Comprehensive Guide to Vitamins and Minerals: Nutrient Profiles, Supplementation for Disorders, and Drug Interactions

Comprehensive Profiles of Essential Minerals and Trace Minerals

• Calcium

  • Type: Mineral

  • Dosage: $1,000-1,500\,mg$

  • Natural Sources: Skim milk, nonfat yogurt, kale, cheeses, collard greens, canned salmon & sardines with bones, mustard greens, broccoli, figs, calcium-fortified orange juice, carob, oats, prunes, asparagus, sesame seeds, soybeans, tofu, watercress, whey

  • Best If Taken With: Boron, essential fatty acids, lysine, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, vitamins A, C, D, F, cobalt, folic acid, iron, zinc

  • Deficiency Symptoms: Muscle spasms, rickets, osteomalacia, osteoporosis

  • Toxicity Symptoms: Generally considered non-toxic. Calcium supplements are not recommended for those individuals with kidney disease or a history of kidney stones.

• Chromium

  • Type: Trace Mineral

  • Dosage: $200-600\,mcg$

  • Natural Sources: Brewer's yeast, broccoli, ham, grape juice, brown rice, cheese, whole grains, dried beans, calves liver, chicken, corn, corn oil, dairy products, eggs, potatoes, mushrooms, wine, beer

  • Best If Taken With: None required

  • Deficiency Symptoms: Rare: alterations in metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids

  • Toxicity Symptoms: Generally considered non-toxic. Exposure to industrially inhaled chromium has been linked to lung cancer.

• Copper

  • Type: Trace Mineral

  • Dosage: $0.5-2\,mg$

  • Natural Sources: Shellfish, nuts, seeds, cocoa powder, beans, whole grains, mushrooms, calves liver, avocados, barley, beets, broccoli, lentils, oats, oranges, radishes, raisins, salmon, green leafy vegetables

  • Best If Taken With: Cobalt, folic acid, iron, zinc

  • Deficiency Symptoms: Osteoporosis, inability of body to manufacture collagen, fatigue, baldness, slow growth, slows nervous system development, retardation

  • Toxicity Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, headaches, metallic taste, hemolytic anemia

• Fluoride

  • Type: Trace Mineral

  • Dosage: $1.5-4\,mg$

  • Natural Sources: Fluoridated water, tea, canned salmon, mackerel, kidney, liver

  • Best If Taken With: None required

  • Deficiency Symptoms: Dental caries, brittle bones

  • Toxicity Symptoms: Mottled teeth, osteomalacia, osteoporosis

• Iodine

  • Type: Mineral

  • Dosage: $0-150\,mcg$ (Most individuals); $150-300\,mcg$ (For those living in low-iodine areas or for those with low iodine diets.)

  • Natural Sources: Iodized salt, shellfish, saltwater fish, milk, seaweed

  • Best If Taken With: None required

  • Deficiency Symptoms: Growth and sexual development can be delayed in children; goiter

  • Toxicity Symptoms: Doses over $20,000\,mcg/day$ have been associated with iodide goiter.

• Iron

  • Type: Mineral

  • Dosage: $15-25\,mg$ (Men); $18-30\,mg$ (Women)

  • Natural Sources: Iron fortified cereals, beef, baked potatoes, clams, pumpkin seeds, soybeans, eggs, fish, liver, green leafy vegetables, whole grains, nuts, avocados, beets, brewer's yeast, dates, peaches, pears, lentils, dried prunes, raisins, sesame seeds

  • Best If Taken With: Multivitamin

  • Deficiency Symptoms: Anemia, dry, coarse hair, dysphagia, dizziness, fatigue, hair loss, cracked lips or tongue, nervousness, slowed mental response, pallor

  • Toxicity Symptoms: Generally considered non-toxic, if under $75\,mg/day$. High doses can cause abdominal cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea. Severe overdoses of iron can be considered fatal if medical attention is not sought.

• Magnesium

  • Type: Mineral

  • Dosage: $500-750\,mg$

  • Natural Sources: Brown rice, avocados, spinach, haddock, oatmeal, navy beans, lima beans, broccoli, yogurt, bananas, baked potatoes, apples, apricots, brewer's yeast, tofu, cantaloupes, grapefruit, green, leafy vegetables, lemons, nuts, salmon, sesame seeds, wheat

  • Best If Taken With: Calcium, phosphorus, potassium, vitamins B6 (pyridoxine), C, D

  • Deficiency Symptoms: Sleep disturbances, irritability, rapid heartbeat, confusion, muscle spasms, GI upset

  • Toxicity Symptoms: Rarely toxic. Symptoms may include diarrhea, fatigue, and arrhythmia.

• Manganese

  • Type: Trace Mineral

  • Dosage: $15-30\,mg$

  • Natural Sources: Canned pineapple juice, wheat bran, wheat germ, whole grains seeds, nuts, cocoa, shellfish, tea, dairy products, apples, apricots, avocados, bananas, brewer's yeast, cantaloupe, grapefruit, green, leafy vegetables, peaches, figs, salmon, soybeans, tofu

  • Best If Taken With: Calcium, iron, vitamin B complex, vitamin E

  • Deficiency Symptoms: Rare: atherosclerosis, confusion, tremors, elevated cholesterol levels, impaired vision & hearing, skin rash, irritability, increased blood pressure, pancreatic damage, sweating, increased heart rate, mental impairment, grinding of teeth

  • Toxicity Symptoms: Generally considered non-toxic. Exposure to industrially inhaled manganese has been linked to psychiatric and nervous disorders.

• Molybdenum

  • Type: Trace Mineral

  • Dosage: $75\,mcg$

  • Natural Sources: Beans, whole grains, cereals, milk, milk products, dark green, leafy vegetables, legumes, peas, meats

  • Best If Taken With: None required

  • Deficiency Symptoms: Rare: increased heart rate, mouth & gum disorders, impotence in older males, increased respiratory rate, night blindness

  • Toxicity Symptoms: Generally considered non-toxic.

