SUPPLEMENT DOSAGE USE SIDE EFFECTS

Possibly Effective for Astragalus is POSSIBLY SAFE for most

 Reducing side effects of chemotherapy . adults when taken appropriately by mouth or
Early research suggests that giving astragalus intravenously (by IV). Doses of up to 30
intravenously (by IV) or using Chinese grams/day by mouth for 3 months, 40
herbal mixtures containing astragalus might grams/day by mouth for 2 months, or 80
reduce nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and bone grams/day intravenously (by IV) for one
marrow suppression (a decrease in the cells month have been used safely. The side effects
that provide immunity) that is associated of astragalus are not known.
with chemotherapy treatments.
 Diabetes. Early research suggests that
astragalus, given intravenously (by IV) or
taken by mouth as a combination product,
might help control blood sugar and insulin
levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

Insufficient Evidence for

 Seasonal allergies. Early research shows
that taking a specific astragalus root extract
(Lectranal, Milsing d.o.o., Croatia) by mouth
for 3-6 weeks improves symptoms such as
running nose, itching, and sneezing in people
with seasonal allergies.
 Chest pain (angina). Early research shows
that taking astragalus by mouth three times
daily for 2 weeks can improve heart function
in people with chest pain. Also, giving a
solution containing astragalus, Panax
ginseng, and dong quai (Yi-qi-huo-xue,
China) intravenously (by IV) seems to
reduce the severity and frequency of chest
pain and improve the ability to exercise.
 Lack of new blood cells from bone
marrow (aplastic anemia). Early research
shows that giving astragalus intravenously
(by IV) together with the steroid stanozolol
improves symptoms and blood cell counts
more than just the steroid alone in people
ASTRALAGUS with aplastic anemia.
 Asthma. Early research shows that taking a
combination of astragalus, cordyceps, Radix
stemone (Bai Bu), bulbus fritillariae
cirrhosae, and Baikal skullcap by mouth for
6 months does not improve asthma
symptoms or lung function in children with
mild asthma.
 Athletic performance. Early research
shows that taking a combination of
astragalus and six other herbs (Huangqi
Jianzhong Tang) by mouth for 8 weeks
increases athletic performance in young
athletes.
 An inherited blood disorder called beta-
thalassemia. People with beta-thalassemia
have a shortage of a certain blood protein,
called hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is found on
red blood cells and carries oxygen
throughout the body. People with beta-
thalassemia also have a shortage of red blood
cells. Early research in children and
adolescents shows that taking astragalus by
mouth daily, alone or with other herbs,
improves hemoglobin and red blood cell
levels in people with beta-thalassemia
 Chronic fatigue syndrome. Early research
shows that taking herbal mixtures containing
astragalus by mouth can reduce feelings of
tiredness in people with chronic fatigue
syndrome.
 Heart failure. Some early research shows
that giving astragalus intravenously (by IV)
for 7-30 days or taking astragalus twice daily
for 14-30 days improves some symptoms of
heart failure.
 Hearing loss. Early research suggests that
giving astragalus intravenously (by IV) daily
for 10 days can improve hearing in people
 with sudden deafness or hearing loss caused
by very loud noise.
 Hepatitis B. Early research shows that
taking certain Chinese herbal combinations
containing astragalus by mouth for up to 48
weeks can increase the chance of the
hepatitis virus becoming inactive in the body
in people with hepatitis B.
 HIV/AIDS. Evidence on the effects of
astragalus in people with HIV/AIDS is
inconsistent. People treated with a specific
combination containing Baikal skullcap root,
glossy privet fruit, astragalus root, and
Eupolyphaga et polyphasee (Ailing granules)
for 4 months show improvements in
HIV/AIDs symptoms and immune
function. However, taking a different
combination containing licorice, yin chen,
white mulberry, astragalus, and safflower by
mouth for 12 weeks does not show the same
benefits.
 Infections associated with a certain
kidney disorder called nephrotic
syndrome. Early research shows that taking
astragalus, as Huangqi oral granules (China),
reduces infections in children with nephrotic
syndrome.
 Lung cancer. Platinum-based
chemotherapy is used to treat a type of lung
cancer called non-small-cell lung cancer.
Analysis of research suggests that taking
herbal products containing astragalus along
with platinum-based chemotherapy can
reduce the risk of death in people with
advanced non-small-cell lung cancer after
one year of treatment compared to platinum-
based chemotherapy alone.
 Menopausal symptoms. An early study
suggests that taking a specific combination
 of astragalus and dong quai (Dang Gui
Buxue Tang, China) does not reduce hot
flashes in menopausal women.
 Menstrual disorders. Early research shows
that taking certain Chinese herbal
combinations containing astragalus by
mouth might help improve the regularity of
menstrual cycles in women with menstrual
disorders.
 Heart attack. Early evidence suggests that
giving astragalus intravenously (by IV) might
improve heart function in people
hospitalized due to a heart attack.
 Kidney disease. Several early studies show
possible beneficial effects of astragalus for
people with various types of kidney disease.
Giving astragalus intravenously (by IV) or
taking astragalus by mouth along with
burdock seems to improve kidney function
in people with kidney disease caused by
diabetes. Similar findings were found in
other studies for other astragalus
preparations, which were given as a shot into
the muscle or taken by mouth in people with
various types of kidney disease.
 Kidney failure. Giving astragalus
intravenously (by IV) prior to, during, and
following a certain type of heart surgery
seems to protect against kidney failure
following surgery.
 A chronic inflammatory disease called
systemic lupus erythematosus. Early
research shows that giving astragalus
intravenously (by IV) for 12 days monthly
for a total of 3 months can improve
symptoms and reduce infections in people
with systemic lupus erythematosus.
 A heart condition called tetralogy of
Fallot. Giving astragalus intravenously (by
 IV) along with conventional treatment for 7
days after surgery to correct a heart
condition called tetralogy of Fallot seems to
improve heart function and reduce time until
recovery compared to conventional
treatment alone.
 Infection in the heart (myocarditis).
Several studies have used astragalus for the
treatment of viral myocarditis. However,
results are inconsistent. Some studies show
some benefits, while others do not.
 Weight loss. Early research in healthy
women suggests that taking a combination
of astragalus, rhubarb, turmeric, red sage
root, ginger, and gallic acid with a low-
calorie diet does not improve weight loss.
 Fibromyalgia.
 Cervical cancer
BY MOUTH: Possibly Effective for Echinacea is LIKELY SAFE for most
 For the common  Common cold. Many scientific studies people when taken by mouth in the short-
cold: For TREATING show that taking certain echinacea products term. Various liquid and solid forms of
the common cold, an when cold symptoms are first noticed can Echinacea have been used safely for up to 10
extract of Echinacea modestly reduce symptoms of the common days. There are also some products, such as
purpurea (Echinacin, cold in adults or children 12 years of age and Echinaforce (A. Vogel Bioforce AG,
Madaus AG, Cologne, older. But other scientific studies show no Switzerland) that have been used safely for up
Germany) 5 mL twice benefit. The problem is that scientific studies to 6 months.
daily for 10 days has have used different types of echinacea plants
been used. An extract and different methods of preparation. Since Some side effects have been reported such as
of Echinacea purpurea the studied products have not been fever, nausea, vomiting, bad taste, stomach
(EchinaGuard, Madaus consistent, it is not surprising that different pain, diarrhea, sore throat, dry mouth,
AG, Cologne, studies show different results. If it helps for headache, numbness of the tongue, dizziness,
Germany), 20 drops in TREATING a cold, the benefit will likely be difficulty sleeping, a disoriented feeling, and
water every 2 hours on small at best. Research on the effects of joint and muscle aches. In rare cases,
the first day of cold echinacea for PREVENTING the common echinacea has been reported to cause
symptoms, followed by cold is also mixed. Some research shows that inflammation of the liver.
three times daily for up taking echinacea can reduce the risk of
to 10 days has also catching a cold by 10% to 58%. But other Applying echinacea to the skin can cause
ECHINACEA been used. An extract research shows that taking echinacea does redness, itchiness, or a rash.
EXTRACT of the whole Echinacea
purpurea plant not prevent the common cold when you are Echinacea is most likely to cause allergic
(Echinilin, exposed to cold viruses. reactions in children and adults who are
Inovobiologic Inc., allergic to ragweed, mums, marigolds, or
Calgary, Alberta, Insufficient Evidence for daisies. If you have allergies, be sure to check
Canada), 4 mL ten  Anxiety. Early research suggests that taking with your healthcare provider before taking
times on the first day of 40 mg of a specific echinacea extract echinacea.
a cold, then four times (ExtractumPharma ZRT, Budapest, Special Precautions & Warnings:
daily for 6 days, or 5 Hungary) per day for 7 days reduces anxiety. Children: Echinacea is POSSIBLY SAFE
mL eight times on the But taking less than 40 mg per day does not when taken by mouth in the short-term. It
first day of cold seem to be effective. seems to be safe in most children ages 2-11
symptoms, then three  Exercise performance. Early research years. However, about 7% of these children
times daily for 6 days shows that taking echinacea (Puritan' s Pride, may experience a rash that could be due to an
has been used. A tea Oakdale, NY) four times daily for 28 days allergic reaction. There is some concern that
different species of increases oxygen intake during exercise tests allergic reactions to echinacea could be more
echinacea (Echinacea in healthy men. However, high doses of severe in some children. For this reason,
Plus, Traditional echinacea 8,000 mg and 16,000 mg taken some regulatory organizations have
Medicinals, Sebastopol, daily along with other ingredients in female recommended against giving echinacea to
CA) five or six times on and male endurance athletes did not improve children under 12 years of age.
the first day of cold oxygen intake or blood measures of oxygen
symptoms, then intake. Pregnancy: Echinacea is POSSIBLY SAFE
reducing by 1 cup per  Gum Inflammation (gingivitis). Early when taken by mouth in the short-term.
day over the following research suggests that using a mouth rinse There is some evidence that echinacea might
5 days has been used. containing echinacea, gotu kola, and be safe when taken during the first trimester
For PREVENTING elderberry (HM-302, Izum Pharmaceuticals, of pregnancy without harming the fetus. But
the common cold, a New Yok, NY) three times daily for 14 days until this is confirmed by additional research,
specific echinacea might prevent gum disease from worsening. it is best to stay on the safe side and avoid
extract (Echinaforce, A. Using a specific mouth patch containing the use.
Vogel Bioforce AG, same ingredients (PerioPatch, Izun
Switzerland) 0.9 mL Pharmaceuticals, New York, NY) also seems
three times daily (total to reduce some symptoms of gum disease,
dose: 2400 mg daily) but it is not always effective.
for 4 months, with an  Herpes simplex virus (genital herpes or
increase to 0.9 mL five cold sores). Evidence on the effect of
times daily (total dose: echinacea for the treatment of herpes is
4000 mg daily) at the unclear. Some research shows that taking a
first sign of a cold, has specific echinacea extract (Echinaforce, A
been used. Vogel Bioforce AG) 800 mg twice daily for 6
months does not seem to prevent or reduce
the frequency or duration of recurrent
 genital herpes. However, other research
shows that taking a combination product
containing echinacea (Esberitox, Schaper &
Brummer, Salzgitter-Ringelheim, Germany)
3-5 times daily reduces itchiness, tension,
and pain in most people with cold sores.
 Anal warts caused by human papilloma
virus (HPV). Early research shows that
taking a combination product containing
echinacea, andrographis, grapefruit, papaya,
pau d' arco, and cat' s claw (Immune Act,
Erba Vita SpA, Reppublica San Marino,
Italy) daily for one month reduces the
recurrence of anal warts in people who had
surgical removal of anal warts. But this study
was not high quality, so results are
questionable.
 Influenza (flu). Early research shows that
taking an echinacea product daily for 15 days
might improve the response to the flu
vaccine in people with breathing problems
such as bronchitis or asthma. It is unknown
if echinacea has any benefit in people who
are not vaccinated. Some research shows
that drinking a product containing echinacea
and elderberry five times a day for 3 days
then three times a day for 7 days might help
improve flu symptoms similar to the
prescription medication, oseltamivir
(Tamiflu).
 Low white blood cell count related to
chemotherapy. Early research shows that
using 50 drops of a combination product
containing echinacea root extracts, thuja leaf
extract, and wild indigo (Esberitox N,
Schaper & Brummer, Salzgitter-Ringelheim,
Germany) in between chemoradiotherapy
can improve red and white blood cell counts
in some women with advanced breast
 cancer. But this effect is not seen in all
patients, and doses lower than 50 drops don'
t seem to work. Also, this product does not
seem to reduce the risk of infection.
 Middle ear infection. Early research
suggests that taking a specific liquid
echinacea extract three times daily for 3 days
at the first sign of a common cold does not
prevent an ear infection in children 1-5
years-old with a history of ear infections. Ear
infections actually seemed to increase.
 Tonsil inflammation (tonsillitis). Early
research shows that spraying a specific
product containing sage and echinacea into
the mouth every two hours up to 10 times
per day for up to 5 days improves sore
throat symptoms similar to commonly used
drug sprays in people with tonsillitis. Other
early research suggests that taking 50 drops
of a product containing echinacea
(Esberitox, Schaper & Brummer, Salzgitter-
Ringelheim, Germany) three times daily for 2
weeks, along with an antibiotic, reduces sore
throat and increases overall well-being in
people with tonsillitis.
 Eye inflammation (Uveitis). Early
research suggests that taking 150 mg of an
echinacea product (Iridium, SOOFT Italia
SpA) twice daily, in addition to eye drops
and a steroid used to treat inflammation for
4 weeks, does not improve vision any more
than eye drops and steroids alone in people
with eye inflammation.
 Warts. Early research suggests that taking
echinacea by mouth daily for up to 3 months
does not clear warts on the skin. But taking a
supplement containing echinacea,
methionine, zinc, probiotics, antioxidants,
and ingredients that stimulate the immune
 system for 6 months, in addition to using
conventional treatments, seems to work
better than conventional treatments alone.
 Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD).
 Bee stings.
 Bloodstream infections.
 Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).
 Diphtheria.
 Dizziness.
 Eczema.
 Hay fever or other allergies.
 HIV/AIDS.
 Indigestion.
 Malaria.
 Migraine headaches.
 Pain.
 Rattlesnake bites.
 Rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
 Strep infections.
 Swine flu.
 Syphilis.
 Typhoid.
 Urinary tract infections (UTIs).
 Yeast infections.
 Other conditions.

The following doses have
been studied in scientific
research:
ADULTS
BY MOUTH:
 The flu: One
tablespoon (15 mL) of
a specific elderberry
ELDERBERRY juice-containing syrup
EXTRACT/SYRUP (Sambucol by Nature's
Possibly Effective for
 “The flu,” also called influenza. A
specific syrup containing elderberry juice
(Sambucol, Nature’s Way) seems to relieve
flu symptoms and reduce the length of time
the flu lasts when taken by mouth within 24-
48 hours of the first symptoms. Some
research also shows that an elderberry
lozenge (ViraBLOC, HerbalScience) also
reduces symptoms of the flu. Symptom relief
Taking an elderberry juice extract is
POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth for
up to 12 weeks. It’s not known if taking
elderberry juice extract is safe when used for
long periods of time.
Elderberry is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when
the leaves, stems, unripened fruit, or
uncooked fruit is consumed. The cooked
elderberry fruit seems to be safe, but raw and
 Way) has been taken seems to occur within 2 to 4 days of unripe fruit might cause nausea, vomiting, or
four times daily for 3-5 treatment for most people. severe diarrhea.
days. Also, a specific
lozenge (ViraBLOC by Insufficient Evidence for Special Precautions & Warnings:
HerbalScience)  Heart disease. Early evidence shows that Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not
containing 175 mg of taking elderberry extract daily for 12 weeks enough is known about the safety of using
elderberry extract has does not reduce symptoms of heart disease elderberry during pregnancy and breast-
been taken four times in postmenopausal women. feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
daily for 2 days.  High cholesterol. Early evidence shows
that taking capsules containing dried “Autoimmune diseases” such as multiple
CHILDREN elderberry three times daily for 2 weeks does sclerosis (MS), lupus (systemic lupus
BY MOUTH: not reduce cholesterol levels in people with erythematosus, SLE), rheumatoid
 The flu: One high cholesterol. arthritis (RA), or other conditions:
tablespoon (15 mL) of  Cancer. Elderberry might cause the immune system
a specific elderberry  Constipation. to become more active, and this could
juice-containing syrup  Nerve pain. increase the symptoms of autoimmune
(Sambucol by Nature's  Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). diseases. If you have one of these conditions,
Way) has been taken  H1N1 "swine" flu. it’s best to avoid using elderberry.
twice daily for 3 days.  Hay fever.
 HIV/AIDS.
 Other conditions.

