthy teeth. Adult men need 4 milligrams of fluoride per day, whereas adult women require 3 milligrams, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

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