• Phosphorus

  • Type: Mineral

  • Dosage: $1200\,mg$

  • Natural Sources: Halibut, non-fat yogurt, salmon, skim milk, chicken breast, extra lean ground beef, oatmeal, lima beans, broccoli, asparagus, corn, dairy products, eggs, dried fruits, highly carbonated beverages, legumes, nuts, sesame, pumpkin, sunflower seeds

  • Best If Taken With: Calcium, iron, manganese, sodium, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)

  • Deficiency Symptoms: Fatigue, irritability, decreased appetite, bone pain, weakness, skin sensitivity

  • Toxicity Symptoms: Rarely toxic. Symptoms may include brittle bones related to loss of calcium (osteoporosis).

• Potassium

  • Type: Trace Mineral

  • Dosage: $3,500\,mg$

  • Natural Sources: Dried apricots, baked potatoes

  • Best If Taken With: None required

  • Deficiency Symptoms: Dry skin, acne, chills, diarrhea, impaired cognitive function, muscle spasms, arrhythmia, edema, decreased reflex response, thirst, glucose intolerance, growth retardation, insomnia, elevated cholesterol, decreased blood pressure

  • Toxicity Symptoms: Rarely toxic. Symptoms may include arrhythmia & heart failure (doses exceeding $18\,gm/day$).

• Selenium

  • Type: Mineral

  • Dosage: $100-400\,mcg$ (Those living in low-selenium areas, i.e.: coastal & glaciated regions); $50-200\,mcg$ (Those living in high-selenium areas.)

  • Natural Sources: Lobster, brazilian nuts, shellfish, whole grains, organ meats, brown rice, poultry, broccoli, dairy products, onions, salmon, tuna, torula yeast, vegetables, wheat germ, wheat grains

  • Best If Taken With: Vitamins A, C, E

  • Deficiency Symptoms: Muscle weakness, linked to cancer & heart disease, fatigue, growth retardation, elevated cholesterol levels, susceptibility to infection, sterility

  • Toxicity Symptoms: Rarely toxic. Symptoms may include garlic breath, brittle hair & nails, irritability, liver & kidney impairment, metallic taste in mouth, dermatitis, and jaundice.

• Sodium

  • Type: Trace Mineral

  • Dosage: $2,400\,mg$

  • Natural Sources: Cheese, most meats, especially ham & bacon, canned soups, canned vegetables, canned tuna, cereals, bread, cabbage, milk, sardines

  • Best If Taken With: Calcium, potassium, vitamin D, sulfur

  • Deficiency Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, fatigue, abdominal cramps, dehydration, confusion, depression, dizziness, palpitations, headaches, impaired taste, low blood pressure, seizures

  • Toxicity Symptoms: Edema, elevated blood pressure, potassium deficiency, diseases of the liver & kidneys

• Zinc

  • Type: Mineral

  • Dosage: $22.5-50\,mg$

  • Natural Sources: Cooked oysters, beef, lamb, eggs, whole grains, nuts, yogurt, fish, legumes, lima beans, liver, mushrooms, pecans, pumpkin & sunflower seeds, sardines, soybeans, poultry

  • Best If Taken With: Calcium, copper, phosphorus, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)

  • Deficiency Symptoms: Change in taste & smell, nails can become thin & peel, acne, delayed sexual maturation, hair loss, elevated cholesterol, impaired night vision, impotence, growth retardation, increased susceptibility to infection

  • Toxicity Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, impaired coordination, fatigue

Essential Vitamins: Fat Soluble and Water Soluble

• Vitamin A

  • Type: Fat Soluble

  • Dosage: $5,000-50,000\,IU$

  • Natural Sources: Carrots-raw & juiced, pumpkins, yams, tuna, cantaloupe, mangos, turnip, beet greens, butternut squash, spinach, fish, eggs

  • Best If Taken With: Choline, vitamins C, D, E, essential fatty acids, zinc

  • Deficiency Symptoms: Poor night vision, macular degeneration, increased risk of cataracts, dry skin.

  • Toxicity Symptoms: Nausea & vomiting, headaches, insomnia, dry skin, joint pain, constipation

• Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)

  • Type: Water Soluble

  • Dosage: $25-300\,mg$

  • Natural Sources: Rice bran, pork, beef, ham, fresh peas, beans, breads, wheat germ, oranges, enriched pastas, cereals

  • Best If Taken With: Manganese, vitamin C, E, vitamin B complex

  • Deficiency Symptoms: Mild: appetite & weight loss, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, nervous system problems. Severe: beri beri, muscle weakness, decreased deep tendon reflexes (DTR), edema, enlarged heart.

  • Toxicity Symptoms: Generally non-toxic.

• Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)

  • Type: Water Soluble

  • Dosage: $25-300\,mg$

  • Natural Sources: Poultry, fish, fortified grains & cereals. Broccoli, turnip greens, asparagus, spinach, yogurt, milk, cheese

  • Best If Taken With: Vitamin B complex, vitamin C

  • Deficiency Symptoms: Mild: cracks & sores to corners of the mouth & tongue, red eyes, skin lesions, dizziness, hair loss, inability to sleep, sensitivity to light, and poor digestion. Severe (rare): anemia, nerve disease.

  • Toxicity Symptoms: Generally non-toxic.

• Vitamin B3 (Niacin)

  • Type: Water Soluble

  • Dosage: $25-300\,mg$

  • Natural Sources: Chicken breast, tuna, veal, beef liver, fortified breads & cereals, brewer's yeast, broccoli, carrots, cheese, corn flour, dandelion greens, dates, eggs, fish, milk, peanuts, pork, potatoes, tomatoes

  • Best If Taken With: Vitamin B complex, vitamin C

  • Deficiency Symptoms: Mild: canker sores, diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, halitosis, headaches, indigestion, inability to sleep, loss of appetite, dermatitis. Severe: pellagra.