The following doses have Effective for Folic acid is LIKELY SAFE for most people
been studied in scientific  Folate deficiency. Taking folic acid when taken by mouth or injected into the
research: improves folate deficiency. body. Most adults do not experience any side
effects when used in doses less than 1000
BY MOUTH: Likely Effective for mcg daily.
 For folic acid  Kidney disease. About 85% of people with
deficiency: the typical serious kidney disease have high levels of Folic acid is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when
dose is 250-1000 mcg homocysteine. High levels of homocysteine taken by mouth in large doses, long-term.
(micrograms) per day. have been linked to heart disease and stroke. High doses of folic acid might cause
 For preventing neural Taking folic acid lowers homocysteine levels abdominal cramps, diarrhea, rash, sleep
tube defects: at least in people with serious kidney disease. disorders, irritability, confusion, nausea,
400 mcg of folic acid However, folic acid supplementation does stomach upset, behavior changes, skin
per day from not appear to reduce the risk of heart reactions, seizures, gas, excitability, and other
supplements or disease-related events. side effects.
fortified food should be  High amounts of homocysteine in the
FOLIC ACID taken by women blood (hyperhomocysteinemia). High There is some concern that taking too much
 capable of becoming levels of homocysteine have been linked to folic acid for a long period of time might
pregnant and continued heart disease and stroke. Taking folic acid cause serious side effects. Some research
through the first month lowers homocysteine levels by 20% to 30% suggests that taking folic acid in doses of 800-
of pregnancy. Women in people with normal to slightly elevated 1200 mcg might increase the risk of heart
with a history of homocysteine levels. It is recommended that attack in people who have heart problems.
previous pregnancy people with homocysteine levels greater than Other research suggests that taking these high
complicated by such 11 micromoles/L supplement with folic acid doses might also increase the risk of cancer
neural tube defects and vitamin B12. such as lung or prostate cancer.
usually take 4 mg per  Reducing harmful effects of a medicine
day beginning one called methotrexate. Taking folic acid Special Precautions & Warnings:
month before and seems to reduce nausea and vomiting, which Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Folic acid is
continuing for three are possible side effects of methotrexate LIKELY SAFE when taken by mouth
months after treatment. appropriately during pregnancy and breast-
conception.  Birth defects (neural tube defects). feeing. Taking 300-400 mcg of folic acid daily
 For reducing colon Consuming high amounts of folate in the is commonly used during pregnancy to
cancer risk: 400 mcg diet and taking folic acid supplements during prevent birth defects.
per day. pregnancy reduces the risk of neural tube
 For treating high levels birth defects. Procedures to widen narrowed arteries
of homocysteine in the (angioplasty): Using folic acid, vitamin B6,
blood: Possibly Effective for and vitamin B12 intravenously (by IV) or by
o 0.5-5 mg  Age-related vision loss (age-related mouth might worsen narrowed arteries. Folic
(milligrams)/day has macular degeneration). Some research acid should not be used by people recovering
been used, although shows that taking folic acid with other from this procedure.
0.8-1 mg/day is vitamins including vitamin B6 and vitamin
appears to be more B12 reduces the risk of developing age- Cancer: Early research suggests that taking
effective. related vision loss. 800-1000 mcg of folic acid daily might
o In people with end-  Depression. Limited research suggests that increase the risk of cancer. Until more is
stage renal disease, taking folic acid along with antidepressants known, people with a history of cancer
high homocysteine seems to improve symptoms in people with should avoid high doses of folic acid.
levels may be more depression.
difficult to treat, and  High blood pressure. Research suggests Heart disease: Early research suggests that
doses of 0.8-15 that taking folic acid daily for at least 6 taking folic acid plus vitamin B6 might
mg/day have been weeks reduces blood pressure in people with increase the risk for heart attack in people
used. Other dosage high blood pressure. However, taking folic with a history of heart disease.
plans such as 2.5-5 mg acid with blood pressure medication does
3 times weekly have not seem to lower blood pressure any more Anemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency:
also been used. Doses than taking just the medication alone. Taking folic acid might mask anemia caused
higher than 15 mg  Gum problems due to a drug called by vitamin B12 deficiency and delay
phenytoin. Applying folic acid to the gums appropriate treatment.
 daily do not seem to seems to prevent gum problems caused by Seizure disorder: Taking folic acid
be more effective. phenytoin. However, taking folic acid by supplements might make seizures worse in
 For improving the mouth does not seem to improve symptoms people with seizure disorders, particularly in
response to of this condition. high doses.
medications for  Gum disease during pregnancy. Applying
depression: 200-500 folic acid to the gums seems to improve gum
mcg daily has been disease during pregnancy.
used.  A skin discoloration disorder called
 For vitiligo: 5 mg is vitiligo. Taking folic acid by mouth seems
typically taken twice to improve symptoms of vitiligo.
daily.
 For reduction of Possibly Ineffective for
toxicity associated with  Cancer of the white blood cells (acute
methotrexate therapy lymphoblastic leukemia). Taking folate
for rheumatoid arthritis during pregnancy does not reduce the risk of
(RA) or psoriasis: 1 childhood cancer of the white blood cells.
mg/day is probably  Breast cancer. Consuming folate in the diet
enough, but up to 5 might lower the risk of developing breast
mg/day may be used. cancer in women who also eat high amounts
 For preventing macular of methionine, vitamin B12
degeneration: folic acid (cyanocobalamin), or vitamin B6
2.5 mg, vitamin B12 (pyridoxine), but research is not consistent.
(cyanocobalamin) 1000 Other research suggests that taking folic acid
mcg, and vitamin B6 supplements alone does not lower the risk of
(pyridoxine) 50 mg breast cancer.
daily.  Heart disease. Research suggests that
taking folic acid alone or with vitamin B6
The adequate intakes (AI) (pyridoxine) and vitamin B12 does not
for infants are 65 mcg for reduce the risk of death or heart disease-
infants 0-6 months and 80 related events in people with heart disease.
mcg for infants 7-12  Chronic fatigue syndrome. Daily
months of age. The injections of folic acid appear to have no
recommended dietary effect on symptoms of chronic fatigue
allowances (RDAs) for syndrome.
folate in DFE, including  Toxicity from the drug lometrexol. Daily
both food folate and folic injections of folic acid appear to have no
acid from fortified foods effect on symptoms of chronic fatigue
and supplements are: syndrome.
Children 1-3 years, 150
mcg; Children 4-8 years,
200 mcg; Children 9-13
years, 300 mcg; Adults over
13 years, 400 mcg;
Pregnant women 600 mcg;
and breast-feeding women,
500 mcg. The tolerable
upper intake levels (UL) of
folate are 300 mcg for
children 1-3 years of age,
400 mcg for children 4-8
years, 600 mcg for children
9-13 years, 800 mcg for
adolescents 14-18 years,
and 1000 mcg for everyone
over 18 years of age.
 Prostate cancer.Folic acid levels in the
blood do not seem to be linked with the risk
of developing prostate cancer.
 Stroke. Research suggests that people with
high folate intake from the diet have a lower
risk of stroke due to blood vessel ruptures
(hemorrhagic stroke). However, folic acid
does not seem to reduce the risk of stroke
due to blood clots (ischemic stroke).
Likely InEffective for
 Inherited disease called Fragile-X
syndrome.Taking folic acid by mouth does
not improve symptoms of fragile-X-
syndrome.
Insufficient Evidence for
 Alzheimer’s disease. Limited evidence
suggests that elderly people who consume
more folic acid than the recommended
dietary allowance (RDA) appear to have a
lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease
than people who consume less folic acid.
 Preventing re-blockage of blood vessels
after angioplasty. There is inconsistent
evidence on the benefits of taking folic acid
after a procedure to widen the blood vessels.
Taking folic acid plus vitamin B6 and
vitamin B12 might actually interfere with
healing in cases where a device (stent) is
inserted in the blood vessel to keep it open.
 Bipolar disorder. Taking folic acid does not
appear to improve the antidepressant effects
of lithium in people with bipolar disorder.
However, taking folate with the medication
valproate improves the effects of valproate.
 Cervical cancer. There is some evidence
that increasing folic acid intake from dietary
and supplement sources, along with
 thiamine, riboflavin, and vitamin B12, might
help to prevent cervical cancer.
 Memory and thinking skills in older
people. There is conflicting evidence about
the role of folic acid in age-related decline in
memory and thinking skills. Some research
shows that taking folic acid might improve
mental function in older people. However,
other research suggests no benefit.
 Colorectal cancer. Some research suggests
that taking folic acid by mouth as a
supplement or in the diet lowers the risk for
developing colorectal cancer. However,
contradictory evidence exists.
 Diabetes. Taking folic acid supplements
does not seem to benefit people with
diabetes.
 Epilepsy. Taking folic acid does not reduce
seizures in people with epilepsy.
 Esophageal cancer. Research suggests that
consuming more folate in the diet lowers the
risk for developing esophageal cancer.
 High amounts of homocysteine in the
blood caused by the drug fenofibrate.
Taking folic acid every other day might
lower levels of homocysteine in the blood
caused by the drug fenofibrate.
 Stomach cancer. Research suggests that
taking folic acid reduces the risk of
developing some types of stomach cancer.
 Gout. Early research suggests that folate
might reduce the risk of gout.
 Hearing loss. Low levels of folate in the
blood seem to be related to the risk for
sudden hearing loss in adults. Some evidence
suggests that taking folic acid daily for 3
years slows the decline of hearing loss in
older people who have low folate levels. It is
not clear if folic acid supplementation
 reduces hearing loss in people with normal
folate levels.
 Male infertility. Some research suggests
that taking folic acid plus zinc sulfate daily
can increase sperm count in men with low
sperm counts.
 Lung cancer. There does not appear to be a
relationship between low levels of folic acid
and lung cancer in most people.
 Helping medicines used for chest pain
work longer. Some evidence suggests that
taking folic acid does not help medications
for chest pain (nitrates) work longer.
 Cleft lip. Some research suggests that taking
folic acid during pregnancy lowers the risk of
left lip. However, other research shows no
effect.
 Pancreatic cancer. Eating more than 280
mcg of folate in the diet daily is linked to a
lower risk of developing pancreatic cancer.
However, other research suggests that folate
intake is not linked to pancreatic cancer risk.
 Restless leg syndrome. Taking folic acid
seems to reduce symptoms of restless leg
syndrome. Researchers are studying whether
folic acid deficiency causes restless leg
syndrome.
 Sickle-cell disease. Taking folic acid might
lower homocysteine levels. However, it is
not known if this will benefit people with
sickle-cell disease.
 Cancer due to a disease called ulcerative
colitis. Early research suggests that taking
folic acid might prevent cancer in people
with ulcerative colitis.
 Liver disease.
 Alcoholism.
 Weak bones (osteoporosis).
  Other conditions.

The following doses have Likely Effective for Green tea is LIKELY SAFE for most adults
been studied in scientific  Genital warts. A specific green tea extract when consumed as a drink in moderate
research: ointment (Veregen, Bradley Pharmaceuticals; amounts or when green tea extract is applied
Polyphenon E ointment 15%, MediGene to the skin as a specific ointment (Veregen,
BY MOUTH: AG) is FDA-approved for treating genital Bradley Pharmaceuticals), short-term. Green
 For high cholesterol: warts. Applying the ointment for 10-16 tea extract is POSSIBLY SAFE for most
Green tea or green tea weeks seems to clear these types of warts in people when taken by mouth for up to 2
extracts containing 150 24% to 60% of patients. years, when applied to the skin as other
to 2500 mg catechins,  High cholesterol. People to consume ointments short-term, or when used as a
taken in single or 2 higher amounts of green tea seem to have mouthwash short-term. In some people,
divided doses daily for lower levels of cholesterol, low-density green tea can cause stomach upset and
up to 24 weeks, has lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol, and constipation. Green tea extracts have been
been used. triglycerides, as well as higher levels of high- reported to cause liver and kidney problems
 For abnormal density lipoprotein (HDL or "good") in rare cases.
development of cells of cholesterol. Consuming green tea or taking
the cervix (cervical green tea extract containing 150 to 2500 mg Green tea is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when
dysplasia): 200 mg of of green tea catechins, an antioxidant found taken by mouth long-term or in high-doses. It
green tea extract, taken in green tea, daily for up to 24 weeks reduces can cause side effects because of the caffeine.
by mouth daily along total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein These side effects can range from mild to
with a green tea (LDL or "bad") cholesterol in people with serious and include headache, nervousness,
ointment applied twice high levels of blood fats or cholesterol. sleep problems, vomiting, diarrhea, irritability,
weekly for 8-12 weeks, irregular heartbeat, tremor, heartburn,
has been used. Possibly Effective for dizziness, ringing in the ears, convulsions,
 For high blood  Abnormal development of cells of the and confusion. Green tea seems to reduce the
pressure: A green tea cervix (cervical dysplasia). Taking green absorption of iron from food. Drinking very
drink, made by boiling tea by mouth or applying it to the skin seems high doses of green tea is LIKELY
a 3 gram tea bag with to reduce cervical dysplasia caused by human UNSAFE and can actually be fatal. The fatal
150 mL water, has been papilloma virus (HPV) infection. dose of caffeine in green tea is estimated to
used three times daily  Clogged arteries (coronary artery be 10-14 grams (150-200 mg per kilogram).
about 2 hours after disease). Population studies suggest that Serious toxicity can occur at lower doses.
each meal for 4 weeks. drinking green tea is linked to a reduced risk
Also, 379 mg of a of clogged arteries. The link seems to be Special Precautions & Warnings:
specific product stronger in men than women. Children: Green tea is POSSIBLY SAFE
containing green tea  Endometrial cancer. Population studies for children when used in amounts
GREEN TEA extract (Olimp Labs, suggest that drinking green tea is linked to a commonly found in foods and beverages or
EXTRACT Debica, Poland), taken when used for gargling three times daily for
 daily with the morning reduced risk of developing endometrial up to 90 days. Not enough is known about
meal for 3 months, has cancer. safety of green tea extract when taken by
been used.  High blood pressure. There is some mouth in children. However, cases of liver
 For low blood pressure: conflicting evidence about the effects of tea damage have been reported for adults who
400 mL of green tea on high blood pressure. Population research used green tea extract. Therefore, some
taken before lunch has in Chinese people shows that drinking 120- experts recommend that children under the
been used. 599 mL of green tea or oolong tea daily is age of 18 years old do not take green tea
 For thick, white linked to a lower risk of developing high extract.
patches on the gums blood pressure. Drinking more than 600 mL
(oral leukoplakia): 3 daily is linked to an even lower risk. Also, Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you are
grams of mixed green early clinical research suggests that taking pregnant or breast-feeding, green tea in small
tea taken by mouth and green tea extract daily for 3 months or amounts - about 2 cups per day - is
applied to the skin for 6 drinking green tea three times per day for 4 POSSIBLY SAFE. This amount of green tea
months has been used. weeks reduces blood pressure in people with provides about 200 mg of caffeine. However,
 For osteoporosis: high blood pressure. Analysis of clinical drinking more than 2 cups of green tea per
Capsules containing research shows that green tea can reduce day is POSSIBLY UNSAFE. Consuming
500 mg of green tea systolic blood pressure (the top number) by more than 2 cups of green tea daily has been
polyphenols, taken up to 3.2 mmHg and diastolic blood linked to an increased risk of miscarriage and
twice daily alone or pressure (the bottom number) by up to 3.4 other negative effects due to the caffeine
while practicing tai chi mmHg in people with or without high blood content. Also, green tea might increase the
for 60 minutes three pressure. But several smaller studies show risk of birth defects associated with folic acid
times weekly for 24 that green and black tea have no effect on deficiency. In women who are nursing,
weeks, has been used. blood pressure. caffeine passes into breast milk and can affect
 Low blood pressure. Drinking green tea a nursing infant. Don't drink an excessive
APPLIED TO THE might help increase blood pressure in elderly amount of green tea if you are pregnant or
SKIN: people who have low blood pressure after breast-feeding.
 For genital warts: A eating.
specific green tea  Thick, white patches on the gums (oral "Tired blood" (anemia): Drinking green
extract ointment leukoplakia). Drinking green tea seems to tea may make anemia worse.
(Veregen, Bradley decrease the size of white patches in people
Pharmaceuticals; with oral leukoplakia. Anxiety disorders: The caffeine in green tea
Polyphenon E  Osteoporosis. A population study suggests might make anxiety worse.
ointment 15%, that drinking green tea for 10 years is linked
MediGene AG) applied to increased bone mineral density. Also, early Bleeding disorders: Caffeine in green tea
three times daily to research suggests that taking a green tea might increase the risk of bleeding. Don't
warts for up to 16 compound containing 500 mg of catechins, drink green tea if you have a bleeding
weeks, has been used. an antioxidant in green tea, twice daily for 24 disorder.
This product is FDA- weeks improves bone strength in post-
menopausal women with low bone density. Heart conditions: Caffeine in green tea
 approved for treating  Ovarian cancer. Women who regularly
this condition. drink tea, including green or black tea,
 For abnormal appear to have a lower risk of developing
development of cells of ovarian cancer. But green tea does not seem
the cervix (cervical to prevent ovarian cancer from recurring in
dysplasia): A green tea people with a history of ovarian cancer.
ointment has been used  Parkinson's disease. Drinking one to four
alone twice weekly, or cups of green tea daily seems to provide the
in combination with most protection against developing
200 mg of green tea Parkinson's disease.
extract taken by mouth
daily for 8-12 weeks. Insufficient Evidence for
 For thick, white  Acne. Early research suggests that applying
patches on the gums a solution containing a certain chemical
(oral leukoplakia): 3 found in green tea to the skin for 8 weeks
grams of mixed green reduces acne.
tea taken by mouth and  Abnormal protein buildup in the organs
applied to the skin for 6 (Amyloidosis). Early research suggests that
months has been used. drinking green tea (Green Darjeeling,
FTGFOP1, Teekampagne Projektwerkstatt
GmbH, Berlin, Germany) or taking green tea
capsules (Praevent-loges, Dr. Loges + Co.
GmbH, Winsen/Luhe, Germany) containing
green tea extracts for 12 months protects
against an increase in heart mass in people
with amyloidosis affecting the heart.
 Athletic performance. There is conflicting
evidence about the effects of green tea on
athletic performance. Some early research
suggests that taking green tea extract as a
beverage does not improve breathing or
performance in people undergoing
endurance training. However, other early
research suggests that taking specific pills
(Teavigo, Healthy Origins, Pittsburgh, PA)
three times daily with meals for a total dose
of seven pills, improves some breathing tests
during exercise in healthy adults.
might cause irregular heartbeat.
Diabetes: Caffeine in green tea might affect
blood sugar control. If you drink green tea
and have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar
carefully.
Diarrhea: Green tea contains caffeine. The
caffeine in green tea, especially when taken in
large amounts, can worsen diarrhea.
Glaucoma: Drinking green tea increases
pressure inside the eye. The increase occurs
within 30 minutes and lasts for at least 90
minutes.
High blood pressure: The caffeine in green
tea might increase blood pressure in people
with high blood pressure. However, this does
not seem to occur in people who regularly
drink green tea or other products that contain
caffeine.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): Green tea
contains caffeine. The caffeine in green tea,
especially when taken in large amounts, can
worsen diarrhea and might worsen symptoms
of IBS.
Liver disease: Green tea extract supplements
have been linked to rare cases of liver
damage. Green tea extracts might make liver
disease worse. Talk to your doctor before
trying a green tea extract. Tell your doctor if
you have signs of liver damage such as
yellowing skin, dark urine, or abdominal pain.
Weak bones (osteoporosis): Drinking green
tea can increase the amount of calcium that is
 Bladder cancer. Some population evidence flushed out in the urine. Caffeine should be
suggests that drinking green tea is linked to a limited to less than 300 mg per day
lower risk of bladder cancer. However, some (approximately 2-3 cups of green tea). It is
conflicting research suggests that green tea possible to make up for some calcium loss
might not reduce the risk of developing caused by caffeine by taking calcium
bladder cancer. supplements.
 Breast cancer. Population research suggests
that drinking green tea is not linked to a
reduced risk of breast cancer in Asian
people. However, there is some evidence
that it might be linked with a reduced risk of
breast cancer development in Asian-
Americans. Green tea might have different
protective effects in people depending on
their genotype. In people with early-stage
but not late-stage breast cancer, drinking
green tea seems to be linked with a reduced
risk of breast cancer recurring.
 Heart disease. Population studies suggest
that drinking three or more cups of green tea
daily is linked to a decreased risk of death
from heart disease or any cause.
 Cervical cancer. Research suggests that
taking a specific type of green tea extract
(Polyphenon E) daily for 4 months does not
affect cervical cancer risk in women with
HPV infection.
 Colds and flu. Early research suggests that
taking a combination of green tea extract
(THEA-FLAN 90S, Ito-en Co, Tokyo,
Japan) plus theanine (Suntheanine, Taiyo
Kagaku Co, Mie, Japan) daily for 5 months
lowers the risk of developing the flu. Other
early research suggests that taking a specific
combination product containing green tea
and other ingredients (ImmuneGuard,
Nutraceutical Holdings LLC, Orlando, FL)
reduces cold and flu symptoms and the
duration of illness. But other early research
 suggests that gargling with green tea
(Kakegawa Tea Merchants Association) at
least three times daily for 90 days does not
prevent the flu in high school students.
 Colon and rectal cancer. Most evidence
suggests that drinking green tea is not linked
with a reduced risk of colon or rectal cancer.
However, some research suggests that
consuming a high amount is linked to a
reduce risk, particularly in women. Also
taking green tea extract daily for 12 months
seems to reduce the redevelopment of colon
and rectal tumors (metachronous adenomas)
in people who previously underwent surgery
to treat colon and rectal tumors.
 Depression. Population research suggests
that Japanese adults who drink four or more
cups of green tea daily have a 44% to 51%
lower risk for depression than those who
drink one cup or less.
 Diabetes. Population research suggests that
Japanese adults, particularly women, who
drink 6 or more cups of green tea daily, have
a lower risk of developing diabetes. Also,
population research suggests that drinking at
least one cup of green tea per week is linked
with a lower risk of developing impaired
fasting blood sugar in Chinese people.
Impaired fasting blood sugar is a risk factor
for developing type 2 diabetes. However,
some research shows that drinking green tea
three times per day does not help control
blood sugar in people with prediabetes. Also,
taking green tea extract does not seem to
help control sugar or insulin levels in people
who already have diabetes. Overall, some
evidence suggests that drinking green tea
might help prevent diabetes from
developing. But most research suggests that
 drinking green tea or taking green tea extract
does not help control blood sugar in people
who already have diabetes.
 Esophageal cancer. Some population
research suggests that drinking green tea is
linked to a reduced risk of esophageal
cancer. But there is some conflicting
research. Some research suggests that
drinking green tea is linked to a reduced risk
of esophageal cancer in only women, but not
men. Also, some population research
suggests that drinking green tea that is very
hot is linked to an increased risk of
esophageal cancer. Drinking decaffeinated
green tea does not seem to benefit people
already diagnosed with esophageal cancer.
 Stomach cancer. There is conflicting
evidence about the effects of green tea on
stomach cancer risk. Some population
research suggests that drinking at least 5
cups of green tea daily is not linked with a
reduced risk of stomach cancer. But other
population research suggests that drinking at
least 10 cups of green tea daily is linked with
a reduced risk of stomach cancer.
 Fertility problems. Early research suggests
that taking a specific product containing a
mixture of Vitex agnus-castus extract, green
tea extract, and L-arginine, as well as some
vitamins and minerals (FertilityBlend, The
Daily Wellness Company, Mountain View,
CA) increases pregnancy rates in women
who have trouble conceiving.
 Allergy to Japanese cedar (pollinosis).
Early research suggests that drinking a type
of green tea called "Benifuuki" daily for 6-10
weeks before being exposed to Japanese
cedar pollen can reduce allergy symptoms,
 including throat pain, nose blowing, and
tears.
 Leukemia. Population research suggests
that Taiwanese people who drink higher
amounts of green tea have a lower risk of
developing leukemia. Other population
research shows that Chinese people who
drink at least one cup of green tea for at least
20 years have a lower risk of developing
leukemia.
 Liver cancer. Population research suggests
that drinking green tea is not linked to a
reduced risk of liver cancer.
 Lung cancer. There is conflicting evidence
about the effects of green tea on lung cancer
risk. One population study suggests that
drinking at least 5 cups of green tea daily is
not linked with a reduced risk of death
related to lung cancer. However, men who
consume high amounts of phytoestrogens,
chemicals found in green tea, have a lower
risk of developing lung cancer. Also, some
population research suggests that increasing
green tea intake by two cups daily or
drinking 7-10 cups of green tea daily is
linked with a reduced risk of lung cancer.
 Mental alertness. Green tea contains
caffeine. Drinking beverages that contain
caffeine seems to help people maintain
mental alertness throughout the day.
Combining caffeine with sugar as an "energy
drink" seems to improve mental
performance more than caffeine or sugar
alone. However, there is conflicting evidence
regarding green tea on mental alertness.
Some research shows that taking a
combination of green tea extract and L-
theanine (LGNC-07, LG Household &
Health Care, Ltd, Korea) improves memory
 and attention in people with mild mental
problems. However, taking a single dose of a
certain chemical in green tea called
epigallocathechin-3-gallate (EGCG) does not
seem to improve move or mental
performance in healthy adults.
 Metabolic syndrome. Early research
suggests that taking 1000 mg of green tea
extract daily or drinking four cups of green
tea daily for 8 weeks does not improve blood
pressure, cholesterol levels, or blood sugar in
obese people with metabolic syndrome.
 Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
(NAFLD). Research suggests that drinking
green tea daily for 12 weeks does not affect
body weight or body mass but does reduce
body fat percentage and fatty liver disease
severity in people with NAFLD.
 Obesity. There is conflicting evidence about
the effects of green tea in obese people.
Some early research shows that certain
specific green tea extracts (AR25, Exolise,
Arkopharma, Carros, France; Sunphenon
90LB, Taiyo Kagaku Ltd, Yokkaichi, Japan;
Herbal One Green Tea Extract, Herbal One
Co., Ltd., Nakornprathom, Thailand) reduce
weight in obese people. Other early research
suggests that drinking green tea or green tea-
containing beverages can reduce body
weight and body mass index (BMI) in obese
adults or children. Also, multi-ingredient
products containing green tea might increase
weight loss in obese or overweight adults.
The effect of green tea on weight loss seems
to be linked with the amount of catechins or
caffeine contained in the beverage or
supplement. However, some research
suggests that taking green tea extracts or
drinking green tea does not reduce body
 weight or BMI. Overall, research suggests
that taking green tea extract along with
caffeine seems to slightly reduce BMI, body
weight and waist circumference compared to
caffeine alone. But, taking green tea extract
without caffeine does not seem to reduce
weight.
 Mouth cancer. Population research
suggests that drinking green tea is linked
with a reduced risk of developing mouth
cancer. Also, early research suggests that
taking green tea extract three times daily
after meals for 12 weeks increases healing
responses in people with mouth cancer.
 Pancreatic cancer. Population research
suggests that drinking green tea is linked to a
reduced risk of pancreatic cancer.
 Gum disease (periodontal disease).
Chewing candy that contains green tea
extract seems to control plaque build-up on
the teeth and reduce gum swelling. Also
population research suggests that drinking
green tea is linked with a reduced risk of
gum disease. Also, applying a gel containing
green tea extract improves symptoms in
people with long-term gum disease.
 Pneumonia. Population research suggests
that Japanese women who drink green tea
have a lower risk of death from pneumonia
compared to those who don't drink green
tea.
 Pain after surgery. Research suggests that
using a mouthwash containing green tea
extract twice daily beginning the day after
tooth removal surgery reduces pain and the
need to use painkillers.
 Prostate cancer. Some research suggests
that men who drink more green tea or who
take products containing green tea
 antioxidants seem to have a lower risk of
developing prostate cancer. But conflicting
research exists. Green tea or green tea
extracts do not seem to slow the progression
of prostate cancer that has already been
diagnosed.
 Stress. Early research suggests that taking a
specific brand of green tea extract (Teavigo,
DSM, Netherlands) by mouth for 7 days
reduces stress and increases calmness in
healthy people.
 Stroke. According to one study in Japan,
drinking 3 cups of green tea daily seems to
be linked with a lower risk of having a stroke
compared to drinking one cup or no tea.
 Athlete's foot. Research suggests that using
a footbath containing green tea extract
(Sunphenon BG-3,Taiyo Kagaku Co. Ltd.,
Yokkaichi, Mie, Japan) for 15 minutes once
daily for 12 weeks does not improve
symptoms of athletes foot, but does improve
skin condition.
 Inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative
colitis). Early research suggests that taking a
specific green tea product (Polyphenon E,
Mitsui-Norin, Fujieda, Japan) twice daily for
8 weeks might improve inflammatory bowel
disease and help people with this condition
achieve remission.
 Upper respiratory tract infection. Early
research suggests that gargling and
swallowing green tea (Morgentau, Ronnefeld
KG, Germany) over 4 days is less effective
than labdanum lozenges (CYSTUS052, Dr
Pandalis Urheimische Medizin GmbH & Co.
KG, Germany) for reducing symptoms of
upper respiratory tract infections.
 Wrinkled skin. Some early research
suggests that taking green tea antioxidants
 twice daily for 2 years does not reduce the
signs of sun damage to the face in women.
Also, applying a green tea cream and taking
green tea by mouth daily seems to improve
some aspects of skin aging in women, but
overall appearance of skin does not seem to
improve. However, some early research
shows that drinking a beverage containing
green tea antioxidants improves skin
roughness, hydration, and elasticity in
middle-aged women.
 Other conditions.

