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.

taking vitamin injections.

Why Are the B12 Injections Not Working?

Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that plays an important role in the production of red blood cells and health of the nervous system. Your B12 injections may not be working for many reasons.

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Can Iron Supplements Make You Feel Dizzy?

Iron is an essential nutrient that your body needs to make blood cells and proteins. Your doctor may prescribe iron supplements if you have iron-deficiency anemia caused by lack of dietary iron, blood loss or chronic disease.

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Gel Capsules

Do Fish Oil Pills Contain Iodine?

Iodine is an essential mineral your body needs to make thyroid hormones. However, too much iodine can cause health problems, including overactive thyroid; most adults only need 150 micrograms daily to maintain normal thyroid function.

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Pregnant Woman Talking With Doctor

Does Folic Acid Help Women That Have PCOS?

Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is a hormonal disorder in which the ovaries produce too many male hormones. These hormones can disrupt a woman's normal ovulation cycles and thereby cause infertility.

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Is Balsamic Vinegar Good for You?

Originating in Italy, balsamic vinegar is a wine vinegar made from grapes that have been crushed, fermented and aged. Its sweet, pungent taste and mellow acidity make it a condiment for salad dressings and marinating.

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Can You Take 5-HTP While Pregnant?

5-hydroxytryptophan, or 5-HTP, is a chemical precursor to the mood-regulating neurotransmitter serotonin. It is created by your body from tryptophan, an essential amino acid obtained from foods. You also can obtain 5-HTP from dietary supplements made from the seeds of the African tree Griffonia simplicifolia.

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5-Htp Vs. Sertraline

Sertraline is a prescription medication that belongs to a class of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) that help combat depression by increasing brain levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin.

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Vitamins & Bloating

Certain vitamin and nutritional supplements are associated with gastrointestinal side effects that cause abdominal bloating. Some vitamins may cause gas, water retention or constipation -- any of which can cause bloat. Conversely, taking certain vitamins may help relieve conditions that cause bloating.

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The Best Supplements for Cutting Up

Contrary to what bodybuilding supplement advertisements may have you believe, you cannot attain a ripped physique without putting in some hard work. Building muscle mass requires regular resistance exercise.

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What Are Time Release Vitamins?

Time-release vitamins -- supplements designed to slowly release vitamins over an extended period of time -- appear to offer more health benefits than regular vitamins. However, health authorities, including the Harvard School of Public Health, say that time-release vitamins are not particularly useful.

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Iodine & Hair

Iodine, an essential mineral, may affect hair health and hair growth through its effects on thyroid function. Iodine is also sometimes prescribed as a topical treatment for certain conditions that cause hair loss on the scalp.

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Folic Acid & Birth Control

Folic acid, also called folate or vitamin B-9, is necessary for metabolizing fats and protein, as well as for maintaining the health of your skin, hair, eyes, liver and nervous system. Folic acid is especially important for women as a lack of folic acid during pregnancy can cause birth defects.

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