  • Toxicity Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, flushing. Severe: Liver damage, irregular heart rate, rash to large portions of the body, gouty arthritis.

• Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)

  • Type: Water Soluble

  • Dosage: $25-500\,mg$

  • Natural Sources: Whole grains, mushrooms, salmon, brewer's yeast, fresh vegetables, kidney, legumes, liver, pork, royal jelly, saltwater fish, torula yeast, whole rye & whole wheat flour

  • Best If Taken With: Vitamins A, C, E

  • Deficiency Symptoms: Rare: Nausea, vomiting, fatigue, headache, tingling in the hands, sleep disturbances, abdominal pains & cramps

  • Toxicity Symptoms: Generally considered non-toxic.

• Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

  • Type: Water Soluble

  • Dosage: $1.5-2\,mg$

  • Natural Sources: Bananas, avocados, chicken, beef, brewer's yeast, eggs, brown rice, soybeans, whole wheat, peanuts, walnuts, oats, carrots, sunflower seeds

  • Best If Taken With: Potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B complex

  • Deficiency Symptoms: Anemia, seizures, headaches, nausea, dry & flaky skin, sore tongue, cracks on mouth, vomiting

  • Toxicity Symptoms: Generally considered non-toxic. High doses ($2000-6000\,mg/day$) can cause nerve disorders.

• Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin)

  • Type: Water Soluble

  • Dosage: $25-500\,mcg$

  • Natural Sources: Clams, ham, cooked oysters, king crab, herring, salmon, tuna, lean beef, liver, blue cheese, camembert & gorgonzola cheese

  • Best If Taken With: None required

  • Deficiency Symptoms: Unsteady gait, chronic fatigue, constipation, depression, digestive disturbances, dizziness, drowsiness, liver enlargement, hallucinations, headaches, inflammation of the tongue, irritability, mood swings, nerve disorders, palpitations, pernicious anemia, tinnitus, spinal cord degeneration

  • Toxicity Symptoms: Generally considered non-toxic.

• Folic Acid

  • Type: Water Soluble

  • Dosage: $400-1,200\,mcg$

  • Natural Sources: Fortified cereals, pinto beans, navy beans, asparagus, spinach, broccoli, okra, brussels sprouts, barley, beef, bran, brown rice, brewer's yeast, cheese, chicken, dates, green leafy vegetables, lamb, legumes, lentils, liver, milk, mushrooms, oranges, split peas, pork, tuna, whole grains

  • Best If Taken With: Iron, manganese, phosphorus

  • Deficiency Symptoms: Anemia, irritability, weakness, sleep disturbances, pallor, sore & reddened tongue

  • Toxicity Symptoms: Generally considered non-toxic, if under $1,000\,mcg/day$. High doses can cause headaches, metallic taste in mouth and rash.

• Vitamin C

  • Type: Water Soluble

  • Dosage: $60-5,000\,mg$

  • Natural Sources: Broccoli, cantaloupe, kiwifruit, oranges, pineapple, peppers, pink grapefruit, strawberries, asparagus, avocados, collards, dandelion greens, kale, lemons, mangos, onions, radishes, watercress

  • Best If Taken With: Bioflavonoids, calcium, magnesium

  • Deficiency Symptoms: Mild: poor wound healing, bleeding gums, easily bruised, nosebleeds, joint pain, lack of energy, susceptibility to infection. Severe: scurvy.

  • Toxicity Symptoms: Generally considered non-toxic. High doses ($5,000\,mg$ and up/day) can cause abdominal bloating and diarrhea.

• Vitamin D

  • Type: Fat Soluble

  • Dosage: $400-800\,IU$

  • Natural Sources: Sun exposure, sardines, salmon, mushrooms, eggs, fortified milk, fortified cereals, herring, liver, tuna, cod liver oil, margarine

  • Best If Taken With: Calcium, choline, vitamins A&C, phosphorus, essential fatty acids

  • Deficiency Symptoms: Infants: irreversible bone deformities. Children: rickets, delayed tooth development, weak muscles, softened skull. Adults: osteomalacia, osteoporosis, hypocalcemia.

  • Toxicity Symptoms: Nausea & vomiting, headaches, constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, loss of appetite, excessive thirst & urination, protein in urine, liver & kidney damage.

• Vitamin E

  • Type: Fat Soluble

  • Dosage: $30-1,200\,IU$

  • Natural Sources: Vegetable & nut oils (soybean, corn, safflower), spinach, whole grains, wheat germ, sunflower seeds

  • Best If Taken With: Essential fatty acids, vitamins A, B1, C, manganese, selenium

  • Deficiency Symptoms: Rare symptoms may include anemia and edema.

  • Toxicity Symptoms: Generally non-toxic; but stomach upset, dizziness and diarrhea can occur.

• Vitamin K

  • Type: Fat Soluble

  • Dosage: $80\,mcg$

  • Natural Sources: Green leafy vegetables including spinach, kale, cauliflower, broccoli

  • Best If Taken With: None required

  • Deficiency Symptoms: Rare, except in newborns, where bleeding tendencies are possible. Elevated levels of vitamin K can interfere with the effects of anti-coagulants.

  • Toxicity Symptoms: Generally non-toxic; but a type of jaundice may occur in premature infants.