The following doses have Effective for Magnesium is LIKELY SAFE for most
been studied in scientific  Constipation. Taking magnesium by mouth people when taken by mouth appropriately or
research: is helpful as a laxative for constipation and when the prescription-only, injectable
to prepare the bowel for medical procedures. product is used correctly. In some people,
ADULTS  Indigestion. Taking magnesium by mouth magnesium might cause stomach upset,
BY MOUTH: as an antacid reduces symptoms of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other side
 The daily heartburn. Various magnesium compounds effects.
Recommended Dietary can be used, but magnesium hydroxide
Allowances (RDA) for seems to work the fastest. Doses less than 350 mg daily are safe for
elemental magnesium  Magnesium deficiency. Taking magnesium most adults. When taken in very large
are: 19-30 years, 400 is helpful for treating and preventing amounts, magnesium is POSSIBLY
mg (men) and 310 mg magnesium deficiency. Magnesium UNSAFE. Large doses might cause too
(women); 31 years and deficiency usually occurs when people have much magnesium to build up in the body,
older, 420 mg (men) liver disorders, heart failure, vomiting or causing serious side effects including an
and 320 mg (women). diarrhea, kidney dysfunction, and other irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure,
For pregnant women conditions. confusion, slowed breathing, coma, and
age 14-18 years, the  High blood pressure during pregnancy death.
RDA is 400 mg; 19-30 (pre-eclampsia and eclampsia).
years, 350 mg; 31-50 Administering magnesium intravenously (by Special Precautions & Warnings:
years, 360 mg. For IV) or as a shot is considered the treatment Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Magnesium
lactating women age of choice for reducing high blood pressure is LIKELY SAFE for pregnant or breast-
14-18 years, the RDA is during pregnancy (pre-eclampsia) and for feeding women when taken in doses less than
360 mg; 19-30 years, treating eclampsia, which includes the 350 mg daily. Magnesium is POSSIBLY
310 mg; 31-50 years, development of seizures. Research suggests SAFE when injected as a shot or
MAGNESIUM 320 mg. The daily intravenously (by IV) before delivery.
 upper intake level (UL) that administering magnesium reduces the Magnesium is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when
for magnesium is 350 risk of seizures. taken by mouth or by IV in high doses.
mg for anyone over 8
years old, including Likely Effective for Children: Magnesium is LIKELY SAFE for
pregnant and breast-  Irregular heartbeat (torsades de pointes). most people when taken by mouth
feeding women. Giving magnesium intravenously (by IV) is appropriately or when the prescription-only,
 For constipation: 8.75- helpful for treating a certain type of irregular injectable product is used correctly.
25 grams of magnesium heartbeat called torsades de pointes. Magnesium is safe when taken in doses less
citrate has been used, than 65 mg for children 1-3 years, 110 mg for
usually as 150-300 mL Possibly Effective for children 4-8 years, and 350 mg for children
in a 290 mL solution.  Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmias). Giving older than 8 years. Magnesium is LIKELY
2.4-4.8 grams of magnesium intravenously (by IV) or by UNSAFE when taken in higher doses.
magnesium hydroxide mouth seems to be helpful for treating a
has also been used. 10- certain type of irregular heartbeat called Alcoholism: Alcohol abuse increases the risk
30 grams of magnesium arrhythmias. for magnesium deficiency.
sulfate has also been  Asthma. Giving magnesium intravenously
used. Magnesium salts (by IV) seems to help treat sudden asthma Bleeding disorders: Magnesium seem to
should only be used for attacks. However, it might be more slow blood clotting. In theory, taking
occasional treatment of beneficial in children than in adults. Taking magnesium might increase the risk of
constipation, and doses magnesium using an inhaler might improve bleeding or bruising in people with bleeding
should be taken with a breathing in people with asthma, especially disorders.
full 8 oz glass of water. when used with the drug salbutamol. But
 For indigestion: 400- conflicting results exist. Taking magnesium Diabetes: Diabetes increases the risk for
1200 mg of magnesium by mouth does not seem to improve attacks magnesium deficiency. Poorly controlled
hydroxide has been in people with long-term asthma. diabetes reduces how much magnesium the
used up to four times  Pain caused by nerve damage associated body absorbs.
daily. 800 mg of with cancer. Giving magnesium
magnesium oxide daily intravenously (by IV) seems to relieve pain Elderly: The elderly are at risk for
has also been used. caused by nerve damage due to cancer for magnesium deficiency due to reduced
 For magnesium several hours. magnesium absorption by the body and often
deficiency: 3 grams of  Cerebral palsy. The best evidence to date the presence of diseases that also affect
magnesium sulfate, suggests that giving magnesium to pregnant magnesium absorption.
taken every 6 hours for women before very preterm births can
four doses, has been reduce the risk of cerebral palsy in the infant. Heart block: High doses of magnesium
used. A 5% solution of  Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). (typically delivered by IV) should not be
magnesium chloride Administering magnesium as a shot seems to given to people with heart block.
has been used by improve symptoms of fatigue. However,
mouth daily for 16 there is some controversy about its benefits. Diseases that affect magnesium
weeks. Magnesium-rich absorption: How much magnesium the body
 mineral water (Hepar)  A lung disease called chronic obstructive absorbs can be reduces by many conditions,
containing 110 mg/L pulmonary disease (COPD). including stomach infections, immune
has also been used. 10.4 Administering magnesium intravenously (by diseases, inflammatory bowel disease and
mmol of magnesium IV) seems to help sudden COPD symptoms. others.
lactate, taken by mouth Also, taking magnesium using an inhaler,
daily for 3 months, has along with the drug salbutamol, seems to Kidney problems, such as kidney failure:
been used. Avoid reduce sudden COPD symptoms better than Kidneys that don't work well have trouble
magnesium oxide and salbutamol alone. clearing magnesium from the body. Taking
magnesium carbonate.  Cluster headache. Giving magnesium extra magnesium can cause magnesium to
 For irregular heartbeat intravenously (by IV) seems to relieve cluster build up to dangerous levels. Don't take
(arrhythmias): 2.163 mg headaches. magnesium if you have kidney problems.
of magnesium-DL-  Colon and rectal cancer. Research shows
hydrogen aspartate and that eating more foods with magnesium in Restless leg syndrome: People with restless
2.162 mg of potassium- them is linked to a reduced risk of colon and leg syndrome might have high magnesium
DL-hydrogen aspartate rectal cancer. But other research suggests levels. But it's not clear if magnesium is the
given daily for 21 days that magnesium might reduce colon cancer cause for this condition, as people with
has been used. risk, but not rectal cancer risk. restless leg syndrome have also had
 For chest pain due to  Chest pain (angina) due to clogged magnesium deficiency.
clogged arteries: 800- arteries. Taking magnesium by mouth
1200 mg of magnesium seems to reduce chest pain attacks and blood
oxide taken daily for 3 clots in people with coronary artery disease.
months has been used.  Cystic fibrosis. Research shows that taking
 For diabetes: For type 2 magnesium by mouth daily for 8 weeks
diabetes, 2.5 grams of improves lung strength in children with
magnesium chloride in cystic fibrosis.
a 50 mL solution daily  Diabetes. Eating a diet with more
for 16 weeks has been magnesium is linked with a reduced risk of
used. 300 mL of salt developing diabetes in adults and overweight
lake water with children. Research on the effects of
naturally high magnesium for people with existing type 2
magnesium content diabetes shows conflicting results. In people
diluted with distilled with type 1 diabetes, magnesium might slow
water to contain 100 the development of nerve problems caused
mg of magnesium per by diabetes.
100 mL of water has  Fibromyalgia. Taking magnesium with
been used daily for 30 malic acid (Super Malic tablets) by mouth
days. 360 mg of seems to reduce pain related to fibromyalgia.
magnesium daily for 4 Taking magnesium citrate daily for 8 weeks
to 16 weeks has been
 used. For type 1 seems to improve some symptoms of
diabetes, 300 mg of a fibromyalgia.
specific magnesium  Hearing loss. Taking magnesium by mouth
gluconate supplement seems to prevent hearing loss in people
(Ultramagnesium) daily exposed to loud noise. Also, taking
for 5 years has been magnesium seems to improve hearing loss in
used. people with sudden hearing loss not related
 For fibromyalgia: to loud noise. Injecting magnesium by IV
Magnesium hydroxide might also help improve sudden hearing loss.
plus malic acid (Super  High cholesterol. Taking magnesium
Malic tablets) has been chloride and magnesium oxide appears to
used. 300 mg of slightly decrease low-density lipoprotein
magnesium citrate daily (LDL or "bad") and total cholesterol levels,
for 8 weeks has also and slightly increase in high-density
been used. lipoprotein (HDL or "good") cholesterol
 For hearing loss: 167 levels in people with high cholesterol.
mg of magnesium  Metabolic syndrome (increased risk for
aspartate mixed in 200 diabetes and heart disease). People with
mL lemonade, taken low magnesium levels are 6-7 times more
daily for 8 weeks or as a likely to have metabolic syndrome than
single dose, has been people with normal magnesium levels.
used. Higher magnesium intake from diet and
 For high cholesterol: 1 supplements is linked with a lower risk of
gram of magnesium developing metabolic syndrome in healthy
oxide daily for 6 weeks women and healthy young adults.
has been used.  Diseases of heart valves (mitral valve
 For metabolic prolapse). Taking magnesium by mouth
syndrome: 365 mg of a seems to reduce symptoms of mitral valve
specific magnesium prolapse in people with low magnesium
aspartate product levels in their blood.
(Magnesiocard) taken  Weak bones (osteoporosis). Taking
daily for 6 months has magnesium by mouth seems to prevent bone
been used. loss in older women with osteoporosis. Also,
 For disease of heart taking estrogen along with magnesium plus
valves (mitral valve calcium and a multivitamin supplement
prolapse): 1200-1800 appears to increase bone strength in older
mg of magnesium women better than estrogen alone.
carbonate taken daily  Pain after a hysterectomy. Giving
magnesium intravenously (by IV) seems to
 for 5 weeks has been help reduce pain after a surgical procedure to
used. remove the uterus called a hysterectomy.
 For osteoporosis: 300- There is some evidence that a high
1800 mg of magnesium magnesium dose of 3 grams followed by 500
hydroxide taken daily mg per hour can reduce discomfort.
for 6 months, followed However, lower doses do not seem to be
by 600 mg of effective and might actually increase pain.
magnesium hydroxide  Pain after surgery. When administered with
taken daily for 18 anesthesia or given to people after surgery,
months, has been used. magnesium seems to increase the amount of
1830 mg of magnesium time before pain develops and might
citrate has been used decrease the need to use pain relievers after
daily for 30 days. In surgery.
addition to estrogen,  Premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Taking
600 mg of magnesium magnesium by mouth seems to relieve
plus 500 mg of calcium symptoms of PMS, including mood changes
and a multivitamin and bloating. Taking magnesium by mouth
supplement has been also seems to prevent premenstrual
used daily for one year. migraines.
 Pain after surgery: A  Chest pain due to blood vessel spasms
specific magnesium (vasospastic angina). Giving magnesium
lozenge (Magnesium- intravenously (by IV) seems to prevent
Diasporal lozenge, Med blood vessel spasms in people with chest
Ilac, Istanbul, Turkey) pain caused by spasms in the artery that
containing 610 mg supplies blood to the heart.
magnesium citrate salt,
taken 30 minutes Possibly Ineffective for
before surgery, has  Heart attack. In general, giving magnesium
been used. intravenously (by IV) or taking magnesium
 For premenstrual by mouth does not seem to reduce the
syndrome (PMS): 333 overall risk of death after a heart attack.
mg of magnesium  Altitude sickness. Research suggests that
oxide taken daily for taking magnesium citrate by mouth daily in
two menstrual cycles three divided doses beginning 3 days before
has been used. A higher climbing a mountain and continuing until
dose of 360 mg climbing down the mountain does not
elemental magnesium reduce the risk of sudden altitude sickness.
three times daily has  Athletic performance. Some early research
been used from the suggests that taking magnesium by mouth
 15th day of the reduces the effects of sleep deprivation on
menstrual cycle until athletic performance. Other research
menstrual period suggests that taking a magnesium
begins. 360 mg of supplement (Easymag, Sanofi-Aventis) by
elemental magnesium mouth daily for 12 weeks slightly improves
taken three times daily walking speed in elderly women. Taking
for 2 months has been magnesium by mouth does not seem to
used. A combination of increase energy or endurance during athletic
200 mg of magnesium activity.
daily plus 50 mg of  Chronic pain after an injury. Research
vitamin B6 daily has suggests that using magnesium intravenously
been used. (by IV) for 4 hours each day for 5 days does
not improve pain in people with chronic
BY IV: pain after an injury.
 For magnesium  Jellyfish stings. Research suggests that
deficiency: A typical taking the medication fentanyl while
starting dose for mild receiving magnesium intravenously (by IV)
deficiency is 1 gram of does not reduce pain after a jellyfish sting
magnesium sulfate more than fentanyl alone.
intramuscularly (IM)  Muscle cramps. Taking magnesium
every 6 hours for 4 supplements does not seem to decrease the
doses. For more severe frequency or intensity of muscle cramps.
deficiency, 5 grams of  Muscle strength. Some research suggests
magnesium sulfate may that applying a specific magnesium cream
be given as an (MagPro) to muscles for one week does not
intravenous (IV) improve muscle flexibility or endurance.
infusion over 3 hours.  Head trauma. Research suggests that
To prevent magnesium magnesium does not improve the outcome
deficiency, adults or reduce the risk of death for people with a
typically receive 60-96 traumatic head injury.
mg of elemental  Sickle cell disease. Research shows that
magnesium daily. giving magnesium sulfate intravenously (by
 For high blood IV) every hour for 8 doses does not benefit
pressure during children with sickle cell disease.
pregnancy (pre-  Stillbirths. Taking magnesium supplements
eclampsia and during pregnancy does not seem to decrease
eclampsia): 4-5 grams the risk of stillbirths.
of magnesium sulfate  Tetanus. Taking magnesium does not seem
by IV infusion, to reduce the risk of death in people with
 followed by 4-5 grams tetanus compared to standard treatment.
of magnesium sulfate However, taking magnesium might reduce
every 4 hours, or 1 to 3 the amount of time spent in the hospital,
grams of magnesium although results are conflicting.
sulfate per hour by
constant IV infusion Insufficient Evidence for
has been used. Doses  Alcoholism. Taking magnesium by mouth
should not exceed 30 to seems to improve sleep quality in people
40 grams of magnesium who are dependent on alcohol and going
sulfate daily. A higher through withdrawal. However, injecting
dose of magnesium magnesium as a shot does not seem to
sulfate (9-14 grams) reduce alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
followed by a smaller  Aluminum phosphide poisoning. Some
dose (2.5-5 grams every research suggests that taking magnesium
4 hours for 24 hours) reduces the risk of death in people with
has also been used. aluminum phosphide poisoning. Other
 For irregular heartbeat research suggests magnesium does not have
(torsades de pointes): 1 this effect.
to 6 grams of  Anxiety. Early research suggests that taking
magnesium sulfate magnesium, hawthorn, and California poppy
given by IV over (Sympathyl, not available in the U.S.) might
several minutes, help treat mild to moderate anxiety disorder.
followed by an IV  Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder
infusion has been used. (ADHD). Children with ADHD seem to
 For irregular heartbeat have lower magnesium levels. Early research
(arrhythmias): For suggests that magnesium might help treat
reducing irregular ADHD in children with low magnesium
heartbeat after a heart levels.
attack, 8 grams of  Bipolar disorder. Early research suggests
magnesium sulfate in that taking a certain magnesium product
250 mL of solution (Magnesiocard) may have similar effects as
over 12 hours has been lithium in some people with bipolar disorder.
used. For irregular or  Heart disease. Research on the effects of
rapid heartbeat, an IV magnesium intake in the diet on heart
infusion of 5 grams of disease is inconsistent. Some research
magnesium sulfate in suggests that increasing magnesium intake in
100 mL of solution has the diet is linked to a reduce risk of death
been used. Half of the related to heart disease. But not all research
dose is given over 20 shows positive effects. Some research
 minutes, followed by suggests that increasing magnesium intake in
the remainder over 2 the diet does not affect heart disease risk.
hours. For faster Other research suggests that there is no link
heartbeat, a single IV between magnesium intake and heart
dose of 1-4 grams of disease.
magnesium chloride  High blood pressure. Some research
given over 5 minutes suggests that taking magnesium by mouth
has been used. For slightly reduces diastolic blood pressure (the
abnormal heartbeat bottom number in a blood pressure reading)
caused by a pacemaker, in people with mild to moderate high blood
2 grams of magnesium pressure. Magnesium might not lower
sulfate in 10 mL of systolic blood pressure (the top number in a
solution has been given blood pressure reading).
by IV over 1-10  Brain damage in infants caused by lack
minutes, followed by 5- of oxygen. Research suggests that
10 grams of magnesium administering magnesium intravenously (by
sulfate in 250-500 mL IV) might improve outcomes in infants with
of solution over 5 brain damage caused by lack of oxygen in
hours. the short-term but not the long-term.
 For pain caused by  Kidney stones. Taking magnesium by
nerve damages mouth might prevent the recurrence of
associated with cancer: kidney stones. But other medications such as
Single doses of 0.5-1 chlorthalidone (Hygroton) may be more
gram of magnesium effective.
sulfate have been given  Low back pain. Early research suggests that
as 1 mL or 2 mL of a receiving magnesium intravenously (by IV)
50% magnesium sulfate every 4 hours for 2 weeks while taking
injection over 5-10 magnesium by mouth daily for 4 weeks
minutes. reduces pain in people with chronic low
 For a lung disease back pain.
called chronic  Mania. Early research suggests that taking
pulmonary disease magnesium by mouth plus the drug
(COPD): 1.2 grams of verapamil reduces manic symptoms better
magnesium sulfate has than just verapamil alone. Other early
been given by IV after research suggests that giving magnesium
using an inhaler. 1.2-2 intravenously (by IV) reduces the dose of
grams of magnesium other drugs needed to manage severe manic
sulfate in 100-150 mL symptoms.
 of solution over 20  Migraine headaches. Taking high doses of
minutes has been used. magnesium by mouth seems to reduce how
 For cluster headache: 1 often migraines occur, as well as their
gram of magnesium severity. But other research suggests that
sulfate over 5 minutes magnesium does not have any effect on
has been used. Single 1 migraines. Limited research suggests that
gram doses of using magnesium intravenously (by IV)
magnesium sulfate have might reduce migraines. Other research
also been used. suggests that using magnesium by IV does
 For pain after a not provide any relief.
hysterectomy: 3 grams  Multiple sclerosis (MS). Taking
of magnesium sulfate in magnesium might reduce stiff or rigid
an IV solution has been muscles in people with MS.
used followed by 0.5  Nerve damage caused by the anticancer
grams of magnesium drug oxaliplatin. Research on the effects of
sulfate by IV per hour magnesium on nerve damage caused by
for 20 hours. oxaliplatin is inconsistent. Some research
 For pain after surgery: shows that giving a calcium and magnesium
5-50 mg/kg of infusion reduces nerve pain caused by this
magnesium by IV drug. But other research shows that it has no
followed by a effect on preventing nerve damage or
continuous IV solution improving symptoms.
at 6 mg/kg or 500 mg  Recovery after surgery. Some research
hourly has been used suggests that taking a specific magnesium
for the duration of the lozenge (Magnesium-Diasporal lozenge, Med
operation up to 48 Ilac, Istanbus, Turkey) by mouth 30 minutes
hours. Also 3.7-5.5 before surgery reduces sore throat from the
grams of magnesium in breathing tube.
addition to pain  Pregnancy-related leg cramps. Research
medication has been on the use of magnesium for treating leg
used within 24 hours cramps caused by pregnancy has been
after surgery. inconsistent. Some studies show that taking
 For chest pain due to magnesium by mouth might reduce leg
blood vessel spasms cramps during pregnancy. However, another
(vasospastic angina): 65 study shows no benefit.
mg/kg of body weight  Premature labor. Giving magnesium
of magnesium given by intravenously (by IV) might prevent
IV over 20 minutes has contractions when premature labor occurs.
been used. Some research suggests that magnesium is
 For asthma: Doses of more effective at delaying labor by 48 hours
1-2 grams of compared to some conventional drugs.
magnesium sulfate have However, not all experts believe it is
been given over 20 to beneficial, and some research suggests it
30 minutes. A dose of might cause more adverse effects.
78 mg/kg/hour of  Restless leg syndrome. Taking magnesium
magnesium sulfate has by mouth might decrease the amount of
been given by IV movement and increase the amount of sleep
during, and for 30 in patients with restless leg syndrome.
minutes before, a lung However, the role of magnesium, if any, in
function test. restless leg syndrome is uncertain. Some
people with this condition have high levels
INJECTED AS A of magnesium in their blood, while others
SHOT: have low magnesium levels.
 For high blood  Stroke. There is inconsistent evidence about
pressure during the effects of magnesium supplements or
pregnancy (pre- magnesium intake in the diet on stroke.
eclampsia and Some evidence suggests that increasing
eclampsia): 4 grams of magnesium intake in the diet might reduce
magnesium sulfate the risk of stroke in men. But there is no
diluted in saline over proof that taking magnesium supplements
10–15 minutes given will have the same effect. Some early
intravenously (by IV) research suggests that administering
followed by 5 grams of magnesium intravenously (by IV) might
magnesium sulfate benefit people who have had a stroke. But
injected as a shot into other research suggests that it does not
each buttock, and 2.5 reduce the risk of death or disability in most
or 5 grams of people.
magnesium sulfate  Bleeding in the brain (subarachnoid
injected as a shot every hemorrhage). There is mixed evidence
4 hours for 24 hours about the effect of magnesium in managing
has been used. bleeding in the brain. Some research suggests
 For chronic fatigue that giving magnesium intravenously (by IV)
syndrome (CFS): reduces the risk of death and vegetative
Solution containing 1 state. However, other research does not
gram of magnesium support these findings.
sulfate has been given  Sudden cardiac death. Some preliminary
research suggests that higher levels of
magnesium are linked with a lower chance of
 as a shot once weekly experiencing sudden cardiac death.
for 6 weeks. However, it is not known if taking a
magnesium supplement reduces the risk of
INHALED: sudden cardiac death. Giving magnesium
 For a lung disease intravenously does not seem to have a
called chronic benefit.
pulmonary disease  Poisoning from tricyclic antidepressant
(COPD): 2.5 mg of the drugs. Early research shows that adding
drug salbutamol along magnesium to an intravenous infusion does
with 2.5 mL of not help people with poisoning from
magnesium sulfate (151 tricyclic antidepressants.
mg per dose), inhaled  Hayfever.
three times at 30  Lyme disease.
minute intervals, has  Skin infections.
been used.  Urinary incontinence.
 Other conditions.
CHILDREN
BY MOUTH:
 The daily
Recommended Dietary
Allowances (RDA) for
elemental magnesium
are: Age 1-3 years, 80
mg; 4-8 years, 130 mg;
9-13 years, 240 mg; 14-
18 years, 410 mg (boys)
and 360 mg (girls). For
infants less than one
year of age, adequate
intake (AI) levels are 30
mg from birth to 6
months and 75 mg
from 7 to 12 months.
The daily upper intake
level (UL) for
magnesium is 65 mg
for children age 1-3
years, and 110 mg for
4-8 years.
  For cystic fibrosis: 300
mg of magnesium-
glycine taken daily for 8
weeks has been used.

