- Vitamin E is essential to the normal functioning of the human body. It plays a central role in your immune system and functions as an antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals that damage cells at the genetic level.
- Vitamin E is fat-soluble, meaning that it is dissolved in fat and able to be stored in the liver and fatty tissues of the body.
- Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant (i.e., an inhibitor of oxidation processes) in body tissues. It protects unsaturated fats in the body from oxidation by peroxides and other free radicals. It also acts as an protection of polyunsaturated fatty acids, cell membranes.
- The vitamin is used commercially as an antioxidant to retard the rancidification of fats, especially vegetable oils.
- Vitamin E aids in the transmission of electrical signals between nerve cells (neurons) of the brain and body.
- Vitamin E is integral to eye health, aiding in the self-repair of the retina, cornea, and uvea (the pigmented portion of the eye).
- Vitamin E can aid in scar healing by hydrating the skin, inhibiting collagen production, and reducing inflammation that can lead to tissue damage.
Vitamin E supplements rarely cause any harm if taken at the recommended daily dose.
But sometimes lower doses can trigger side effects like
- nausea,
- vomiting,
- stomach pain,
- diarrhea.
- Slow down blood clotting
- Vitamin E deficiency is considered rare in the developed world, except in premature babies with low birth weight or in people with rare genetic disorders such as abetalipoproteinemia or ataxia with vitamin E deficiency.
- VitaminE can neither treat nor prevent liver disease but may help slow its progression.
- VitaminE can slow blood clotting and may need to be avoided in people taking blood thinners like Coumadin (warfarin) or Plavix (clopidogrel).
- VitaminE supplements should also be avoided in people with a history of heart attacks, stroke, bleeding disorders, or head and neck cancers.
- VitaminE supplements are presumed to be safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Generic Name: cholecalciferol
Vitamin D3 is needed for normal absorption of calcium and phosphorus, which is further utilized for development and maintenance of bones and teeth. This makes bones stronger and reduces risk for bone fractures. Vitamin D3 also has a role in ones nerve, muscle, and immune systems.
People who might need extra vitamin D3 include
- Older adult
- Breastfed infants
- People with dark skin
- People with certain conditions, such as liver diseases, cystic fibrosis and Crohn's disease
- People who have obesity or have had gastric bypass surgery
Symptoms of vitamin D3 deficiency include bone pain, muscle weakness, fatigue, and mood changes. Vitamin D3 is used for treating osteoporosis, rickets, osteomalacia, renal osteodystrophy and hypoparathyroidism.
- nausea
- vomiting
- constipation
- weight loss
- weakness
- increased calcium levels (hypercalcemia)
May cause allergic reactions or other problems if contain inactive ingredients such as peanut/soy. Pregnant women or Breastfeeding mothers need to consult their doctors before taking Vitamin D3 supplements.
- Methylcobalamin/Mecobalamin is a form of vitamin B12 that restores its level in the body thereby helping in treating certain anaemias and nerve problems.
- It is required for the integrity of myelin, neuronal function, proper red blood cell formation and DNA synthesis
- It is used to treat Vitamin B12 deficiency in people with Pernicious Anemia.
- It is a beneficial drug to most of the common disorders like cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, anaemia, hyperhomocysteinemia and degenerative disorders.
- Methylcobalamin helps in the synthesis of neuronal lipids, regeneration of axonal nerves and has neuroprotective activity, which promotes neurons to function properly and thus improves Alzheimer disease, Parkinsonism, Dementia and neuropathic syndromes.
- It is an approved treatment for peripheral neuropathy.
- It also helps in balancing the levels of homocysteine, which is produced in excess can cause inflammation of blood vessels.
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Decreased appetite
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Skin rash
- Chest pain and discomfort
- Methylcobalamin can show some serious side effects in patients who might suffer from other conditions.
- Everyone needs to consume this medicine only after clinical consultation. The serious side effects of Methylcobalamin can include the formation of clots in limbs, depleted levels of potassium in the blood, a buildup of fluid in the lungs, heart failure and in some cases, anaphylactic reactions such as swollen tongue and throat, and hives.
- Consuming Methylcobalamin is not advisable for patients suffering from optic atrophy, which is a nerve condition that affects the eye.
- People who are suffering from infections or patients who have a low iron level in their body should be careful before taking Methylcobalamin and should only do so after the consultation of the doctor.
- It is not advised for mothers to consume Methylcobalamin if they are breastfeeding. Mother’s milk is a rich source of Vitamin B12 and consuming additional supplements while breastfeeding can have adverse effects on the baby.