Nutrient Supplementation for Cardiovascular Disorders

• Arteriosclerosis / Atherosclerosis

  • Beta-carotene: $15,000\,IU$ qd

  • Calcium: $1,500\,mg$ qh

  • Magnesium: $750\,mg$ qh

  • Selenium: $200\,mcg$ qd

  • Vitamin A: $25,000\,IU$ qd

  • Vitamin C: $100-4,000\,mg$ 5x day

  • Vitamin D: $400\,mg$ qd

  • Vitamin E: $200\,IU$ qd, increase by $200\,IU$ qweek, until up to $1,000\,IU$ qd

• Common Heart Disorders (Aneurysm, Angina pectoris, Arrhythmia, Cardiac arrest, Cardiomegaly, Cardiomyopathy, Carditis, Congestive heart failure, Endocarditis, Ischemic heart disease)

  • Calcium: $1,500-2,000\,mg$ qd, in divided dosages, after meals and qhs

  • Magnesium: $750-1,000\,mg$ qd, in divided dosages, after meals and qh

  • Potassium: $2,000\,mg$ qd

  • Selenium: $200\,mcg$ qd

  • Vitamin E: $100-200\,IU$ qd and increase by $100-200\,IU$ qweek, until $800-1,000\,IU$ are being taken qd. (Do not exceed $400\,IU$, if on anticoagulant therapy.)

• Heart Attack (MI)

  • Calcium: $1,500\,mg$ qd

  • Chromium: $100\,mcg$ qd

  • Copper: $3\,mg$ qd

  • Folic Acid: $400\,mcg$ qd

  • Magnesium: $1,000\,mg$ qd, in divided dosages, after meals and qh

  • Selenium: $300\,mcg$ qd

  • Vitamin A: ADOL

  • Vitamin B complex: $50\,mg$ tid

  • Vitamin B1: $500\,mg$ tid WF

  • Vitamin B12: $2,000\,mcg$ qd

  • Vitamin C: $3,000-6,000\,mg$ qd

  • Vitamin E: $100-200\,IU$ qd and increase by $100-200\,IU$ qweek, until $800-1000\,IU$ are being taken qd. (Do not exceed $400\,IU$, if on anticoagulant therapy.)

  • Zinc: $50\,mg$ qd

• High Blood Pressure / Hypertension

  • Calcium: $1,500-3,000\,mg$ qd

  • Magnesium: $750-1,000\,mg$ qd

  • Selenium: $200\,mcg$ qd

  • Vitamin C: $1,000-2,000\,mg$ qd

  • Vitamin E: $100\,IU$ qd, and add $100\,IU$ qmonth, until you reach $400\,IU$ qd

• High Cholesterol / Hyperlipidemia

  • Calcium: ADOL

  • Vitamin B complex: ADOL

  • Vitamin B1: ADOL

  • Vitamin B3: $300\,mg$ qd

  • Vitamin C: $1,500-4,000\,mg$ bid

Nutrient Supplementation for Gastrointestinal Disorders

• Appetite-Poor

  • Calcium: $1,500\,mg$ qd

  • Copper: $3\,mg$ qd

  • Magnesium: $750\,mg$ qd

  • Vitamin A: $25,000\,IU$ qd

  • Vitamin B complex: $100\,mg$ qd before meals

  • Zinc: $80\,mg$ qd

• Celiac Disease

  • Beta Carotene: $10,000\,IU$ qd

  • Copper: $3\,mg$ qd

  • Folic Acid: ADOL

  • Vitamin A: $15,000\,IU$ qd

  • Vitamin B complex: $100\,mg$ tid

  • Vitamin B12: ADOL

  • Vitamin E: $400\,IU$ qd

  • Vitamin K: ADOL

  • Zinc lozenges: $1-15\,mg$ 5 x day

• Constipation

  • Vitamin C: $1,000-4,000\,mg$ 5 x day

• Crohn's Disease

  • Folic Acid: $200\,mcg$ qd

  • Vitamin B complex: $100\,mg$ tid

  • Vitamin B12: $200\,mcg$ qd

  • Vitamin C: $1,000\,mg$ tid

  • Vitamin K: ADOL

  • Zinc: $50\,mg$ qd

• Diarrhea

  • Potassium: $3,000\,mg$ qd

• Diverticulitis

  • Vitamin B complex: $100\,mg$ tid

  • Vitamin K: $100\,mcg$ qd

• Food Poisoning

  • Potassium: $200\,mcg$ qd

  • Selenium: $3,000\,mg$ qd

  • Vitamin C: $2,000\,mg$ qid

  • Vitamin E: $600\,IU$ qd

• Heartburn / GERD

  • Vitamin B complex: $50\,mg$ tid WF

  • Vitamin B12: $1,000-2,000\,mcg$ bid

• Indigestion / Dyspepsia

  • Vitamin B complex: $100\,mg$ tid WF

  • Vitamin B1: $50\,mg$ tid

  • Vitamin B12: $1,000\,mcg$ bid

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome

  • Vitamin B complex: $50-100\,mg$ tid, (with food)

  • Vitamin B12: $200\,mcg$ bid

• Peptic Ulcer

  • Vitamin A: $25,000\,IU$ qd

  • Vitamin B complex: $50-100\,mg$ qd, in divided dosages

  • Vitamin E: up to $800\,IU$ qd

• Ulcerative Colitis

  • Vitamin B complex: $100\,mg$ tid

  • Vitamin B12: $2,000\,mcg$ tid

  • Vitamin C: $3,000\,mg$ qd

  • Vitamin D: $400-800\,IU$ qd

  • Vitamin K: $50\,mg$ qd

• Malabsorption Syndrome

  • Vitamin E: $400-800\,IU$ qd

• Worms

  • Vitamin B complex: $50\,mg$ tid

  • Vitamin C: $1,000-4,000\,mg$ bid, take with juice

  • Zinc: $30\,mg$ qd

Nutrient Supplementation for Genital-Urinary Disorders

• Bladder Infection (Cystitis)