BY IV:
 For asthma: 40 mg/kg
of magnesium sulfate,
up to a maximum of 2
grams, has been given
by IV in 100 mL of
solution over 20
minutes.

The following doses have Effective for Potassium is LIKELY SAFE for most
been studied in scientific  Low levels of potassium in the blood people when taken by mouth in amounts of
research: (hypokalemia). Taking potassium by up to 100 mEq of total potassium, or when
mouth or intravenously (by IV) prevents and given intravenously (by IV) by medical
ADULTS treats low levels of potassium in the blood. professionals. In some people, potassium can
BY MOUTH: cause stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea,
 General: The adequate Possibly Effective for vomiting, or intestinal gas.
intake (AI) of  High blood pressure. Most research shows
potassium is 4.7 grams that taking potassium can decrease blood Too much potassium is UNSAFE and can
per day for most adults, pressure in people with high blood pressure. cause feelings of burning or tingling,
4.7 grams per day for Potassium seems work best for people with generalized weakness, paralysis, mental
pregnant females, and low potassium levels, high sodium intake, confusion, low blood pressure, irregular heart
5.1 grams per day for and for African Americans. rhythm, or death.
lactating women.  Stroke. Higher intake of potassium from
 For low levels of food has been linked with up to a 20% Special Precautions & Warnings:
potassium reduced risk of stroke. Taking potassium Pregnancy or breast-feeding: Potassium is
(hypokalemia): For supplements has also been linked to a LIKELY SAFE when obtained from the diet
preventing low levels of reduced risk of stroke. But higher quality in amounts of 40-80 mEq per day. Taking
potassium, 20 mEq of research is needed to confirm this too much potassium is UNSAFE during
potassium is typically association. pregnancy and breast feeding.
taken daily. For treating
low levels of potassium, Insufficient Evidence for Allergy to aspirin or tartrazine products:
40-100 mEq is typically  Dental pain. Some research shows that Avoid potassium supplements that contain
taken in 2-5 divided using a toothpaste that contains potassium tartrazine.
POTASSIUM doses daily. nitrite reduces tooth sensitivity. However,
 For high blood these toothpastes might still be less effective Disorders of the digestive tract that might
pressure than other standard toothpastes. alter the speed food and supplements
(hypertension): The  Acne. pass through the body (GI motility
typical dose of  Alcoholism. conditions): If you have one of these
potassium is 48-90  Allergies. disorders, do not take potassium
mEq daily.  Alzheimer's disease. supplements. Potassium could build up to
 For stroke: For  Arthritis. dangerous levels in your body.
preventing stroke,  Bloating.
dietary intake of about  Blurred vision. Kidney disease: Use potassium only with
75 mEq (about 3.5  Cancer. the advice and ongoing care of a healthcare
grams of elemental  Chronic fatigue syndrome. professional if you have kidney problems.
potassium) has been  Colitis.
taken daily.  Confusion.
 Constipation.
INTRAVENOUS (IV):  Fatigue and mood swings in early
 For low levels of menopause.
potassium  Fever.
(hypokalemia): The  Gout.
dose and rate of  Headaches.
administration for  Heart attack.
intravenous potassium  Infant colic.
chloride for the  Insulin resistance.
prevention or treatment  Irritability.
of hypokalemia varies  Menière's disease.
and depends on the  Menopausal symptoms.
condition of each  Muscle weakness.
patient. Patients should  Muscular dystrophy.
be monitored and  Myasthenia gravis.
under the care of  Skin problems.
medical professionals at  Stress.
the time of  Trouble sleeping (insomnia).
administration.  Other conditions.

CHILDREN
 General: The adequate
intake (AI) is 0.4 grams
per day for infants up
to 6 months old, 0.7
grams per day for
 infants 6-12 months
old, 3 grams per day for
children 1-3 years old,
3.8 grams per day for
children 4-8 years old,
and 4.5 grams per day
for children 9-13 years
old.
Insufficient Evidence for
 Noncancerous tumors in the colon and
rectum (colorectal adenomas). Early
research suggests that taking reishi
mushroom extract daily for 12 months
reduces the number of tumors in people
with colorectal adenomas.
 Clogged arteries. Early research suggests
that taking a specific reishi mushroom
product (Ganopoly) reduces symptoms of
clogged arteries, including chest pain and
shortness of breath.
 Diabetes. Early research suggests that
taking a specific reishi mushroom product
(Ganopoly) daily for 12 weeks reduces
hemoglobin but not blood sugar levels in
people with type 2 diabetes.
 Hepatitis B. Early research suggests that
taking a specific reishi mushroom product
(Ganopoly) for 12 weeks reduces how much
of the hepatitis B virus is circulating in the
body. This product also seems to improve
liver function in people with this condition.
 High cholesterol. Early research suggests
that taking reishi mushroom extract daily for
12 weeks does not affect cholesterol levels in
people with high blood pressure and/or high
cholesterol.
 High blood pressure. There is inconsistent
evidence about the effects of reishi
REISHI
Reishi mushroom extract is POSSIBLY
SAFE when taken by mouth appropriately
for up to one year.
Reishi mushroom is POSSIBLY UNSAFE
when taken by mouth in a powdered form for
more than one month. Use of powdered
reishi mushroom has been associated with
toxic effects on the liver.
Reishi mushroom can also cause other side
effects including dryness of the mouth,
throat, and nasal area along with itchiness,
stomach upset, nosebleed, and bloody stools.
Drinking reishi wine can cause a rash.
Breathing in reishi spores can trigger allergies.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There is
not enough reliable information about the
safety of taking reishi mushroom if you are
pregnant or breast feeding. Stay on the safe
side and avoid use.
Bleeding disorder: High doses of reishi
mushroom might increase the risk of
bleeding in some people with certain bleeding
disorders.
Low blood pressure: Reishi mushroom
seems to be able to lower blood pressure.
 mushroom on high blood pressure. Early There is a concern that it might make low
research suggests that taking reishi blood pressure worse and could interfere
mushroom extract daily for 12 weeks does with treatment. If your blood pressure is too
not lower blood pressure in people with low, it is best to avoid reishi mushroom.
slightly high blood pressure. However, other
research suggests that taking reishi A clotting disorder called
mushroom lowers blood pressure in people thrombocytopenia: High doses of reishi
with more severe high blood pressure. mushroom might increase the risk of
 Lung cancer. Early research suggests that bleeding in people with thrombocytopenia. If
taking reishi mushroom does not shrink lung you have this condition, do not use reishi
tumors. However, it does appear to improve mushroom.
immune function and quality of life in
people with lung cancer. Surgery: High doses of reishi mushroom
 Shingles-related pain. Some people report might increase the risk of bleeding in some
that hot water extracts of reishi mushroom people if used before or during surgery. Stop
decreases pain when conventional treatment using reishi mushroom at least 2 weeks
does not work. before a scheduled surgery.
 Boosting the immune system.
 Viral infections.
 Prostate cancer.
 Asthma and bronchitis.
 Stress.
 Kidney disorders.
 Liver disease.
 HIV disease.
 Altitude sickness.
 Fatigue.
 Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).
 Trouble sleeping (insomnia).
 Stomach ulcers.
 Poisoning.
 Other conditions.

Adequate Intake (AI) levels Effective for Vitamin A is LIKELY SAFE for most
of vitamin A for infants  Vitamin A deficiency. Taking vitamin A by people when taken by mouth or given as a
have been established: birth mouth is effective for preventing and shot into the muscle in amounts less than
to 6 months, 400 mcg/day treating symptoms of vitamin A deficiency. 10,000 units daily.
VITAMIN A (1300 units); 7 to 12 Vitamin A deficiency can occur in people
months, 500 mcg/day
(1700 units).
Recommended Dietary
Allowance (RDA) levels for
children and adults have
been established: children 1
to 3 years, 300 mcg/day
(1000 units); 4 to 8 years,
400 mcg/day (1300 units);
9 to 13 years, 600 mcg/day
(2000 units); men 14 years
and older, 900 mcg/day
(3000 units); women 14
years and older, 700
mcg/day (2300 units);
pregnancy 14 to 18 years,
750 mcg/day (2500 units);
19 years and older, 770
mcg/day (2600 units);
lactation 14 to 18 years,
1200 mcg/day (4000 units);
19 years and older, 1300
mcg/day (4300 units).
Tolerable Upper Intake
Levels (UL) for vitamin A
have also been established.
The UL is the highest level
of intake that is likely to
pose no risk of harmful
effects. The ULs for
vitamin A are for
preformed vitamin A
(retinol) and do not include
provitamin A carotenoids:
infants and children from
birth to 3 years, 600
mcg/day (2000 units);
children 4 to 8 years, 900
with protein deficiency, diabetes, over-active
thyroid, fever, liver disease, cystic fibrosis, or
an inherited disorder called
abetalipoproteinemia.
Possibly Effective for
 Breast cancer. Premenopausal women with
a family history of breast cancer who
consume high levels of vitamin A in their
diet seem to have reduced risk of developing
breast cancer. It is not known if taking
vitamin A supplements has the same benefit.
 Cataracts. Research suggests that high
intake of vitamin A in the diet is linked to a
lower risk of developing cataracts.
 Diarrhea related to HIV. Taking vitamin A
along with conventional medicines seems to
decrease the risk of death from diarrhea in
HIV-positive children with vitamin A
deficiency.
 Malaria. Taking vitamin A by mouth seems
to decrease malaria symptoms in children
less than 3 years-old living in areas where
malaria is common.
 Measles. Taking vitamin A by mouth seems
to reduce the risk of measles complications
or death in children with measles and
vitamin A deficiency.
 Precancerous lesions in the mouth (oral
leukoplakia). Research suggests that taking
vitamin A can help treat precancerous
lesions in the mouth.
 Recovery from laser eye surgery
(photoreactive keratectomy). Taking
vitamin A by mouth along with vitamin E
seems to improve healing after laser eye
surgery.
 Complications after pregnancy. Taking
vitamin A seems to reduce the risk of
Vitamin A is POSSBILY UNSAFE when
taken by mouth in high doses. Some scientific
research suggests that higher doses might
increase the risk of osteoporosis and hip
fracture, particularly in older people. Adults
who eat low-fat dairy products, which are
fortified with vitamin A, and a lot of fruits
and vegetables usually do not need vitamin A
supplements or multivitamins that contain
vitamin A.
Long-term use of large amounts of vitamin A
might cause serious side effects including
fatigue, irritability, mental changes, anorexia,
stomach discomfort, nausea, vomiting, mild
fever, excessive sweating, and many other
side effects. In women who have passed
menopause, taking too much vitamin A can
increase the risk of osteoporosis and hip
fracture.
There is growing concern that taking high
doses of antioxidant supplements such as
vitamin A might do more harm than good.
Some research shows that taking high doses
of vitamin A supplements might increase the
chance of death from all causes and possibly
other serious side effects.
Vitamin A is LIKELY SAFE for children
when taken in the recommended amounts.
The maximum amounts of vitamin A that are
safe for children are based on age:
 Less than 2000 units/day in children
up to 3 years old.
 Less than 3000 units/day in children
ages 4 to 8 years old.
mcg/day (3000 units); 9 to
13 years, 1700 mcg/day
(6000 units); 14 to 18 years
(including pregnancy and
lactation), 2800 mcg/day
(9000 units); adults age 19
and older (including
pregnancy and lactation),
3000 mcg/day (10,000
units).
Vitamin A dosage is most
commonly expressed in
units, but dosage in
micrograms is sometimes
used.
Eating 5 servings of fruits
and vegetables per day
provides about 50% to
65% of the adult RDA for
vitamin A.
diarrhea and fever after pregnancy in
malnourished women.
 Complications during pregnancy. Taking
vitamin A by mouth seems to reduce the risk
of death and night blindness during
pregnancy in malnourished women.
 Eye disease affecting the retina (retinitis
pigmentosa). Research suggests that taking
vitamin A can slow the progression of an eye
disease that causes damage to the retina.
Possibly Ineffective for
 Breathing problems that affect newborns
(bronchopulmonary dysplasia). Research
shows that injecting vitamin does not reduce
the risk of breathing problems in low birth
weight infants.
 Gastrointestinal side effects of
chemotherapy. Taking vitamin A by mouth
does not prevent or reduce gastrointestinal
side effects of chemotherapy in children.
 Fetal and early infant death. Taking
vitamin A supplements before, during, or
after pregnancy does not seem to reduce the
risk of fetal or early infant death when taken
by malnourished women. However, giving
vitamin A to some infants seems to lower
the risk of infant death in areas where
malnutrition or vitamin A deficiency is
common.
 A type of skin cancer called melanoma.
Research shows that taking vitamin A by
mouth does not increase disease-free
survival in people with melanoma.
 Miscarriage. Women who take vitamin A
by mouth, alone or in combination with
other vitamins before or during early
pregnancy, do not have a lower risk of
miscarriage or stillbirth.
 Less than 5700 units/day in children
ages 9 to 13 years old.
 Less than 9300 units/day in children
ages 14 to 18 years old.
Vitamin A is POSSIBLY UNSAFE for
children when taken by mouth in high doses.
When amounts greater than those
recommended are taken, side effects can
include irritability, sleepiness, vomiting,
diarrhea, loss of consciousness, headache,
vision problems, peeling skin, increased risk
of pneumonia and diarrhea, and other
problems.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Vitamin A
is LIKELY SAFE for pregnant or breast-
feeding women when taken in recommended
amounts of less than 10,000 units per day.
Larger amounts are POSSIBLY UNSAFE.
Vitamin A can cause birth defects. It is
especially important for pregnant women to
monitor their intake of vitamin A from all
sources during the first three months of
pregnancy. Forms of vitamin A are found in
several foods including animal products,
primarily liver, some fortified breakfast
cereals, and dietary supplements.
Excessive use of alcohol: Drinking alcohol
may increase vitamin A’s potentially harmful
effects on the liver.
Disorders in which the body does not
absorb fat properly: People with conditions
that affect fat absorption, such as celiac
disease, short gut syndrome, jaundice, cystic
fibrosis, pancreatic disease, and cirrhosis of
the liver, are not able to absorb vitamin A
 Osteoarthritis. Taking a specific product
containing selenium, vitamin A, vitamin C,
and vitamin E (Selenium ACE) does not
appear to improve osteoarthritis. Also,
taking additional vitamin A does not reduce
pain in people with spinal osteoarthritis who
have adequate levels of vitamin A.
 Tuberculosis. Low levels of vitamin A are
common in people with tuberculosis.
However, taking vitamin A does not appear
to improve symptoms or decrease the risk of
death in people with tuberculosis.
Likely InEffective for
 Head and neck cancer. Taking vitamin A
by mouth does not reduce the risk of
developing new tumors or improve survival
in people with head and neck cancer.
 HIV transmission. Taking vitamin A by
mouth does not lower the risk of passing
HIV to the fetus during pregnancy, to
newborns during delivery, or to infants
during breastfeeding. In fact, early research
suggests that HIV-positive women who take
vitamin A supplements during pregnancy
might have an increased risk of passing HIV
to their babies through breast milk.
 Lower respiratory tract infections. Taking
vitamin A by mouth does not prevent or
reduce symptoms of lower respiratory tract
infections in children. In fact, vitamin A is
linked to a slight increase in the risk of
respiratory tract infections in children.
 Pneumonia. Taking vitamin A by mouth
does not help treat or prevent pneumonia in
children living in developing countries.
properly. To improve vitamin A absorption,
these people should use vitamin A
preparations that are water-soluble.
A type of high cholesterol called "Type V
hyperlipoproteinemia:" This condition
might increase the chance of vitamin A
poisoning. Do not take vitamin A if you have
this condition.
Intestinal infections: Intestinal infections
such as hookworm can reduce how much
vitamin A the body absorbs.
Liver disease: Too much vitamin A might
make liver disease worse. Do not take vitamin
A if you have liver disease.
Malnutrition: In people with severe protein
malnutrition, taking vitamin A might result in
having too much vitamin A in the body.
Zinc deficiency: Zinc deficiency might cause
symptoms of vitamin A deficiency to occur.
Taking a combination of vitamin A and zinc
supplements might be necessary to improve
this condition.

