Common Vitamins and Supplements: Intended Benefits and Safety Considerations

Common supplement and vitamin information. Imported from [ https://www.studystack.com/flashcard-4368181 ].

Vitamin A

Night vision, cell growth and maintenance, the health of the skin. Toxic if levels are too high causing headaches, peeling skin and bone thickness.

Vitamin D

Calcium absorption, bone and tooth health, heart and nerve function. Toxic if levels are too high causing kidney failure, calcification and anorexia.

Vitamin E

Protection of cells (including skin and brain), formation of blood cells.

Vitamin K

Blood clotting, bone growth. Can counteract blood clotting medications.

Vitamin B1

Carbohydrate metabolism, heart, nerve, and muscle function (no side effects)

Vitamin B2

Fat and protein metabolism (no side effects)

Vitamin B3

Carbohydrate and fat metabolism. Toxic if levels are too high leading to red, itchy skin with tingling.

Vitamin B6

Enzyme assistance in the amino acid synthesis. Toxic if levels are too high leading to peripheral neuropathy.

Vitamin B12

Fat and protein metabolism, nerve-cell maintenance, cell development (no side effects)

B vitamins

B1: Carbohydrate, nerve, muscle function (no side effects)

B2: Fat and protein metabolism (no side effects)

B3: Carbohydrate and fat metabolism (too much leads to red, itchy skin)

B6: Enzyme production (too much leads to peripheral neuropathy)

B12: Fat and protein metabolism with nerve maintenance and cell development (no side effects)

Vitamin C

Immunity, iron absorption, the structure of bones, muscle, and blood vessels.

St. John’s wort

Treatment for depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders. No long term studies have been conducted.

Black cohosh

Relief of menopause symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, headaches, heart palpitations, and mood changes.

Melatonin

A naturally occurring hormone in the brain. Also can be taken as a supplement to potentially help with sleep regulation and combat aging (studies validate the support of sleep regulation but do not support anti-aging benefits).

Willow bark

Pain relief (one of the main ingredients of aspirin comes from this ingredient).

Glucosamine sulfate

Promote healthy cartilage formation to maintain or replace wear and tear on joints.

Gingko biloba

Improve memory and mental function by increasing blood flow to the brain.