  • Beta-carotene: $15,000\,IU$ qd

  • Calcium: $1,500\,mg$ qd

  • Magnesium: $750-1,000\,mg$ qd

  • Potassium: ADOL

  • Vitamin A: $10,000\,IU$ qd

  • Vitamin C: $1,000-1,250\,mg$ qd

  • Vitamin E: $600\,IU$ qd

  • Zinc: $50\,mg$ qd

• Candidiasis

  • Biotin: $50\,mg$ bid

  • Calcium: $1,500\,mg$ qd

  • Magnesium: $750-1,000\,mg$ qd

  • Vitamin B complex: $100\,mg$ tid

  • Vitamin B12: $2,000\,mcg$ tid

  • Vitamin D: $400\,IU$ qd

• Chlamydia

  • Vitamin B complex: $50-100\,mg$ tid

  • Vitamin C: $1,500\,mg$ qid

  • Vitamin E: $600\,IU$ qd

• Endometriosis

  • Vitamin B complex: ADOL

  • Vitamin B5: $100\,mg$ tid

  • Vitamin B6: $2\,mg$ tid

  • Vitamin C: $1,000-3,000\,mg$ tid

  • Vitamin E: $400\,IU$ qd

  • Vitamin K: ADOL

  • Zinc: $50\,mg$ qd

• Enuresis

  • Calcium: $1,000\,mg$ qd

  • Magnesium: $350\,mg$ qd

• Fibroids-Uterine

  • Vitamin A: $25,000\,IU$ qd

  • Vitamin E: $400-1,000\,IU$ qd

• Menopausal Symptoms

  • Calcium: $1,500\,mg$ qd

  • Vitamin B5: $100\,mg$ tid

  • Vitamin B complex: ADOL

  • Vitamin B1: $50\,mg$ bid

  • Vitamin C: $2,000\,mg$ qd

  • Vitamin E: $400\,IU$ qd, increase to $1,600\,IU$ qd, or until symptoms are resolved

  • Zinc: $50\,mg$ qd

• Premenstrual Syndrome

  • Calcium: $1,500\,mg$ qd

  • Magnesium: $1,000\,mg$ qd

  • Vitamin B complex: $100\,mg$ tid

  • Vitamin B5: $100-200\,mg$ qd

  • Vitamin B6: $2\,mg$ tid

  • Vitamin B12: $200\,mcg$ bid

• Prostate Cancer

  • Beta-Carotene: $10,000\,IU$ qd

  • Choline: $500-1,000\,mg$ qd

  • Folic Acid: $180\,mcg$ qd

  • Selenium: $200\,mcg$ qd

  • Vitamin A: $50,000-100,000\,IU$ qd for a minimum of 10 days

  • Vitamin B complex: $100\,mg$ qd

  • Vitamin B12: $2,000\,mcg$ qd

  • Vitamin B3: $100\,mg$ qd

  • Vitamin B6: $4\,mg$ qd

  • Vitamin C: $1,000-4,000\,mg$ qid

  • Vitamin E: up to $1,000\,IU$ qd

• Prostatitis

  • Vitamin A: $5,000-10,000\,IU$ qd

  • Vitamin B complex: $50\,mg$ tid

  • Vitamin B6: $2\,mg$ bid

  • Vitamin E: $600\,IU$ qd

  • Zinc: $80\,mg$ bid

• Vaginitis

  • Calcium: $1,500\,mg$ qd

  • Magnesium: $1,000\,mg$ qd

  • Vitamin A: $50,000\,IU$ qd

  • Vitamin B complex: $50-100\,mg$ tid

  • Vitamin B6: $2\,mg$ tid

  • Vitamin C: $2,000-5,000\,mg$ qd

  • Zinc: $30-80\,mg$ qd

Nutrient Supplementation for Musculoskeletal Disorders

• Arthritis

  • Calcium: $1,500\,mg$ qd

  • Folic Acid: $400\,mcg$ qd

  • Magnesium: $750-1,000\,mg$ qd

  • Selenium: $200\,mcg$ qd

  • Vitamin B complex: $50\,mg$ tid

  • Vitamin B3: $100\,mg$ tid

  • Vitamin B5: $500-1,000\,mg$ qd

  • Vitamin B6: $2\,mg$ tid

  • Vitamin B12: $1,000\,mcg$ qd

  • Vitamin C: $1,000-3,000\,mg$ tid

  • Vitamin E: $400\,IU$ qd

  • Vitamin K: $5\,mg$ qd

  • Zinc: $50\,mg$ qd

• Bursitis

  • Beta-Carotene: $25,000\,IU$ qd

  • Calcium: $1,500\,mg$ qd

  • Magnesium: $750\,mg$ qd

  • Selenium: $200\,mcg$ qd

  • Vitamin A: $15,000\,IU$ qd

  • Manganese: $1,500-4,000\,mg$ bid

• Fibromyalgia

  • Vitamin A: $25,000\,IU$ qd x 1 month, then reduce to $10,000\,IU$ qd.