Insufficient Evidence for

 Alcohol-related liver disease. Early
research shows that taking vitamin A
together with coenzyme Q10 and other
vitamins and minerals does not improve
survival in people with alcohol-related liver
disease.
 Anemia. Taking vitamin A may help
increase levels of proteins that store iron.
This may reduce the risk of anemia in
children and pregnant women. However, in
developing nations in which anemia is
common, taking vitamin A (retinol) with
iron and folate does not seem to improve
anemia in pregnant women compared to
taking only iron and folate.
 Cervical cancer. Research suggests that
increased vitamin A levels in the blood or
higher vitamin A intakes are associated with
a lower risk of cervical cancer. However, this
only appears to be the case when both forms
of vitamin A, retinol and carotenes, are
considered. Intake of retinol alone is not
linked with a reduced risk of cervical cancer.
 Child development. Taking vitamin A does
not appear to improve growth in children
with normal nutrition. However, taking
vitamin A might improve growth in children
with vitamin A deficiency.
 Cancer that starts in the bone marrow
(chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML)).
Early research shows that taking a specific
vitamin A product (Aquasol, Armour
Pharmaceuticals) together with busulfan
therapy does not improve survival in people
with chronic myelogenous leukemia. Taking
vitamin A with busulfan therapy might also
increase the risk of toxicity.
 Rectal damage caused by radiation
therapy. Early research suggests that taking
 vitamin A (retinol palmitate) can reduce
rectal symptoms caused by pelvic
radiotherapy.
 Colorectal cancer. Taking vitamin A alone
or in combination with beta-carotene does
not seem to prevent colorectal cancer.
 Esophageal cancer. Some population
research suggests that higher intake of beta-
carotene and vitamin A is linked to a
reduced risk of esophageal cancer. However,
other higher quality evidence suggests that
taking vitamin A in combination with beta-
carotene does not prevent esophageal
cancer.
 HIV. Taking vitamin A during pregnancy
does not seem to reduce the risk of death for
the mother or child. Also, vitamin A
supplementation during pregnancy does not
seem to prevent HIV progression in women
with HIV and low levels of vitamin A.
However, giving vitamin A to HIV-positive
infants and children seems to reduce the risk
of HIV-related death.
 Lung cancer. Early research suggests that
taking vitamin A by mouth might improve
survival and reduce the development of new
tumors in people with lung cancer. However,
other research shows that vitamin A has no
effect on lung cancer survival. Also, vitamin
A seems to increase the risk of lung cancer
in smokers and people exposed to asbestos.
 Ovarian cancer. Population research
suggests that taking vitamin A does not
reduce the risk of developing ovarian cancer.
 Overall mortality. Giving vitamin A to
children aged 6 months to 5 years seems to
decrease the risk of death, especially in those
at risk for vitamin deficiency. However,
 taking vitamin A does not seem to reduce
the risk of death in healthy adults.
 Pancreatic cancer. Taking vitamin A in
combination with beta-carotene does not
seem to prevent pancreatic cancer.
 Prostate cancer. Vitamin A intake from the
diet does not seem to be linked with a
reduced risk of prostate cancer.
 Stomach cancer. Taking vitamin A alone or
with beta-carotene does not seem to prevent
stomach cancer.
 Promoting good vision.
 Age-related macular degeneration
(AMD).
 Glaucoma.
 Preventing and speeding recovery from
infections.
 Improving immune function.
 Wound healing.
 Relieving hay fever symptoms.
 Other conditions.

This product is a combination of B vitamins
used to treat or prevent vitamin deficiency due
to poor diet, certain illnesses, alcoholism, or
during pregnancy. Vitamins are important
building blocks of the body and help keep you in
good health. B vitamins include thiamine,
riboflavin, niacin/niacinamide, vitamin B6,
vitamin B12, folic acid, and pantothenic acid.
Some brands of B vitamins also contain
ingredients such as vitamin C, vitamin E, biotin,
or zinc. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if
you have questions about the ingredients in your
brand.
VITAMIN B
COMPLEX How to use VITAMIN B Complex Capsule
Mild upset stomach or flushing may occur.
These effects are usually temporary and may
disappear as your body adjusts to this
product. If any of these effects persist or
worsen, contact your doctor or pharmacist
promptly.
If your doctor has directed you to take this
medication, remember that he or she has
judged that the benefit to you is greater than
the risk of side effects. Many people using
this medication do not have serious side
effects.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is
rare. However, seek immediate medical
Take this medication by mouth, usually once
daily or as directed. Follow all directions on the
product package. If you are uncertain about any
of the information, consult your doctor or
pharmacist.
attention if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including: rash,
itching/swelling (especially of the
face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble
breathing.

If you are taking a brand that contains vitamin

C, take this medication by mouth with a full
glass of water (8 ounces/240 milliliters) unless
your doctor directs you otherwise.

If you are taking chewable tablets, chew the

tablet thoroughly before swallowing.

If you are taking extended-release capsules,

swallow them whole. Do not crush or chew
extended-release capsules or tablets. Doing so
can release all of the drug at once, increasing the
risk of side effects. Also, do not split extended-
release tablets unless they have a score line and
your doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so.
Swallow the whole or split tablet without
crushing or chewing.

If you are taking a liquid product, use a

medication-measuring device to carefully
measure the dose. Do not use a household
spoon. Some liquid products need to be shaken
before each dose. Some products that contain
vitamin B12 need to be placed under the tongue
and held there before swallowing. Follow label
directions carefully to get the most benefit.

Take this medication regularly in order to get the

most benefit from it. To help you remember,
take it at the same time each day.
 The following doses have Effective for Vitamin C is LIKELY SAFE for most
been studied in scientific  Vitamin C deficiency. Taking vitamin C by people when taken by mouth in
research: mouth or injecting as a shot prevents and recommended doses, when applied to the
treats vitamin C deficiency, including scurvy. skin, when injected into the muscle, and
BY MOUTH: Also, taking vitamin C can reverse problems when injected intravenously (by IV) and
 For scurvy: 100-250 mg associated with scurvy. appropriately. In some people, vitamin C
once or twice daily for might cause nausea, vomiting, heartburn,
several days. Likely Effective for stomach cramps, headache, and other side
 For treating the  Iron absorption. Administering vitamin C effects. The chance of getting these side
common cold: 1-3 along with iron can increase how much iron effects increases the more vitamin C you take.
grams daily. the body absorbs in adults and children. Amounts higher than 2000 mg daily are
 For preventing kidney  A genetic disorder in newborns called POSSIBLY UNSAFE and may cause a lot
damage related to tyrosinemia. Taking vitamin C by mouth or of side effects, including kidney stones and
contrast media used as a shot improves a genetic disorder in severe diarrhea. In people who have had a
during diagnostic tests: newborns in which blood levels of the kidney stone, amounts greater than 1000 mg
vitamin C 3 grams is amino acid tyrosine are too high. daily greatly increase the risk of kidney stone
given before coronary recurrence.
angiography and then 2 Possibly Effective for
grams is given after the  Age-related vision loss (age-related Special Precautions & Warnings:
procedure in the macular degeneration; AMD). Taking Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Vitamin C
evening and again the vitamin C in combination with zinc, vitamin is LIKELY SAFE for pregnant or breast-
following morning. E, and beta-carotene daily seems to help feeding women when taken by mouth in
 For slowing prevent vision loss or slow the worsening of amounts no greater than 2000 mg daily for
progression of AMD in patients with advanced AMD. women over 19 years-old, and 1800 mg daily
hardening of the There is not enough evidence to know if this for women 14 to 18 years-old, or when given
arteries: slow-release combination helps people with less advanced intravenously (by IV) or intramuscularly and
vitamin C 250 mg in macular disease or if it prevents AMD. appropriately. Taking too much vitamin C
combination with 91 Using vitamin C with other antioxidants, but during pregnancy can cause problems for the
mg (136 IU) of vitamin without zinc, does not seem to have any newborn baby. Vitamin C is POSSIBLY
E twice daily for up to effect on AMD. UNSAFE when taken by mouth in excessive
6 years.  Decreasing protein in the urine amounts.
 For tyrosinemia in (albuminuria). Taking vitamin C plus
premature infants on vitamin E can reduce protein in the urine in Infants and children: Vitamin C is
high protein diets: 100 people with diabetes. LIKELY SAFE when taken by mouth
mg of vitamin C.  Hardening of the arteries appropriately. Vitamin C is POSSIBLY
 For reducing protein in (atherosclerosis). Taking vitamin C by UNSAFE when taken by mouth in amounts
the urine of patients mouth seems to decrease the risk of artery higher than 400 mg daily for children 1 to 3
with type 2 diabetes: hardening. Vitamin C also appears to slow years, 650 mg daily for children 4 to 8 years,
vitamin C 1250 mg the rate at which artery hardening worsens. 1200 mg daily for children 9 to 13 years, and
VITAMIN C 1800 mg daily for adolescents 14 to 18 years.
 with vitamin E 680 IU
daily for 4 weeks.
 For preventing
complex regional pain
syndrome in patients
with wrist fractures,
vitamin C 500 mg daily
for 50 days.
The daily recommended
dietary allowances (RDAs)
are: Infants 0 to 12 months,
human milk content (older
recommendations specified
30-35 mg); Children 1 to 3
years, 15 mg; Children 4 to
8 years, 25 mg; Children 9
to 13 years, 45 mg;
Adolescents 14 to 18 years,
75 mg for boys and 65 mg
for girls; Adults age 19 and
greater, 90 mg for men and
75 mg for women;
Pregnancy and Lactation:
age 18 or younger, 115 mg;
ages 19 to 50 years 120 mg.
People who use tobacco
should take an additional
35 mg per day.
Do not take more than the
following amounts of
vitamin C: 400 mg per day
for children ages 1 to 3
years, 650 mg per day for
children 4 to 8 years, 1200
mg per day for children 9
to 13 years, and 1800 mg
per day for adolescents and
pregnant and breast-
More research is needed to understand the
effects of vitamin C intake from the diet or
supplements on this condition once it has
developed.
 Cancer. Consuming vitamin C in the diet
might decrease the risk of developing mouth
cancers and other cancers. Some research
suggests that increasing vitamin C intake
through fruits and vegetables reduces the
risk of cancer. However, taking vitamin C
supplements does not appear to reduce
cancer risk.
 Common cold. There is some controversy
about the effectiveness of vitamin C for
treating the common cold. However, the
majority of evidence shows that taking high
doses of vitamin C might shorten the course
of the cold by 1 to 1.5 days in some patients.
Taking vitamin C is not effective for
preventing the common cold.
 Chronic pain condition (complex
regional pain syndrome). Taking vitamin
C after a wrist fracture seems to decrease the
risk of developing a chronic pain condition
called complex regional pain syndrome.
 Kidney problems related to contrast
media used during a diagnostic test
called angiography. Taking vitamin C
before and after an angiography seems to
reduce the risk of developing kidney
problems.
 Redness (erythema) after cosmetic skin
procedures. There is some evidence that
using a particular vitamin C skin cream can
decrease the amount and duration of skin
redness following laser resurfacing for scar
and wrinkle removal.
 Lung infections caused by heavy
exercise. Using vitamin C before heavy
Angioplasty, a heart procedure: Avoid
taking supplements containing vitamin C or
other antioxidant vitamins (beta-carotene,
vitamin E) immediately before and following
angioplasty without the supervision of a
health care professional. These vitamins seem
to interfere with proper healing.
Cancer: Cancerous cells collect high
concentrations of vitamin C. Until more is
known, only use high doses of vitamin C
under the direction of your oncologist.
Diabetes: Vitamin C might raise blood sugar.
In older women with diabetes, vitamin C in
amounts greater than 300 mg per day
increases the risk of death from heart disease.
Do not take vitamin C in doses greater than
those found in basic multivitamins.
Blood-iron disorders, including
conditions called “thalassemia” and
“hemochromatosis”: Vitamin C can
increase iron absorption, which might make
these conditions worse. Avoid large amounts
of vitamin C.
Kidney stones, or a history of kidney
stones: Large amounts of vitamin C can
increase the chance of getting kidney stones.
Do not take vitamin C in amounts greater
than those found in basic multivitamins.
Heart attack: Vitamin C levels are reduced
during a heart attack. However, low vitamin
C has not been linked to an increased risk for
heart attack.
feeding women 14 to 18 physical exercise, such as a marathon, might A metabolic deficiency called “glucose-6-
years, and 2000 mg per day prevent upper respiratory infections that phosphate dehydrogenase” (G6PD)
for adults and pregnant and sometimes follow heavy exercise. deficiency: Large amounts of vitamin C can
lactating women.  Gallbladder disease. There is some cause red blood cells to break in people with
evidence that taking vitamin C might help to this condition. Avoid excessive amounts of
APPLIED TO THE prevent gallbladder disease in women. vitamin C.
SKIN: However, vitamin C does not seem to have
 Most topical this effect in men. Smoking and chewing tobacco: Smoking
preparations used for  Ulcers in the stomach caused by bacteria and chewing tobacco lowers vitamin C levels.
aged or wrinkled skin called H. pylori. Taking vitamin C seems to Vitamin C intake in the diet should be
are applied daily. decrease some of the side effects caused by increased in people who smoke or chew
Studies have used treatment for H. pylori infections. After H. tobacco.
creams containing 5% pylori bacteria are killed, vitamin C appears
to 10% vitamin C. In to decrease the development of Sickle cell disease: Vitamin C might make
one study a specific precancerous lesions in the stomach. this condition worse. Avoid using large
vitamin C formulation However, other research suggests that amounts of vitamin C.
(Cellex-C High Potency vitamin C does not improve healing from H.
Serum) used 3 drops pylori infection.
applied daily to areas of  Abnormal breakdown of red blood cells
facial skin. Don’t apply (hemolytic anemia). Treatment with
vitamin C preparations vitamin C can improve hemolytic anemia.
to the eye or eyelids.  High blood pressure. Taking vitamin C
Also avoid contact with along with conventional blood pressure-
hair or clothes. It can lowering medications appears to decrease
cause discoloration. systolic blood pressure (the top number in a
blood pressure reading) by a small amount,
but does not seem to decrease diastolic
pressure (the bottom number). Taking
vitamin C supplements alone does not seem
to affect blood pressure.
 Lead poisoning. Consuming vitamin C in
the diet seems to lower blood levels of lead.
 Helping medicines used for chest pain
work longer. Taking vitamin C by mouth
seems to help medicines used for chest pain,
such as nitroglycerine, work longer.
 Osteoarthritis. Taking vitamin C from
dietary sources or from calcium ascorbate
supplements seems to prevent cartilage loss
 and worsening of symptoms in people with
osteoarthritis.
 Physical performance. Eating more
vitamin C as part of the diet might improve
physical performance and muscle strength in
older people. Also, taking vitamin C
supplements might improve oxygen intake
during exercise in teenage boys.
 Sunburn. Taking vitamin C by mouth along
with vitamin E seems to prevent sunburn.
However, taking vitamin C alone does not
prevent sunburn.
 Wrinkled skin. Skin creams containing
vitamin C or vitamin C in combination with
acetyl tyrosine, zinc sulfate, sodium
hyaluronate, and bioflavonoids (Cellex-C
High Potency Serum) seem to improve
wrinkles in facial skin that is aged by sun
exposure.

