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.

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The Recommended Dosage for L-Tyrosine

Your body can usually make plenty of L-tyrosine on its own, and you’ll also get this conditional amino acid from soy, poultry, fish, seeds, nuts, dairy and avocados. If you’re extremely stressed or sick, however, your tyrosine levels may be a bit low, and taking a tyrosine supplement could be helpful.

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Maximum Dosage of Vitamin C

Vitamin C is water-soluble; meaning, it is not stored in your body. You need to consume adequate amounts of vitamin C each day to get all of the benefits it provides. Having too much vitamin C from your diet or supplements may have adverse effects. Do not consume more than the maximum recommended dosage each day.

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Pros & Cons of Glucosamine

Glucosamine is a natural substance in the cells of cartilage between joints. Your body produces the glucosamine it needs to protect your bones, but production decreases with age. Injuries to joints may damage cartilage and connective tissues, which increases your need for glucosamine.

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Garlic

How Does Sulfur Help the Body?

Sulfur is a naturally occurring element that has several benefits on your health. Supplemental sulfur comes in two forms: dimethyl sulfoxide and methylsulfonylmethane, or DMSO and MSM. DMSO is a chemical byproduct of paper manufacturing, but has been approved by the FDA for medicinal purposes.

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Can Men Safely Take Biotin?

The B vitamins, including biotin, are a group of nutrients that work together to metabolize carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Biotin goes above its metabolic role and keeps your skin, nails and hair healthy. High-dose biotin supplements are often targeted toward men to improve hair structure and minimize hair loss.

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How Much Niacin Can You Take in a Day?

Niacin, along with all the other B vitamins, helps your body get energy from the foods in your diet. In addition to helping with digestion, niacin keeps your skin cells healthy, regulates numerous enzymes and allows nerves to function properly. Even though you need it, if you take too much, you can run into problems.

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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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