  • Vitamin B complex: $100\,mg$ tid WF

  • Vitamin C: $5,000-10,000\,mg$ qd

  • Vitamin E: $800\,IU$ qd x 1 month, then reduce to $400\,IU$ qd

  • Vitamin K: $2,000\,mg$ qd

  • Zinc: $50\,mg$ qd

• Fracture

  • Calcium: $1,500\,mg$ qd

  • Magnesium: $750\,mg$ qd

  • Vitamin C: $1,000-3,000\,mg$ tid

  • Vitamin D: $400-1,000\,IU$ qd

  • Zinc: $50\,mg$ qd

• Heel / Bone Spurs

  • Calcium: $1,500\,mg$ qd

  • Magnesium: $750\,mg$ qd

  • Vitamin C: $2,000-4,000\,mg$ qd

• Muscle Cramps

  • Calcium: $1,500\,mg$ qd

  • Magnesium: $750\,mg$ qd

  • Potassium: ADOL

• Osteoporosis

  • Calcium: $1,500-2,000\,mg$ qd

  • Magnesium: $1,000\,mg$ qd

  • Vitamin A: $50,000\,IU$ qd x 1 month, then reduce to $25,000\,IU$ qd

  • Vitamin D: $400\,IU$ qd

  • Vitamin E: $400\,IU$ qd

  • Zinc: $50\,mg$ qd

• Paget's Disease

  • Beta-Carotene: $10,000\,IU$ qd

  • Calcium: $1,500\,mg$ qd

  • Folic Acid: $400\,mcg$ qd

  • Magnesium: $750\,mg$ qd

  • Manganese: $2\,mg$ qd

  • Phosphorus: $1,200\,mg$ qd

  • Vitamin A: $10,000\,IU$ qd

  • Vitamin B complex: $50\,mg$ tid WF

  • Vitamin B12: $300\,mcg$ qd

  • Vitamin C: $1,000-2,000\,mg$ tid

  • Vitamin D: $400\,IU$ qd

  • Zinc: $30\,mg$ qd

Nutrient Supplementation for Respiratory Disorders and Allergies

• Asthma

  • Beta-Carotene: $10,000\,IU$ qd

  • Calcium: $1,500-2,000\,mg$ qd

  • Magnesium: $750\,mg$ qd

  • Vitamin A: $15,000\,IU$ qd

  • Vitamin B complex: $50\,mg$ qid

  • Vitamin B6: $2\,mg$ tid

  • Vitamin B12: $1,000\,mcg$ bid

  • Vitamin C: $1,500\,mg$ tid

  • Vitamin E: $600\,IU$ qd

• Bronchitis

  • Beta-Carotene: $50,000\,IU$ qd

  • Vitamin A: $20,000\,IU$ bid for one month, then reduce to $15,000\,IU$ qd

  • Vitamin B complex: $100\,mg$ tid

  • Vitamin C: $1,000-3,000\,mg$ tid

  • Vitamin E: $400\,IU$ bid

  • Zinc lozenges: $1-15\,mg$ 5x day

• Chemical Allergies

  • Copper: $3\,mg$ qd

  • Selenium: $200\,mcg$ qd

  • Vitamin A: $50,000\,IU$ qd for one month, then reduce to $25,000\,IU$ qd

  • Vitamin B complex: $100-200\,mg$ qd

  • Vitamin B6: $4\,mg$ tid

  • Vitamin C: $1,000-4,000\,mg$ qid

  • Vitamin E: $400-800\,IU$ qd

  • Zinc: $50\,mg$ qd

• Common Cold

  • Beta-Carotene: $15,000\,IU$ qd

  • Vitamin A: $15,000\,IU$ qd

  • Vitamin C: $1,000\,mg$ tid

  • Zinc lozenges: $1-15\,mg$ lozenge q 3hr, while awake x 3 days, then reduce to $1-15\,mg$ lozenge q 4hr, for 1 week

• Cystic Fibrosis

  • Beta-Carotene: $25,000\,IU$ qd

  • Vitamin A: $50,000\,IU$ qd

  • Vitamin B complex: $100\,mg$ tid

  • Vitamin B2: $50\,mg$ tid

  • Vitamin B12: $1,000\,mcg$ tid

  • Vitamin C: $1,000-2,000\,mg$ tid

  • Vitamin E: $100-200\,IU$ qd, then increase to $400-1,000\,IU$ qd

  • Vitamin K: $100\,mcg$ bid

  • Zinc: $50\,mg$ qd

• Emphysema

  • Vitamin A: $10,000\,IU$ qd

  • Vitamin C: $2,500-5,000\,mg$ bid

  • Vitamin E: $400\,IU$ qd and increase slowly, until dose of $1,600\,IU$ qd is reached

• Hay Fever

  • Vitamin A: $100,000\,IU$ qd for one month, then reduce to $25,000\,IU$ qd

  • Vitamin B complex: ADOL

  • Vitamin B5: $100\,mg$ tid

  • Vitamin B6: $2\,mg$ bid

  • Vitamin C: $1,000-3,000\,mg$ tid

  • Zinc: $50-80\,mg$ qd

• Sinusitis

  • Beta-carotene: $15,000\,IU$ qd

  • Vitamin A: $10,000\,IU$ qd

  • Vitamin B complex: $100\,mg$ tid

  • Vitamin B5: $100\,mg$ tid

  • Vitamin B6: $2\,mg$ tid

  • Vitamin C: $1,000-3,000\,mg$ tid

  • Vitamin E: $400-1,000\,IU$ qd

• Smoking Dependency

  • Beta-carotene: $15,000\,IU$ qd

  • Folic Acid: $400\,mcg$ qd

  • Vitamin A: $25,000\,IU$ qd

  • Vitamin B complex: $100\,mg$ qd

  • Vitamin B12: $1,000\,mcg$ bid

  • Vitamin C: $5,000-20,000\,mg$ qd

  • Vitamin E: $200\,IU$ qd, increase by $200\,IU$ every month, up to max. of $800\,IU$ qd

  • Zinc: $50-80\,mg$ qd

• Tuberculosis

  • Selenium: $200\,mcg$ qd

  • Vitamin A: $25,000\,IU$ qd

  • Vitamin B complex: $100\,mg$ tid

  • Vitamin B5: $100\,mg$ tid

  • Vitamin B6: $2\,mg$ tid

  • Vitamin C: $1,000-4,000\,mg$ qid

  • Vitamin D: $1,000\,IU$ qd, then decrease to $400\,IU$ qd, within one month.