Possibly Ineffective for

 Bronchitis. Taking vitamin C by mouth
does not seem to have any effect on
bronchitis.
 Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
Vitamin C, consumed as part of the diet, as a
supplement, or together with vitamin E,
does not seem to reduce the risk of
developing Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
However, some research suggests that high,
long-term use of vitamin C and E
supplements is associated with a reduced risk
of Alzheimer’s disease.
 Eye disease associated with a medicine
called interferon. Taking vitamin C daily by
mouth does not seem to reduce the risk of
eye disease associated with interferon
therapy in people with liver disease.
 Lung cancer. Research suggests that taking
vitamin C, alone or together with vitamin C,
does not reduce the risk of lung cancer or
death due to lung cancer.
 Death from any cause. Some research
suggests that high vitamin C blood levels are
associated with a lower risk of death from
any cause. However, other research shows
that taking vitamin C daily together with
vitamin E, beta-carotene, selenium, and zinc
does not lower the risk of death. Overall,
most research suggests that vitamin C
supplements do not reduce the risk of death.
 Pancreatic cancer. Research shows that
taking vitamin C together with beta-carotene
plus vitamin E does not reduce the risk of
pancreatic cancer.
 High blood pressure during pregnancy
(pre-eclampsia). Some research suggests
that taking vitamin C by mouth along with
vitamin E seems to prevent high blood
pressure during high-risk pregnancies.
However, most research shows that taking
vitamin C with vitamin E does not reduce
the risk of high blood pressure during
pregnancy.
 Complications during pregnancy.
Research suggests that taking vitamin C,
alone or with vitamin E, does not reduce the
risk of complications during pregnancy.
 Prostate cancer. Research shows that
taking a combination of vitamin C, vitamin
E, beta-carotene, selenium, and zinc does
not reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
Overall, most evidence suggests that taking
vitamin C supplements does not reduce the
risk of developing prostate cancer.
 Skin problems related to radiation cancer
treatments. Applying a vitamin C solution
 to the skin does not prevent skin problems
caused by radiation treatments.
 Stroke. Most research suggests that taking
vitamin C by mouth does not lower the risk
for stroke.

Insufficient Evidence for

 Hay fever (Allergic rhinitis). There is
conflicting evidence about the effects of
vitamin C for improving symptoms of hay
fever. Taking vitamin C does not seem to
prevent hay fever.
 Damage to heart caused by the cancer
drug anthracycline. Research suggests that
taking vitamin C, along with vitamin E and
other ingredients, does not reduce the risk of
heart damage caused by the cancer drug
anthracycline.
 Stomach damage caused by aspirin.
Some research suggests that taking vitamin C
might prevent stomach damage caused by
aspirin.
 Asthma. There is some evidence that people
with asthma might have low vitamin C
levels. However, research suggests that
taking vitamin C does not reduce the risk of
developing asthma or improve asthma
symptoms.
 Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD). Some evidence suggests that
taking high doses of vitamin C does not
reduce ADHD symptoms. Other research
suggests that taking lower doses of vitamin C
might improve some symptoms such as
restlessness and self-control in children with
ADHD.
 Autism. Early evidence suggests that taking
vitamin C reduces the severity of autism
symptoms in children.
 Bladder cancer. Taking vitamin C does not
seem to affect survival from bladder cancer.
 Breast cancer. Research on the effects of
vitamin C for treating breast cancer conflicts.
Some research suggests that high vitamin C
intake in the diet reduces breast cancer risk,
while other research suggests it has no effect.
There is no evidence that taking vitamin C
supplements reduces the risk of developing
breast cancer.
 Burns. Early evidence suggests that using a
vitamin C infusion within the first 24 hours
of severe burns reduces wound swelling.
 Heart disease. Research on the use of
vitamin C for heart disease is unclear. More
research on the use of vitamin C
supplements for preventing heart disease is
needed. However, increasing vitamin C
intake in the diet might provide some
benefit.
 Cataracts. There is conflicting information
about the use of vitamin C to prevent
cataracts. Vitamin C plus vitamin E and
beta-carotene does not seem to have any
significant effect on age-related loss of vision
due to cataracts in well-nourished people
who take the supplement long-term (for an
average of 6.3 years). On the other hand,
other research suggests that taking
multivitamins that contain vitamin C for 10
years seems to prevent cataracts. Use of
supplements for shorter periods does not
appear to work.
 Cervical cancer. Some limited research
suggests that taking vitamin C reduces the
risk of cervical cancer.
 Damage to the colon due to radiation
exposure (chronic radiation proctitis).
Early research suggests that taking vitamin C
 plus vitamin E might improve some
symptoms of chronic radiation proctitis.
 Colorectal cancer. Taking vitamin C
together with vitamin E and beta-carotene
does not seem to reduce the risk of
colorectal cancer. Vitamin C intake from the
diet also does not appear to be linked to
colorectal cancer risk.
 Poor blood circulation in the legs
(chronic venous insufficiency). Research
suggests that taking a specific product (Cyclo
3 Fort) containing butchers broom extract,
hesperidin methyl chalcone, and vitamin C
reduces pain, cramps, and other symptoms
in people with poor blood circulation in the
legs.
 Dental plaque. Chewing gum containing
vitamin C appears to reduce dental plaque.
 Diabetes. Some research suggests that
taking vitamin C decreases blood sugar and
cholesterol levels in people with diabetes.
However, other research suggests that
vitamin C does not improve blood sugar in
people with diabetes. Vitamin C does not
appear to decrease the risk of developing
diabetes.
 Endometrial cancer. Research suggests
that vitamin C intake from the diet slightly
lowers the risk of endometrial cancer.
 Esophageal cancer. Taking vitamin C
along with beta-carotene plus vitamin E does
not reduce the risk of developing esophageal
cancer. However, higher vitamin C intake in
the diet appears to be linked to a lower risk
of esophageal cancer.
 Stomach cancer. Not all research agrees on
whether or not taking vitamin C
supplements or getting extra vitamin C in
the diet can prevent stomach cancer. Taking
 vitamin C supplements in combination with
beta-carotene or beta-carotene plus vitamin
E does not seem to reduce the risk of
stomach cancer. However, some evidence
suggests that taking vitamin C alone might
keep precancerous sores in the stomach
from progressing to cancer in people at high
risk for stomach cancer.
 Gout. Research shows that increased
vitamin C intake from the diet is linked to a
lower risk of gout in men.
 HIV/AIDS. Taking vitamin C daily
together with vitamin A, beta-carotene,
vitamin E, selenium, and coenzyme Q-10
seems to have some benefits for people with
HIV/AIDS. However, neither high nor low
doses of vitamin C affect how much of the
virus is active in the body.
 HIV transmission. Taking vitamin C along
with vitamin B and vitamin E during
pregnancy and breast-feeding seems to
reduce the risk of transmitting HIV to the
infant.
 High cholesterol. Taking vitamin C daily
does not seem to lower cholesterol in people
with normal cholesterol levels. However,
research suggests that taking vitamin C
reduces low-density lipoprotein (LDL or
“bad”) cholesterol in people with high
cholesterol.
 Infertility. There is early evidence that
women with certain fertility problems might
benefit from taking vitamin C daily.
 Leukemia. There is some evidence that
vitamin C might enhance the effects of the
drug arsenic trioxide (Trisenox) in people
with leukemia.
 Mental stress. Limited evidence suggests
that vitamin C might reduce blood pressure
 and symptoms during times of mental
distress.
 Liver disease (nonalcoholic
steatohepatitis). Early research suggests
that taking vitamin C together with vitamin
E might improve some aspects of liver
function in people with a certain liver disease
called nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. However,
it does not seem to decrease liver swelling in
people with this condition.
 Osteoporosis. Some evidence suggests that
vitamin C might improve bone strength.
However, higher vitamin C blood levels in
postmenopausal women have been linked to
lower bone mineral densities. More
information is needed on the effects of
vitamin C on bone mineral density.
 Ovarian cancer. Consuming vitamin C in
the diet does not seem to affect the risk of
developing ovarian cancer.
 Parkinson’s disease. Research suggests that
increased vitamin C intake in the diet does
not reduce the risk of Parkinson’s disease.
 Pneumonia. Some research suggests that
vitamin C might reduce the risk of
pneumonia, as well as the duration of
pneumonia once it develops.
 Bed sores (pressure ulcers). Some
evidence suggests that taking vitamin C does
not improve wound healing in people with
pressure ulcers. However, other research
suggests that taking vitamin C reduces the
size of pressure ulcers.
 Sickle cell disease. Taking vitamin C with
aged garlic extract and vitamin E might
benefit people with sickle cell disease.
 Bacterial infection in the nervous system
(tetanus). Some evidence suggests that
taking vitamin C daily along with
 conventional treatment reduces the risk of
death in children with tetanus.
 Urinary tract infections (UTI). Research
suggests that taking vitamin C does not
prevent UTIs in older people.
 Kidney disease.
 Cystic fibrosis.
 Lyme disease.
 Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).
 Wounds.
 Tuberculosis.
 Dental cavities.
 Constipation.
 Acne.
 Other conditions.

Vitamin D is a vitamin. It Effective for Vitamin D is LIKELY SAFE when taken by

can be found in small
amounts in a few foods,
including fatty fish such as
herring, mackerel, sardines
and tuna. To make vitamin
D more available, it is
added to dairy products,
juices, and cereals that are
then said to be “fortified
with vitamin D.” But most
vitamin D – 80% to 90%
of what the body gets – is
obtained through exposure
to sunlight. Vitamin D can
also be made in the
laboratory as medicine.
Vitamin D is used for
preventing and treating
rickets, a disease that is
VITAMIN D caused by not having
 Low levels of phosphate in the blood due
to an inherited disorder called familial
hypophosphatemia. Taking vitamin D
(calcitriol or dihydrotachysterol) by mouth
along with phosphate supplements is
effective for treating bone disorders in
people with low levels of phosphate in the
blood.
 Low levels of phosphate in the blood due
to a disease called Fanconi syndrome.
Taking vitamin D (ergocalciferol) by mouth
is effective for treating low levels of
phosphate in the blood due to a disease
called Fanconi syndrome.
 Low blood calcium levels due to low
parathyroid hormone levels. Low levels of
parathyroid hormone can cause calcium
levels to become too low. Taking vitamin D
(dihydrotachysterol, calcitriol, or
ergocalciferol) by mouth is effective for
mouth or given as a shot into the muscle in
recommended amounts. Most people do not
commonly experience side effects with
vitamin D, unless too much is taken. Some
side effects of taking too much vitamin D
include weakness, fatigue, sleepiness,
headache, loss of appetite, dry mouth,
metallic taste, nausea, vomiting, and others.
Taking vitamin D for long periods of time in
doses higher than 4000 units daily is
POSSIBLY UNSAFE and may cause
excessively high levels of calcium in the
blood. However, much higher doses are often
needed for the short-term treatment of
vitamin D deficiency. This type of treatment
should be done under the supervision of a
healthcare provider.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
enough vitamin D (vitamin increasing calcium blood levels in people Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Vitamin D
D deficiency). Vitamin D is with low parathyroid hormone levels. is LIKELY SAFEduring pregnancy and
also used for treating weak  Softening of the bones (osteomalacia). breast-feeding when used in daily amounts
bones (osteoporosis), bone Taking vitamin D (cholecalciferol) is below 4000 units. Do not use higher doses.
pain (osteomalacia), bone effective for treating softening of the bones. Vitamin D is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when
loss in people with a Also, taking vitamin D (calcifediol) is used in higher amounts during pregnancy or
condition called effective for treating softening of the bones while breast-feeding. Using higher doses
hyperparathyroidism, and due to liver disease. In addition, taking might cause serious harm to the infant.
an inherited disease vitamin D (ergocalciferol) is effective for
(osteogenesis imperfecta) in treating softening of the bones caused by Kidney disease: Vitamin D may increase
which the bones are medications or poor absorption syndromes. calcium levels and increase the risk of
especially brittle and easily  Psoriasis. Applying vitamin D or “hardening of the arteries” in people with
broken. It is also used for calcipotriene (a synthetic form of vitamin D) serious kidney disease. This must be balanced
preventing falls and to the skin treats psoriasis in some people. with the need to prevent renal
fractures in people at risk Applying vitamin D to the skin together with osteodystrophy, a bone disease that occurs
for osteoporosis, and cream containing drugs called corticosteroids when the kidneys fail to maintain the proper
preventing low calcium and seems to be more effective for treating levels of calcium and phosphorus in the
bone loss (renal psoriasis than using just vitamin D or the blood. Calcium levels should be monitored
osteodystrophy) in people corticosteroid creams alone. carefully in people with kidney disease.
with kidney failure.  A bone disorder called renal
osteodystrophy, which occurs in people High levels of calcium in the blood:
Vitamin D is used for with kidney failure. Taking vitamin D Taking vitamin D could make this condition
conditions of the heart and (calcifediol) by mouth manages low calcium worse.
blood vessels, including levels and prevents bone loss in people with
high blood pressure and kidney failure. However, vitamin D does not “Hardening of the arteries”
high cholesterol. It is also appear to reduce the risk of death or bone (atherosclerosis): Taking vitamin D could
used for diabetes, obesity, pain in people with kidney failure. make this condition worse, especially in
muscle weakness, multiple  Rickets. Vitamin D is effective for people with kidney disease.
sclerosis, rheumatoid preventing and treating rickets. A specific
arthritis, chronic form of vitamin D, calcitriol, should be used Sarcoidosis: Vitamin D may increase calcium
obstructive pulmonary in people with kidney failure. levels in people with sarcoidosis. This could
disease (COPD), asthma,  Vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D is lead to kidney stones and other problems.
bronchitis, premenstrual effective for preventing and treating vitamin Use vitamin D cautiously.
syndrome (PMS), and tooth D deficiency.
and gum disease. Histoplasmosis: Vitamin D may increase
Likely Effective for calcium levels in people with histoplasmosis.
Some people use vitamin D  Bone loss in people taking drugs called This could lead to kidney stones and other
for skin conditions corticosteroids. Taking vitamin D problems. Use vitamin D cautiously.
including vitiligo, (calcifediol, cholecalciferol, calcitriol, or
scleroderma, psoriasis,
actinic keratosis, and lupus
vulgaris.
It is also used for boosting
the immune system,
preventing autoimmune
diseases, and preventing
cancer.
Because vitamin D is
involved in regulating the
levels of minerals such as
phosphorous and calcium,
it is used for conditions
caused by low levels of
phosphorous (familial
hypophosphatemia and
Fanconi syndrome) and
low levels of calcium
(hypoparathyroidism and
pseudohypoparathyroidism).
Vitamin D in forms known
as calcitriol or calcipotriene
is applied directly to the
skin for a particular type of
psoriasis.
If you travel to Canada, you
may have noticed that
Canada recognizes the Possibly Effective for
importance of vitamin D in  Cancer. Some research shows that people
the prevention of
osteoporosis. It allows this
health claim for foods that
contain calcium: "A healthy
diet with adequate calcium
and vitamin D, and regular
alfacalcidol) by mouth prevents bone loss in Over-active parathyroid gland
people taking drugs called corticosteroids. (hyperparathyroidism): Vitamin D may
Taking vitamin D alone or with calcium increase calcium levels in people with
seems to improve bone density in people hyperparathyroidism. Use vitamin D
with existing bone loss caused by using cautiously.
corticosteroids.
 Preventing falls in older people. Lymphoma: Vitamin D may increase
Researchers have observed that people who calcium levels in people with lymphoma. This
do not have enough vitamin D tend to fall could lead to kidney stones and other
more often than people who do. Taking a problems. Use vitamin D cautiously.
vitamin D supplement seems to reduce the
risk of falling by up to 22%. Higher doses of Tuberculosis: Vitamin D might increase
vitamin D are more effective than lower calcium levels in people with tuberculosis.
doses. One study found that taking 800 IU This might result in complications such as
of vitamin D reduced the risk of falling, but kidney stones.
lower doses did not.
 Also, vitamin D, in combination with
calcium, but not calcium alone, may
prevent falls by decreasing body sway
and blood pressure. Taking vitamin D plus
calcium seems to prevent falls more
significantly in women than men and in
older people living in hospitals or residential
care facilities than those living in community
dwellings.
 Osteoporosis (weak bones). Taking a
specific form of vitamin D called
cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) along with
calcium seems to help prevent bone loss and
bone breaks.
who take a high-dose vitamin D supplement
plus calcium might have a lower risk of
developing certain types of cancer. However,
taking vitamin D alone does not appear to
reduce the risk of cancer.
physical activity, help to
achieve strong bones and
may reduce the risk of
osteoporosis.” But the US
version of this osteoporosis
health claim does not yet  Bone loss caused by having too much
include vitamin D.
How does it work?
Vitamin D is required for
the regulation of the
minerals calcium and
phosphorus found in the
body. It also plays an
important role in
maintaining proper bone
structure.
Sun exposure is an easy,
reliable way for most
people to get vitamin D.
Exposure of the hands,
face, arms, and legs to
sunlight two to three times
a week for about one-
fourth of the time it would
take to develop a mild
sunburn will cause the skin
to produce enough vitamin
D. The necessary exposure
time varies with age, skin
type, season, time of day,
etc.
It’s amazing how quickly
adequate levels of vitamin
D can be restored by
sunlight. Just 6 days of
 Cavities. Research suggests that taking
vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) reduces the risk
of cavities by 49% and vitamin D2
(ergocalciferol) reduces the risk by 36% in
infants, children and adolescents.
parathyroid hormone
(hyperparathyroidism). Taking vitamin D
(cholecalciferol) by mouth seems to reduce
parathyroid hormone levels and bone loss in
women with a condition called
hyperparathyroidism.
 Multiple sclerosis (MS). Research shows
that taking vitamin D can reduce the risk of
developing MS in women by up to 40%.
Taking at least 400 IU daily, the amount
typically found in a multivitamin
supplement, seems to work the best.
 Respiratory infections. Research in school
aged children shows that taking a vitamin D
supplement during winter might reduce the
chance of developing seasonal flu. Other
research suggests that taking a vitamin D
supplement might reduce the chance of an
asthma attack triggered by a cold or other
respiratory infection. Some additional
research suggests that children with low
levels of vitamin D have a higher chance of
developing a respiratory infection such as
the common cold or flu. However, most
research suggests that vitamin D might only
have an effect on respiratory infections in
children. It does not appear to provide the
same benefits in adults.
 Rheumatoid arthritis. Research suggests
that older women who consume more
vitamin D from foods or supplements tend
to have a lower risk of developing
rheumatoid arthritis.
casual sunlight exposure  Tooth loss. Taking calcium and vitamin D
without sunscreen can by mouth appears to prevent tooth loss in
make up for 49 days of no elderly people.
sunlight exposure. Body fat  Weight loss. Research shows that people
acts like a kind of storage with lower vitamin D levels are more likely
battery for vitamin D. to be obese than those with higher levels.
During periods of sunlight, Women taking calcium plus vitamin D are
vitamin D is stored in fatty more likely to lose weight and maintain their
fat and then released when weight. However, this benefit is mainly in
sunlight is gone. women who did not consume enough
calcium before they started taking
Nevertheless, vitamin D supplements.
deficiency is more common
than you might expect. Possibly Ineffective for
People who don’t get  Breast cancer. Evidence on the effects of
enough sun, especially vitamin D on breast cancer risk is
people living in Canada and inconsistent. The best evidence comes from
the northern half of the a large study called the Women’s Health
US, are especially at risk. Initiative, which found that taking 400 IU of
Vitamin D deficiency also vitamin D and 1000 mg of calcium per day
occurs even in sunny does not lower the chance of getting breast
climates, possibly because cancer when taken by postmenopausal
people are staying indoors women. However, the possibility remains
more, covering up when that high doses of vitamin D might lower
outside, or using breast cancer risk in younger women.
sunscreens consistently  Muscle strength. Taking vitamin D
these days to reduce skin (cholecalciferol) by mouth daily does not
cancer risk. increase muscle strength or improve
physicical performance in healthy older men
Older people are also at who are not vitamin D deficient.
risk for vitamin D  Bone loss in people with kidney
deficiency. They are less transplants. Taking vitamin D (calcitriol)
likely to spend time in the daily together with calcium carbonate does
sun, have fewer “receptors” not decrease bone loss in people with kidney
in their skin that convert transplants.
sunlight to vitamin D, may  Tuberculosis. Vitamin D does not appear
not get vitamin D in their to help cure tuberculosis infections.
diet, may have trouble
absorbing vitamin D even Insufficient Evidence for
if they do get it in their
diet, and may have more
trouble converting dietary
vitamin D to a useful form
due to aging kidneys. In
fact, the risk for vitamin D
deficiency in people over
65 years of age is very high.
Surprisingly, as many as
40% of older people even
in sunny climates such as
South Florida don’t have
enough vitamin D in their
systems.
Vitamin D supplements
may be necessary for older
people, people living in
northern latitudes, and for
dark-skinned people who
need extra time in the sun,
but don’t get it.
 Alzheimer's disease. Early research
suggests that people with Alzheimer's disease
have lower blood levels of vitamin D than
patients without Alzheimer's disease. It's not
clear if taking vitamin D benefits people with
Alzheimer's disease.
 Asthma. People with asthma and low blood
levels of vitamin D seem to need to use an
inhalant more often and have a higher risk of
asthma complications. However, the role of
vitamin D supplements in treating asthma is
unclear. Best evidence to date shows that
taking vitamin D by mouth for up to one
year can reduce the rate of severe asthma
attacks by about 31% to 36% in adults and
children with asthma. But it's still too soon
to know which, if any, people with asthma
are most likely to respond to treatment with
vitamin D.
 Overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina
(bacterial vaginosis). Early research
suggests that taking vitamin D does not
prevent bacterial vaginosis in women at high
risk for sexually transmitted disease when
taken along with standard therapy.
 Kidney disease. Research suggests that
vitamin D decreases parathyroid hormone
levels in people with chronic kidney disease.
However, taking vitamin D does not appear
to lower the risk of death in people with
kidney disease. Also taking vitamin D might
increase calcium and phosphate levels in
people with kidney disease.
 Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD). Early research shows that people
with COPD have lower-than-normal vitamin
D levels. However, there is not enough
information to know if taking a vitamin D
 supplement can decrease symptoms of
COPD.
 Mental function. Early research shows that
people with higher blood levels of vitamin D
have improved mental function compared
with people who have lower levels.
However, it's not known if taking vitamin D
improves mental function.
 Colorectal cancer. It is not clear if vitamin
D might benefit colorectal cancer. Some
research shows that calcium intake is linked
with a reduced risk of developing colorectal
cancer. However, this effect is not seen in
people with low vitamin D levels, indicating
that vitamin D might be an important factor.
However, other research suggests that taking
vitamin D with calcium is not associated
with a lower risk of colorectal cancer.
 Dementia.Early research suggests that
people with dementia have lower blood
levels of vitamin D than people without
dementia. However, it's not known if taking
vitamin D benefits people with dementia.
 Diabetes. Early research shows that people
with lower vitamin D levels may be more
likely to develop type 2 diabetes compared
to people with higher vitamin D levels.
However, there is no reliable evidence that
taking vitamin D supplements can treat or
prevent type 2 diabetes. Early research
suggests that giving vitamin D supplements
to infants daily during the first year of life is
linked to a lower risk of developing type 1
diabetes later in life.
 Preventing falls in older people. The role
of vitamin D for fall prevention is confusing
and controversial. Clinical practice guidelines
published in 2010 and 2012 recommend that
elderly people who have low levels of
 vitamin D or who are at an increased risk of
falling take 800 IU of vitamin D per day to
reduce the risk of falling. These
recommendations are supported by both
population research and some clinical
studies. For instance, it's been observed that
people who do not have enough vitamin D
tend to fall more often than people who do.
Also, some research shows that taking
vitamin D reduces the risk of falling and the
rates of falls in elderly people. It's not known
if vitamin D works better when taken alone
or with calcium. There is also some
speculation that vitamin D only reduces falls
in people who are vitamin D deficient.
Despite these positive findings, some
research shows that vitamin D doesn't
prevent falls in elderly people. Also, the best
evidence to date, which comes from a more
recent analysis of 20 studies including nearly
30,000 people, shows that vitamin D does
not reduce the risk of falling in elderly
people. There is some belief that the
conflicting results regarding the effects of
vitamin D on fall prevention result from the
way in which clinical trial data is reported.
Also, the size of the clinical trial may affect
the results. It is possible that some patients
may still benefit from vitamin D
supplementation for reducing fall risk. But
who exactly might benefit and what dose or
duration of treatment is optimal, if any,
remains unclear. For those who are at risk
for vitamin D deficiency, a vitamin D
supplement should still be considered.
 Fibromyalgia. Early research suggests that
taking vitamin D might decrease pain in
people with fibromyalgia and low vitamin D
levels in the blood. However, taking vitamin
 D does not seem to help mood or quality of
life in these people.
 High cholesterol. People with lower
vitamin D levels seem to be more likely to
have high cholesterol than people with
higher vitamin D levels. Limited research
shows that taking calcium plus vitamin D
daily, in combination with a low-calorie diet,
significantly raises "good"(HDL) cholesterol
and lowers "bad"(LDL) cholesterol in
overweight women. However, taking calcium
plus vitamin D without dietary restrictions
does not reduce LDL cholesterol levels.
Other research suggests that vitamin D
might actually increase LDL and have no
beneficial effect on HDL, triglycerides, or
total cholesterol.
 Low birth weight. Research suggests that
mothers who take vitamin D supplements
during pregnancy have a lower risk of
delivering a low birth weight infant.
However, taking vitamin D during
pregnancy doesn't seem to decrease the risk
of small for gestational age (SGA) births.
 Metabolic syndrome. There is conflicting
evidence about the link between vitamin D
and metabolic syndrome. Some research
suggests that women aged at least 45 years
who consume high amounts of vitamin D or
take vitamin D supplements do not have a
lower risk of developing metabolic
syndrome. However, other research suggests
that higher vitamin D levels are linked to a
lower risk of metabolic syndrome.
 Muscle strength. Taking vitamin D by
mouth does not appear to improve muscle
strength in people with sufficient blood
levels of vitamin D. However, taking vitamin
D by mouth, alone or in combination with
 calcium, may improve hip and leg muscle
strength in people who have low levels of
vitamin D, especially the elderly. Single
injections of vitamin D do not seem to have
beneficial effects.
 A blood cell disease called
myelodysplastic syndrome. Taking
vitamin D in forms known as calcitriol or
calcifediol by mouth seems to help people
with myelodysplastic syndrome.
 Overall death risk. Early research suggests
that having low vitamin D levels is linked
with an increased risk of death from any
cause. Some research suggests that people
who take vitamin D supplements daily have
a lower risk of dying. However, other
research suggests that vitamin D reduces the
risk of death only when taking together with
calcium.
 Gum disease. Early research suggests that
higher blood levels of vitamin D are linked
with a reduced risk of gum disease in people
50 years of age or older. However, this does
not seem to be true for adults younger than
50 years. It is not known if taking vitamin D
supplements reduces the risk of gum disease.
 Premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Some
early research suggests that consuming more
vitamin D from the diet might help to
prevent PMS or reduce symptoms. Taking
vitamin D supplements does not seem to
prevent PMS. However taking vitamin D
plus calcium might reduce PMS symptoms.
 A muscle disease called proximal
myopathy. Taking vitamin D in a form
known as ergocalciferol by mouth or
administering it as a shot into the muscle
seems to help treat a muscle disease
associated with vitamin D deficiency.
 Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Early research
suggests that older women who consume
more vitamin D from foods or supplements
have a lower risk of developing rheumatoid
arthritis.
 Seasonal depression (seasonal affective
disorder). Early research suggests that
taking a large dose of vitamin D in a form
known as ergocalciferol improves symptoms
of seasonal depression.
 Non-cancerous wart-like growths on the
skin (seborrheic keratosis). Early research
suggests that applying vitamin D in a form
known as cholecalciferol to the skin might
reduce tumor size in some people with
seborrheic keratosis.
 Muscle pain caused by medications
called statins. Some reports suggest that
taking vitamin D supplements can decrease
symptoms of muscle pain in people taking
statin drugs. But higher quality research is
needed to confirm these results.
 Thinning of the walls of the vagina
(vaginal atrophy). Early research shows
that taking vitamin D supplements for a least
one year improves the surface of the vaginal
wall. However, it does not seem to improve
symptoms of vaginal atrophy.
 Warts. Reports suggest that applying
maxacalcitol, which comes from vitamin D3,
to the skin, can reduce viral warts in people
with weakened immune systems.
 Weight loss. Early research shows that
people with lower vitamin D levels are more
likely to be obese than those with higher
levels. Women taking calcium plus vitamin
D are more likely to lose weight and
maintain their weight. However, this benefit
is mainly in women who did not consume
 enough calcium before they started taking
supplements. Also, other research shows
that taking vitamin D only helps with weight
loss when blood levels are increased in post-
menopausal overweight or obese women.
When vitamin D is taken by people who are
overweight and normal weight, it does not
seem to help with weight loss or fat loss.
 Breathing disorders.
 Bronchitis.
 Other conditions.