  • Vitamin E: $400\,IU$ qd, increase to $1,600\,IU$ qd, within one month

Nutrient Supplementation for Skin Disorders

• Acne

  • Chromium picolinate: ADOL

  • Vitamin B complex: $100\,mg$ tid

  • Vitamin B3: $100\,mg$ bid

  • Vitamin B5: $50\,mg$ tid with Vitamin B3

  • Vitamin B6: $2\,mg$ tid

  • Zinc: $30-80\,mg$ qd

• Bruises

  • Vitamin C: $1,000-3,000\,mg$ qd

  • Vitamin K: $80\,mcg$ qd

• Burns

  • Beta-Carotene: $25,000\,IU$ qd

  • Potassium: $4,000\,mg$ qd

  • Vitamin A: $100,000\,IU$ qd x 1 month then decrease to $50,000\,IU$ qd

  • Vitamin B complex: $100\,mg$ qd WF

  • Vitamin B12: $1,000\,mcg$ bid

  • Vitamin C: $10,000\,mg$ immediately then decrease to $3,000\,mg$ qd until healed

  • Vitamin E: $600-1,600\,IU$ qd

  • Zinc: $30\,mg$ qd

• Chicken Pox

  • Beta-Carotene: $15,000\,IU$ qd

  • Potassium: $3,000\,mg$ qd

  • Vitamin A: $20,000\,IU$ qd x 1 month then decrease to $15,000\,IU$ qd x 1 week

  • Vitamin C: $1,000\,mg$ qid

  • Vitamin E: $400-600\,IU$ qd

  • Zinc: $80\,mg$ qd

• Cold Sore / Fever Blisthers

  • Vitamin B complex: $100-150\,mg$ bid

  • Vitamin C: $1,000-2,000\,mg$ tid

  • Zinc lozenges: $15\,mg$ q 3hr while awake x 2 days, then $15\,mg$ bid

• Dandruff

  • Selenium: $200\,mcg$ qd

  • Vitamin B complex: $100\,mg$ bid WF

  • Vitamin B6: $2\,mg$ bid

  • Vitamin B12: $200\,mcg$ qd

  • Vitamin E: $400\,IU$ qd

• Dermatitis

  • Zinc lozenges: $15\,mg$, 5 x day for 1 week

  • Biotin: $300\,mg$ qd

  • Vitamin B complex: $50-100\,mg$ tid WF

  • Vitamin B3: $100\,mg$ tid

  • Vitamin B6: $2\,mg$ tid

  • Vitamin B12: $200\,mcg$ qd

• Dog Bite

  • Vitamin C: $4,000-10,000\,mg$ qd x 1 week, then reduce to $3,000\,mg$ qd

• Dry Skin

  • Vitamin A: $25,000\,IU$ qd x 3 months then reduce to $15,000\,IU$ qd

  • Vitamin B complex: ADOL

  • Vitamin B12: $100\,mg$ tid

  • Vitamin E: $400-800\,mg\,IU$ qd

  • Zinc: $50\,mg$ qd

• Eczema

  • Biotin: $300\,mg$ qd

  • Vitamin B complex: $50-100\,mg$ tid WF

  • Vitamin B3: $100\,mg$ tid

  • Vitamin B6: $2\,mg$ tid

  • Vitamin B12: $200\,mcg$ qd

  • Vitamin A: $25,000\,IU$ qd

  • Vitamin B complex: $50\,mg$ tid

  • Vitamin B5: $50\,mg$ tid

• Fungal Infections

  • Vitamin C: $1,250-5,000\,mg$ qid

  • Vitamin E: $400-800\,IU$ qd

  • Zinc: $50\,mg$ qd

• Gangrene

  • Potassium: $4,000\,mg$ qd

  • Vitamin C: $5,000-20,000\,mg$ qd

• Insect Bite

  • Vitamin C: $3,000-10,000\,mg$ qid

  • Vitamin E: $400-1,000\,mg\,IU$ qd

• Oily Skin

  • Vitamin A: $25,000\,IU$ qd x 3 months, then reduce dosage

  • Vitamin B complex: ADOL

  • Vitamin B12: $100\,mcg$ tid

  • Vitamin E: $400-800\,IU$ qd

  • Zinc: $50\,mg$ qd

• Poison Ivy / Oak / Sumac

  • Vitamin C: $3,000-8,000\,mg$ qd

• Psoriasis

  • Beta-Carotene: $25,000\,IU$ qd

  • Folic acid: $400\,mcg$ qd

  • Selenium: $200\,mcg$ qd

  • Vitamin A: ADOL

  • Vitamin B complex: $50\,mg$ tid

  • Vitamin B1: $50\,mg$ tid

  • Vitamin B5: $100\,mg$ tid

  • Vitamin B6: $2\,mg$ tid

  • Vitamin B12: $2,000\,mcg$ qd

  • Vitamin C: $2,000-10,000\,mg$ qd

  • Vitamin D: ADOL

  • Vitamin E: $400-1,200\,IU$ qd

• Rosacea

  • Vitamin A: $25,000\,IU$ qd x 3 months, then reduce to $15,000\,IU$ qd

  • Vitamin B complex: ADOL

  • Vitamin B12: $100\,mcg$ tid

  • Vitamin E: $400-800\,IU$ qd

  • Zinc: $50\,mg$ qd

• Scabies

  • Vitamin A: $25,000\,IU$ qd x 3 months, then reduce to $15,000\,IU$ qd

  • Zinc: $50\,mg$ qd

• Sebaceous Cyst

  • Beta-Carotene: ADOL

  • Vitamin A: $25,000\,mg\,IU$ qd x 3 months, then reduce to $15,000\,IU$ qd

  • Vitamin B complex: ADOL

  • Vitamin B12: $100\,mg$ tid

  • Zinc: $50\,mg$ qd

• Seborrhea

  • Biotin: $50\,mg$ tid

  • Vitamin B complex: ADOL

  • Vitamin B6: $2\,mg$ tid

  • Zinc: $50\,mg$ qd

• Skin Cancer

  • Beta-Carotene: $15,000\,IU$ qd

  • Selenium: $200\,mcg$ qd

  • Vitamin A: $50,000-100,000\,IU$ qd for 10 days or longer if needed

  • Vitamin B complex: $100\,mg$ qd

  • Vitamin C: $1,000-4,000\,mg$ 2-3 divided doses qd

  • Vitamin E: Up to $1,000\,IU$ qd

• Sunburn

  • Potassium: $3,000\,mg$ qd

  • Vitamin A: $100,000\,IU$ qd x 2 weeks, then reduce to $50,000\,IU$ qd, until healed