The following doses have Effective for Vitamin E is LIKELY SAFE for most
been studied in scientific  Movement disorder (ataxia) associated healthy people when taken by mouth or
research: with vitamin E deficiency. The genetic applied to the skin. Most people do not
movement disorder called ataxia causes experience any side effects when taking the
BY MOUTH: severe vitamin E deficiency. Vitamin E recommended daily dose, which is 15 mg.
 For vitamin E supplements are used as part of the
deficiency: a typical treatment for ataxia. Vitamin E is POSSIBLY UNSAFE if taken
dose in adults is RRR-  Vitamin E deficiency. Taking vitamin E by by mouth in high doses. If you have a
alpha tocopherol mouth is effective for preventing and condition such as heart disease or diabetes,
(natural vitamin E) 60- treating vitamin E deficiency. do not take doses of 400 IU/day or more.
75 IU per day. Some research suggests that high doses might
 For the movement Possibly Effective for increase the chance of death and possibly
disorder called tardive  Alzheimer's disease. Vitamin E might slow cause other serious side effects. The higher
dyskinesia: RRR-alpha- down the worsening of memory loss in the dose, the greater the risk of serious side
tocopherol (natural people with moderately severe Alzheimer's effects.
vitamin E) 1600 IU disease. Vitamin E might also delay the loss
daily. of independence and the need for caregiver There is some concern that vitamin E might
 For improving male assistance in people with mild-to-moderate increase the chance of having a serious stroke
fertility: vitamin E 200- Alzheimer's disease. However, vitamin E called hemorrhagic stroke, which is bleeding
600 IU daily. does not seem to prevent moving from mild into the brain. Some research shows that
 For Alzheimer's memory problems to full-blown Alzheimer's taking vitamin E in doses of 300-800 IU each
disease: up to 2000 IU disease. day might increase the chance of this kind of
daily. Combination  Anemia. Some research shows that that stroke by 22%. However, in contrast, vitamin
therapy of donepezil taking vitamin E improves the response to E might decrease the chance of having a less
(Aricept) 5 mg and the drug erythropoietin, which affects red severe stroke called an ischemic stroke.
VITAMIN E/OIL vitamin E 1000 IU per
 day has been used for blood cell production, in adults and children There is contradictory information about the
slowing memory on hemodialysis. effect of vitamin E on the chance of
decline in people with  Blood disorder (beta-thalassemia). developing prostate cancer. Some research
Alzheimer's disease. Taking vitamin E by mouth seems to benefit suggests that taking large amounts of a
 For liver disease called children with the blood disorder called beta- multivitamin plus a separate vitamin E
non-alcoholic thalessemia and vitamin E deficiency. supplement might actually increase the
steatohepatitis: 800 IU  Bladder cancer. Taking 200 IU of vitamin chance of developing prostate cancer in some
daily in adults has been E by mouth for more than 10 years seems to men.
used; 400-1200 IU daily help prevent death from bladder cancer.
has been used in  Leakage of chemotherapy drug into High doses can also cause nausea, diarrhea,
children. surrounding tissue. Applying vitamin E to stomach cramps, fatigue, weakness, headache,
 For early Huntington's the skin together with dimethylsulfoxide blurred vision, rash, and bruising and
chorea: RRR-alpha- (DMSO) seems to be effective for treating bleeding.
tocopherol (natural leakage of chemotherapy into surrounding
vitamin E) 3000 IU. tissues. Special Precautions & Warnings:
 For rheumatoid  Chemotherapy-related nerve damage. Pregnancy: When used in the recommended
arthritis pain: vitamin E Taking vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) before daily amount, vitamin E is POSSIBLY
600 IU twice daily. and after treatment with cisplatin SAFE for pregnant women. There has been
 For preventing nerve chemotherapy might reduce the risk of nerve some concern that taking vitamin E
damage caused by damage. supplements might be harmful to the fetus
cisplatin: vitamin E  Dementia. Research suggests that men who when taken in early pregnancy. However, it is
(alpha-tocopherol) 300 consume vitamin E and vitamin C have a too soon to know if this is an important
mg daily with each decreased risk of developing several forms concern. Until more is known, do not take
chemotherapy dementia. However, it does not appear to vitamin E supplements during early
treatment and for up to reduce the risk for Alzheimer's dementia. pregnancy without talking with your
3 months after  Painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea). healthcare provider.
stopping cisplatin Taking vitamin E for 2 days before and for 3
therapy. days after bleeding begins seems to decrease Breast-feeding: Vitamin E is LIKELY
 For improving pain severity and duration, and reduce SAFE when taken by mouth in
effectiveness of nitrates menstrual blood loss. recommended daily amounts during breast-
used for heart disease:  Movement and coordination disorder feeding.
vitamin E 200 mg three called dyspraxia. Taking vitamin E by
times daily. mouth together with evening primrose oil, Infants and children: Vitamin E is
 To reduce protein in thyme oil, and fish oils seems to improve LIKELY SAFE when taken by mouth
the urine of children movement disorders in children with appropriately. The maximum amounts of
with a kidney disease dyspraxia. vitamin E that are considered safe for
called focal segmental  Kidney problems in children children are based on age. Less than 200 mg
glomerulosclerosis: (glomerulosclerosis). There is some daily is safe for children 1 to 3 years old. Less
vitamin E 200 IU. evidence that taking vitamin E by mouth than 300 mg daily is safe for children 4 to 8
years old. Less than 600 mg daily is safe for
 For G6PD deficiency: might improve kidney function in children children 9 to 13 years old. Less than 800 mg
vitamin E 800 IU daily. with glomerulosclerosis. daily is safe for children ages 14 to 18 years
 For premenstrual  An inherited disorder called G6PD old. Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) is
syndrome (PMS): RRR- deficiency. Some research shows that taking POSSIBLY UNSAFE when given
alpha-tocopherol vitamin E by mouth, alone or together with intravenously (by IV) to premature infants in
(natural vitamin E) 400 selenium, might benefit people with an high doses.
IU daily. inherited disorder called G6PD deficiency.
 For painful menstrual  Healing a type of skin sore called Angioplasty, a heart procedure: Avoid
periods: vitamin E 200 granuloma annulare. Applying vitamin E taking supplements containing vitamin E or
IU twice or 500 IU to the skin seems to clear up skin sores other antioxidant vitamins (beta-carotene,
daily starting 2 days called granuloma annulare. vitamin C) immediately before and following
before the menstrual  Huntington's disease. Natural vitamin E angioplasty without the supervision of a
period and continuing (RRR-alpha-tocopherol) can improve health care professional. These vitamins seem
through the first 3 days symptoms in people with early Huntington's to interfere with proper healing.
of bleeding. disease. However, it does not seem to help
 For healing the eyes people with more advanced disease. Diabetes: Vitamin E might increase the risk
after a surgery called  Male infertility. Taking vitamin E by for heart failure in people with diabetes.
keratectomy: 230 mg mouth improves pregnancy rates for men People with diabetes should avoid high doses
vitamin E (alpha- with fertility problems. Taking high doses of of vitamin E.
tocopheryl nicotinate) vitamin E together with vitamin C does not
and vitamin A (retinol seem to provide the same benefits. Heart attack: Vitamin E might increase the
palmitate) 25,000 units  Bleeding within the skull. Taking vitamin risk for death in people with a history of
have been used 3 times E by mouth seems to be effective for heart attack. People with a history of heart
daily for 30 days, treating bleeding in the skull in premature attack should avoid high doses of vitamin E.
followed by twice daily infants.
for 2 months.  Bleeding within the ventricular system of Low levels of vitamin K (vitamin K
 For fibrosis caused by the brain. Taking vitamin E by mouth deficiency): Vitamin E might worsen
radiation: vitamin E seems to be effective for treating bleeding clotting problems in people whose levels of
1000 IU daily in within the ventricular system of the brain in vitamin K are too low.
combination with premature infants.
pentoxifylline 800 mg.  Nitrate tolerance. There is some evidence An eye condition called retinitis
 For beta-thalassemia: that taking vitamin E daily can help prevent pigmentosa: All-rac-alpha-tocopherol
vitamin E 750 IU daily. nitrate tolerance. (synthetic vitamin E) 400 IU seems to speed
 For preventing  Liver disease called nonalcoholic vision loss in people with retinitis
sunburn: RRR-alpha- steatohepatitis. Taking vitamin E daily pigmentosa. However, much lower amounts
tocopherol (natural seems to improve symptoms of NASH in (3 IU) do not seem to produce this effect. If
vitamin E) 1000 IU in adults and children. you have this condition, it is best to avoid
combination with 2  Parkinson's disease. Early evidence vitamin E.
grams of ascorbic acid. suggests that vitamin E intake in the diet
 For preventing high
blood pressure during
pregnancy (pre-
eclampsia) in high risk
women: vitamin E 400
IU with vitamin C 1000
mg daily.
For the most benefit, it's
best to take vitamin E that
has been made in a lab (all-
rac-alpha-tocopherol) with
food.
Dosing for vitamin E can
be confusing. Current
guidelines show
recommended dietary
allowance (RDA) and
upper tolerable limits
(UTL) for vitamin E in
milligrams. However, most
products are still labeled in
International Units (IUs).
might be linked with a decreased risk of Bleeding disorders: Vitamin E might make
Parkinson's disease. However, taking all-rac- bleeding disorders worse. If you have a
alpha-tocopherol (synthetic vitamin E) does bleeding disorder, avoid taking vitamin E
not seem to have any benefit for people with supplements.
Parkinson's disease.
 Laser eye surgery (photoreactive Head and neck cancer: Do not take vitamin
keratectomy). Taking high doses of vitamin E supplements in doses of 400 IU/day or
A along with vitamin E (alpha-tocopheryl more. Vitamin E might increase the chance
nicotinate) daily seems to improve healing that cancer will return.
and vision in people undergoing laser eye
surgery. Prostate cancer: There is concern that
 Premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Taking taking vitamin E might increase the chance of
vitamin E by mouth seems to reduce anxiety, developing prostate cancer. The effect of
craving, and depression in some women with vitamin E in men who currently have prostate
PMS. cancer is not clear. However, in theory, taking
 Physical performance. Research suggests vitamin E supplements might worsen
that increasing vitamin E intake in the diet is prostate cancer in men who already have it.
linked with improved physical performance
and muscle strength in older people. Stroke: Vitamin E might increase the risk for
 Fibrosis caused by radiation. Taking death in people with a history of stroke.
vitamin E by mouth with the drug People with a history of stroke should avoid
pentoxifylline seems to treat fibrosis caused high doses of vitamin E.
by radiation. However, taking vitamin E
alone does not seem to be effective. Surgery: Vitamin E might increase the risk of
 An eye disease in newborns called bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using
retinopathy of prematurity. Taking vitamin vitamin E at least 2 weeks before a scheduled
E by mouth seems to be effective for surgery.
treating an eye disease cause retinopathy of
prematurity in newborns.
 Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Vitamin E
taken along with standard treatment is better
than standard treatment alone for reducing
pain in people with RA. However, this
combination does not reduce swelling.
 Sunburn. Taking high doses of vitamin E
(RRR-alpha-tocopherol) by mouth together
with vitamin C protects against skin
inflammation after exposure to UV
radiation. However, vitamin E alone does
 not provide the same benefit. Applying
vitamin E to the skin, together with vitamin
C and melatonin, provides some protection
when used before UV exposure.
 Movement disorder (tardive dyskinesia).
Taking vitamin E by mouth seems to
improve symptoms associated with the
movement disorder called tardive dyskinesia.
However, some other research suggests that
it does not improve symptoms, but may
prevent symptoms from worsening.
 Swelling in the middle layer of the eye
(uveitis). Taking vitamin E with vitamin C
by mouth seems to improve vision, but does
not reduce swelling, in people with uveitis.