  • Vitamin C: $10,000\,mg$ qd

  • Vitamin E: $100-1,600\,IU$ qd

• Warts

  • Vitamin A: $100,000\,IU$ qd x 1 month, then reduce to $50,000\,IU$ qd x 1 month, then reduce to $25,000\,IU$ qd, until wart vanishes

  • Vitamin B complex: $50\,mg$ tid

  • Vitamin C: $4,000-10,000\,mg$ qd

  • Vitamin E: $400-800\,IU$ qd

  • Zinc: $50-80\,mg$ qd

• Hair Loss

  • Biotin: $50\,mg$ tid

  • Inositol: $100\,mg$ bid

  • Vitamin B complex: $50\,mg$ tid with Vitamin B3

  • Vitamin B5: $100\,mg$ tid

  • Vitamin B6: $50\,mg$ tid

  • Vitamin C: $30-80\,mg$ qd

  • Vitamin E: $1,000-3,000\,mg$ qd

  • Zinc: $100\,mg$ tid

Adverse Vitamin-Drug Interactions

• Antacids

  • Taken with: A, B1, Calcium, Copper, Folic Acid, Iron, Phosphorus

  • Interaction: Decrease the body's ability to absorb those listed vitamins and minerals.

• Hypocholesterolemic Drugs (cholestyramine, colestipol)

  • Taken with: A, B12, Calcium, D, E, Folic Acid, Iron, K

  • Interaction: Decrease the body's ability to absorb those listed vitamins and minerals.

• Laxatives (mineral oil, phenolpthalein, senna)

  • Taken with: A, Calcium, D, E, K, Potassium

  • Interaction: Decrease the body's ability to absorb those listed vitamins and minerals.

• Oral Contraceptives

  • Taken with: B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, C, Calcium, Folic Acid, Magnesium, Zinc

  • Interaction: Decrease the body's ability to absorb those listed vitamins and minerals.

• Antibacterials (isoniazid, rifampin, trimethoprim, boric acid)

  • Taken with: B2, B3, B6, D, Folic Acid, Niacin, Riboflavin

  • Interaction: Decrease the body's ability to absorb those listed vitamins and minerals.

• Antipsychotic Drugs (haloperidol, thioridazine, trifluoperazine, chlorpromozine)

  • Taken with: B2, B12, D

  • Interaction: Decrease the body's ability to absorb those listed vitamins and minerals.

• Antibiotics (chlortetracycline, gentamericin, neomycin, tetracycline)

  • Taken with: B2, Biotin, C, Calcium, D, Folic Acid, Magnesium, Niacin, Potassium

  • Interaction: Decrease the body's ability to absorb those listed vitamins and minerals.

• Diuretics (furosemide, thiazides, triamterene)

  • Taken with: B2, Calcium, Folic Acid, Magnesium, Potassium, Zinc

  • Interaction: Decrease the body's ability to absorb those listed vitamins and minerals.

• Levodopa

  • Taken with: B6

  • Interaction: No more than $5\,mg$ of B6 qd, no restriction necessary if taking Sinemet.

• Anti-inflammatory Drugs (aspirin, colchicine, prednisone, sulfasalazine)

  • Taken with: B6, B12, Calcium, C, D, Folic Acid, Iron, Phosphorus, Potassium

  • Interaction: Decrease the body's ability to absorb those listed vitamins and minerals.

• Anticonvulsants (phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone)

  • Taken with: B6, B12, Calcium, D, Folic Acid, K, Magnesium

  • Interaction: Decrease the body's ability to absorb those listed vitamins and minerals. Do not take pyridoxine with phenytoin, it may decrease anticonvulsant action of phenytoin.

• Tobacco

  • Taken with: B6, C

  • Interaction: Decrease the body's ability to absorb those listed vitamins and minerals.

• Anti-hypertensive (hydralazine)

  • Taken with: B6, Manganese

  • Interaction: Decrease the body's ability to absorb those listed vitamins and minerals.

• H2 Receptor Antagonists (cimetidine, rantidine)

  • Taken with: B12

  • Interaction: Decrease the body's ability to absorb those listed vitamins and minerals.

• Anti-cancer Drugs (doxorubicin, cisplatin, methotrexate)

  • Taken with: B12, Calcium, E, Folic Acid, Iron, Magnesium

  • Interaction: Decrease the body's ability to absorb those listed vitamins and minerals.

• Penicillamine

  • Taken with: Calcium, Iron, Zinc

  • Interaction: When minerals are taken with penicillamine, the drug is less effective.

• Antiarrhythmic Digoxin

  • Taken with: D

  • Interaction: Vitamin D induced hypercalcemia can increase the effectiveness of digoxin, leading to cardiac arrhythmias.

• Anti-malarials (chloriquine, pyrimethamine)

  • Taken with: Folic Acid

  • Interaction: Decrease the body's ability to absorb those listed vitamins and minerals.

• Anticoagulant drugs (warfarin)

  • Taken with: K

  • Interaction: Vitamin K can inhibit the hypoprothrombinemic effect.

• Tranquilizers (chlorpromazine)

  • Taken with: Riboflavin

  • Interaction: Decrease the body's ability to absorb those listed vitamins and minerals.

Supplementation Key and Credits

• Abbreviations Key

  • IU: International Unit

  • qd: Every day

  • qh: Every hour

  • qweek/month: Once a week/month

  • bid/tid/qid: Two/three/four times daily

  • WF: With food

  • ADOL: As directed on label

• Note on Usage: Due to the condensed nature of this guide, use it as a guide, but not as a replacement for expert advice.

• Credits

  • Authors: Jill E. Winland-Brown, EdD, MSN, FNP-C & Lynne Dunphy, PhD, MS, FNP-C

  • Publisher: BarCharts, Inc., Boca Raton, FL (2002)

  • Designation: World's #1 Quick Reference Guide (QuickStudy Health)