Possibly Ineffective for

 Age-related vision loss (age-related
macular degeneration). The majority of
research suggests that taking vitamin E,
alone or along with other antioxidants, is not
effective for preventing or treating age-
related vision loss.
 Neurodegenerative disease called Lou
Gherig's disease (ALS). Research suggests
that taking vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol)
along with conventional medication does not
affect function or increase survival rates
compared to conventional medication alone
in people with Lou Gherig's disease.
 Chest pain (angina). Taking vitamin E by
mouth might have some effect on the
functioning of blood vessels, but does not
appear to reduce chest pain.
 Hardening of the arteries
(atherosclerosis). Taking vitamin E (RRR-
alpha-tocopherol) by mouth does not appear
to prevent the progression of
atherosclerosis. However, there is some early
 evidence that taking vitamin E and vitamin
C might help prevent the progression of
atherosclerosis in men.
 Red and itchy skin (eczema). Research
suggests that taking vitamin E, alone or
along with selenium, does not improve
symptoms of eczema.
 Hot flashes related to breast cancer.
Taking vitamin E by mouth does not seem
to reduce hot flashes in women who have
had breast cancer.
 Lung condition in infants
(bronchopulmonary dysplasia). Research
shows that taking vitamin E by mouth does
not benefit newborn infants with a lung
condition called bronchopulmonary
dysplasia.
 Cancer. Taking a combination of vitamin E,
vitamin C, beta carotene, selenium, and zinc
does not seem to lower overall cancer risk.
However, it might reduce the risk of cancer
in men, although evidence is conflicting.
 Colorectal cancer. Most evidence suggests
that taking vitamin E does not prevent the
occurrence of colorectal cancer or the
development of non-cancerous colorectal
tumors, which are considered precursors to
colon cancer.
 Heart failure. Taking vitamin E by mouth
for 12 weeks does not seem to improve
heart function in people with heart failure.
 Muscle disease called Duchenne
muscular dystrophy. Research shows that
taking vitamin E with the drug penicillamine
does not slow the progression of the muscle
disease called Duchene muscular dystrophy.
 Head and neck cancer. Taking vitamin E
(all-rac-alpha-tocopherol) daily during
radiation therapy and for 3 years after the
 end of therapy does not seem to reduce the
risk of head and neck cancer recurrence.
There is some concern that taking vitamin E
might actually increase the risk of tumor
recurrence. People with head and neck
cancer should avoid daily vitamin E
supplements in doses over 400 IU daily.
 Abnormal breakdown of red blood cells
(hemolytic anemia). Giving vitamin E to
premature infants does not have a beneficial
effect on the abnormal breakdown of red
blood cells.
 High blood pressure. Taking vitamin E by
mouth does not seem to lower blood
pressure in people already taking blood
pressure medications.
 Liver disease. Taking vitamin E does not
reduce the risk of death in people with liver
disease.
 An inherited muscle disorder called
myotonic dystrophy. Taking vitamin E and
selenium by mouth does not slow the
progression of an inherited muscle disorder
called myotonic dystrophy.
 Mouth sores (oral musosal lesions). Most
research shows that taking vitamin E (all-rac-
alpha-tocopherol) for up to 7 years does not
reduce the risk for mouth sores in men who
smoke.
 Osteoarthritis. Taking vitamin E does not
seem to decrease pain or stiffness in people
with osteoarthritis. Vitamin E also does not
seem to prevent the condition from
becoming worse.
 Pancreatic cancer. Taking vitamin E, alone
or together with other antioxidants such as
beta-carotene and vitamin C, does not seem
to reduce the risk of developing pancreatic
cancer.
 Pharyngeal cancer. Research shows that
people with diabetes who take vitamin E
(RRR-alpha-tocopherol) by mouth do not
have a reduce risk of developing mouth or
pharyngeal cancer.
 High blood pressure during pregnancy
(pre-eclampsia). Most evidence suggests
that taking a combination of vitamins E and
C does not reduce the risk of high blood
pressure during pregnancy. However, some
research suggests that taking a combination
of vitamins E and C daily reduces the risk of
high blood pressure in high risk women
when started in weeks 16 to 22 of pregnancy.
 Prostate cancer. Research on the effects of
vitamin E on prostate cancer risk has been
inconsistent. Overall, research suggests that
taking vitamin E supplements does not
reduce the risk of developing prostate
cancer, and might actually increase the risk.
 Respiratory tract infections. Taking
vitamin E by mouth, alone or as a
multivitamin, does not appear to decrease
the risk of respiratory tract infections or the
severity of symptoms once an infection
develops.
 An eye condition called retinitis
pigmentosa. Taking vitamin E (all-rac-
alpha-tocopherol) by mouth does not appear
to slow vision loss, and might actually
increase vision loss, in people with a
condition called retinitis pigmentosa.
 Scarring. Some research shows that
applying vitamin E to the skin does not
reduce scarring after surgery.

Likely InEffective for

 Benign breast disease. Taking vitamin E
supplements does not seem to be effective
for treating benign breast disease.
 Breast cancer. Although having higher
blood levels of vitamin E might be linked
with a reduced risk of breast cancer,
increasing vitamin E intake from the diet or
supplements does not reduce the risk of
developing breast cancer.
 Heart disease. Most research suggests that
taking vitamin E supplements does not
prevent heart disease. However, some
evidence suggests that increasing vitamin E
intake in the diet might be beneficial.
 Lung cancer. Taking all-rac-alpha-
tocopherol (synthetic vitamin E) for up to 8
years does not reduce the risk of developing
lung cancer in men who smoke. Also, taking
vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) for up to 10
years does not prevent lung cancer or reduce
the risk of death from lung cancer.
 Death from any cause. Research suggests
that taking vitamin E daily or every other day
for up to 10 years does not reduce the risk of
death from any cause. Furthermore, some
research suggests that regularly taking high
doses of vitamin E might increase the risk of
death.

Insufficient Evidence for

 Asthma. There is inconsistent evidence
about the role of vitamin E in asthma. Some
research suggests that consuming more
vitamin E in the diet seems to prevent
asthma. However, taking vitamin E
supplements does not have the same benefit.
 Cataracts. Some evidence suggests that
taking vitamin E, alone or together with
other vitamins or antioxidants, does not
 prevent the development or progression of
cataracts. However, other evidence suggests
that vitamin E might help reduce the risk of
developing cataracts.
 Infections related to chemotherapy.
Research suggests that higher intake of
vitamin E in the diet might reduce the risk of
infection in children undergoing
chemotherapy.
 Diabetes. Vitamin E might be beneficial for
people with diabetes. Some research suggests
that vitamin E improves blood sugar control.
Other research suggests that higher vitamin
E intake in the diet is linked to a reduced
risk of diabetes.
 Stomach cancer. Taking vitamin E plus
beta-carotene or vitamin C and beta-
carotene does not seem to prevent stomach
cancer. However, there is limited evidence
that consuming more vitamin E from the
diet might slow the progression of stomach
cancer.
 High cholesterol. Some early research
suggests that taking vitamin E with vitamin
C might benefit children with high
cholesterol.
 Kidney disease (IgA nephropathy). Early
research suggests that taking vitamin E can
improve kidney function in children with a
kidney disease called IgA nephropathy.
 Difficulty walking due to poor blood flow
in the legs (intermittent claudication).
Taking all-rac-alpha-tocopherol (synthetic
vitamin E) alone or together with beta-
carotene by mouth does not appear to
improve poor blood flow in the legs.
However, other research suggests that taking
vitamin E daily for 18 months reduces
symptoms of intermittent claudication.
 Tissue damage after a blood clot
(ischemic reperfusion injury). Taking
vitamin E by mouth with vitamin C and
conventional medication two days before
bypass surgery and one day after surgery
appears to reduce complications. However,
vitamin E does not appear to be beneficial
when taken alone.
 Stroke caused by a clot (ischemic
stroke). There is some evidence that all-rac-
alpha-tocopherol (synthetic vitamin E) might
help prevent stroke in male smokers who
have high blood pressure and diabetes.
However, other research suggests that it
might not reduce the risk of stroke.
 Live transplant. Taking vitamin E
(tocopheryl succinate polyethylene glycol)
might reduce the dose of
immunosuppressant needed after a liver
transplant.
 Skin cancer (melanoma). Some evidence
suggests that taking vitamin E (RR-alpha-
tocopherol) daily does not reduce the risk of
developing skin cancer.
 Nighttime leg cramps. Early evidence
suggests that vitamin E might reduce
nighttime leg cramps. However, other
evidence suggests otherwise.
 Sickle cell disease. Early evidence suggests
that taking vitamin E with aged garlic extract
and vitamin C might be useful for sickle cell
anemia.
 Skin disorders.
 Allergies.
 Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).
 Epilepsy.
 Common cold.
 Other conditions.
 The following doses have Effective for Zinc is LIKELY SAFE for most adults
been studied in scientific  Zinc deficiency. Zinc deficiency might when applied to the skin, or when taken by
research: occur in people with severe diarrhea, mouth in amounts not larger than 40 mg
conditions that make it hard for the bowel to daily. Routine zinc supplementation is not
BY MOUTH: absorb food, liver cirrhosis and alcoholism, recommended without the advice of a
 For treating the after major surgery, and during long-term healthcare professional. In some people, zinc
common cold: one zinc use of tube feeding in the hospital. Taking might cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea,
gluconate or acetate zinc by mouth or giving zinc intravenously metallic taste, kidney and stomach damage,
lozenge, providing 9-24 (by IV) helps to restore zinc levels in people and other side effects. Using zinc on broken
mg elemental zinc, who are zinc deficient. However, taking zinc skin may cause burning, stinging, itching, and
dissolved in the mouth supplements regularly is not recommended. tingling.
every two hours while
awake when cold Likely Effective for Zinc is POSSIBLY SAFE when taking by
symptoms are present.  Diarrhea. Taking zinc by mouth reduces the mouth in doses greater than 40 mg daily.
 For diarrhea in duration and severity of diarrhea in children There is some concern that taking doses
malnourished or zinc- who are undernourished or zinc deficient. higher than 40 mg daily might decrease how
deficient children: 10- Severe zinc deficiency in children is common much copper the body absorbs. Decreased
40 mg elemental zinc in developing countries. copper absorption may cause anemia.
daily.  An inherited disorder called Wilson’s
 For preventing and disease. Taking zinc by mouth improves Zinc is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when inhaled
treating pneumonia in symptoms of an inherited disorder called through the nose, as it might cause
undernourished Wilson’s disease. People with Wilson’s permanent loss of smell. In June 2009, the
children in developing disease have too much copper in their US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
countries: 10-70 bodies. Zinc blocks how much copper is advised consumers not to use certain zinc-
mg/day. absorbed and increases how much copper containing nose sprays (Zicam) after
 For hypogeusia (sense the body releases. receiving over 100 reports of loss of smell.
of taste is abnormal): The maker of these zinc-containing nose
25-100 mg zinc. Possibly Effective for sprays has also received several hundred
 For the eating disorder  Acne. Research suggests that people with reports of loss of smell from people who had
anorexia nervosa: 100 acne have lower blood and skin levels of used the products. Avoid using nose sprays
mg of zinc gluconate zinc. Taking zinc by mouth appears to help containing zinc.
daily. treat acne. However, applying zinc to the
 For treating stomach skin in an ointment does not seem to help Taking high amounts of zinc is LIKELY
ulcers: zinc sulfate 200 treat acne unless used in combination with UNSAFE. High doses above the
mg three times daily. the antibiotic drug called erythromycin. recommended amounts might cause fever,
 For muscle cramps in  An inherited disorder that affects zinc coughing, stomach pain, fatigue, and many
zinc deficient people uptake (acrodermatitis enteropathica). other problems.
ZINC with liver disease: zinc Taking zinc by mouth seems to help
 sulfate 220 mg twice
daily.
 For osteoporosis: 15  Age-related vision loss (age-related
mg zinc combined with
5 mg manganese, 1000
mg calcium, and 2.5 mg
copper has been used.
 For sickle cell disease:
zinc sulfate 220 mg
three times daily.
 To increase growth and
weight gain in children
with sickle cell disease  Anemia. Giving a porridge that contains
who have not reached
puberty: 10 mg
elemental zinc per day.  Anorexia. Taking zinc supplements by
 For treating attention
deficit-hyperactivity
disorder (ADHD) in
children: doses of zinc  Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder
sulfate 55 mg (15 mg
elemental zinc) to 150
mg (40 mg elemental
zinc) daily.
 For treating acne: 30-
135 mg elemental zinc
daily.
 For treating age-related
macular degeneration
(AMD): elemental zinc
80 mg plus vitamin C
500 mg, vitamin E 400
IU, and beta-carotene
15 mg daily.
The Institute of Medicine
has established Adequate
Intake (AI) levels of zinc
for infants birth to 6
improve symptoms of acrodermatitis
enteropathica.
macular degeneration). Taking zinc by
mouth might reduce the risk of developing
age-related vision loss. Also, taking zinc by
mouth together with antioxidant vitamins
appears to slow the progression of advanced
age-related vision loss. However, taking zinc
by mouth alone does not seem to benefit
people with age-related vision loss that is not
yet advanced.
zinc and other vitamins and minerals to
infants appears to reduce the risk of anemia.
mouth might help increase weight gain and
improve depression symptoms in people
with anorexia.
(ADHD). Taking zinc by mouth in
combination with conventional treatment
might slightly improve symptoms of
hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and
socialization problems in some children with
ADHD. However, zinc might not improve
attention span. Some research suggests that
children with ADHD have lower zinc levels
in their blood than children without ADHD.
Other research suggests people with ADHD
with lower zinc levels might not respond
well enough to prescription medications for
ADHD (stimulants). Studies using zinc for
ADHD have taken place in the Middle East
where zinc deficiency is relatively common
compared to Western countries. It is not
known if zinc would have the same potential
benefits when used for ADHD in people
from Western countries.
Taking more than 100 mg of supplemental
zinc daily or taking supplemental zinc for 10
or more years doubles the risk of developing
prostate cancer. There is also concern that
taking large amounts of a multivitamin plus a
separate zinc supplement increases the
chance of dying from prostate cancer.
Taking 450 mg or more of zinc daily can
cause problems with blood iron. Single doses
of 10-30 grams of zinc can be fatal.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Infants and children: Zinc is LIKELY SAFE
when taken by mouth appropriately in the
recommended amounts. Zinc is POSSIBLY
UNSAFE when used in high doses.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Zinc is
LIKELY SAFE for most pregnant and
breast-feeding women when used in the
recommended daily amounts (RDA).
However, zinc is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when
used in high doses by breast-feeding women
and LIKELY UNSAFE when used in high
doses by pregnant women. Pregnant women
over 18 should not take more than 40 mg of
zinc per day; pregnant women age 14 to 18
should not take more than 34 mg per day.
Breast-feeding women over 18 should not
take more than 40 mg of zinc per day; breast-
feeding women age 14 to 18 should not take
more than 34 mg per day.
Alcoholism: Long-term, excessive alcohol
drinking is linked to poor zinc absorption in
the body.
Diabetes: Large doses of zinc can lower
blood sugar in people with diabetes. People
months is 2 mg/day. For
older infants, children, and
adults, Recommended
Dietary Allowance (RDA)
quantities of zinc have been
established: infants and
children 7 months to 3
years, 3 mg/day; 4 to 8
years, 5 mg/day; 9 to 13
years, 8 mg/day; girls 14 to
18 years, 9 mg/day; boys
and men age 14 and older,
11 mg/day; women 19 and
older, 8 mg/day; pregnant
women 14 to 18, 13
mg/day; pregnant women
19 and older, 11 mg/day;
lactating women 14 to 18,
14 mg/day; lactating
women 19 and older, 12
mg/day.
The typical North
American male consumes
about 13 mg/day of dietary
zinc; women consume
approximately 9 mg/day.
The Tolerable Upper
Intake Levels (UL) of zinc
for people who are not
receiving zinc under
medical supervision:
Infants birth to 6 months,
4 mg/day; 7 to 12 months,
5 mg/day; children 1 to 3
years, 7 mg/day; 4 to 8
years, 12 mg/day; 9 to 13
years, 23 mg/day; 14 to 18
 Burns. Giving zinc intravenously (by IV) with diabetes should use zinc products
together with other minerals seems to cautiously.
improve wound healing in people with
burns.However, taking zinc alone does not Hemodialysis: People receiving
appear to improve wound healing, although hemodialysis treatments seem to be at risk for
it does seem to reduce recovery time. zinc deficiency and might require zinc
 Common cold. Taking lozenges containing supplements.
zinc gluconate or zinc acetate by mouth
seems to help decrease the duration of a cold HIV (human immunodeficiency
in adults, although some conflicting evidence virus)/AIDS: Use zinc cautiously if you have
exists. Taking zinc supplements by mouth HIV/AIDS. Zinc use has been linked to
does not appear to prevent common colds in shorter survival time in people with
adults. However, zinc gluconate lozenges HIV/AIDs.
might help prevent colds in children and
adolescents. Using zinc as a nose spray does Syndromes in which it is difficult for the
not seem to help prevent colds body to absorb nutrients: People with
 Dandruff. Using a zinc pyrithione shampoo malabsorption syndromes may be zinc
appears to reduce dandruff. deficient.
 Depression. Research suggests that taking
zinc along with antidepressants seems to Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): People with RA
improve depression in people with major aborb less zinc.
depression and those who do not respond to
treatment with antidepressants alone.
 Foot ulcers due to diabetes. Research
suggests that applying zinc hyaluronate gel
can help ulcers heal faster than conventional
treatment.
 Diaper rash. Giving zinc gluconate by
mouth or applying zinc oxide paste to
infants with diaper rash appears to improve
rash healing.
 Esophageal cancer. Early research has
linked low intake of zinc with an increased
risk of esophageal cancer.
 Gingivitis. Using toothpastes containing
zinc, with or without an antibacterial agent,
appears to prevent plaque and gingivitis.
Some evidence also shows that zinc-
containing toothpaste can reduce existing
years (including pregnancy plaque. However, other conventional
and lactation), 34 mg/day; treatments may be more effective.
adults 19 years and older  Bad breath. Research suggests that chewing
(including pregnancy and gum containing zinc reduces bad breath.
lactation), 40 mg/day.  Herpes simplex virus. Applying zinc
sulfate or zinc oxide to the skin, alone or
Different salt forms with other ingredients, seems to reduce the
provide different amounts duration and severity of oral and genital
of elemental zinc. Zinc herpes. However, zinc might not be
sulfate contains 23% beneficial for recurrent herpes infections.
elemental zinc; 220 mg zinc  Taste disorder (hypogeusia). Taking zinc
sulfate contains 50 mg zinc. by mouth appears to be effective for people
Zinc gluconate contains with a reduced ability to taste foods due to
14.3% elemental zinc; 10 zinc deficiency or some other conditions.
mg zinc gluconate contains  Skin lesions (Leishmania lesions).
1.43 mg zinc. Research suggests that taking zinc sulfate by
mouth or injecting as a solution into lesions
APPLIED TO THE helps heal lesions in people with
SKIN: Leishmaniasis. However, zinc may not be
 For acne vulgaris: zinc more effective than conventional treatments.
acetate 1.2% with  Leprosy. Taking zinc by mouth in
erythromycin 4% as a combination with anti-leprosy drugs seems
lotion applied twice to help treat leprosy.
daily.  Muscle cramps. Taking zinc by mouth in
 For herpes simplex people with cirrhosis and zinc deficiency
infections: zinc sulfate seems to help treat muscle cramps.
0.25% applied 8 to 10  Swelling and ulcers in the mouth caused
times daily or zinc by radiation therapy. Taking zinc sulfate by
oxide 0.3% with glycine mouth seems to be effective for treating
applied every 2 hours ulcers and swelling in the mouth caused by
while awake. radiation treatments.
 Weak bones (osteoporosis). Low zinc
intake seems to be linked to lower bone
mass. Taking a zinc supplement in
combination with copper, manganese, and
calcium might decrease bone loss in women
who have passed menopause.
 Peptic ulcers. Taking zinc acexamate by
mouth seems to help treat and prevent
 peptic ulcers. This form of zinc is not
available in the US.
 Pneumonia. Some research shows that
giving zinc supplements to undernourished
children reduces the risk of developing
pneumonia. However, the effects of zinc for
treating pneumonia once it develops are
inconsistent.
 Complications during pregnancy. Taking
zinc by mouth during pregnancy appears to
reduce the risk for early delivery. However,
zinc supplementation does not seem to
reduce the risk for stillbirths or infant
deaths. Taking zinc with vitamin A might
help restore night vision in pregnant women
affected by night blindness. However, taking
zinc alone does not appear to have this
effect.
 Pressure ulcers. Taking zinc by mouth or
applying zinc paste appears to help improve
pressure ulcer healing.
 Prostate swelling (prostatis). Research
suggests that taking zinc, selenium, and
iodide along with conventional treatment
improves symptoms of prostatitis, including
pain and quality of life, compared to
conventional treatment alone.
 Severe infection complication (sepsis).
Research shows that administering a specific
product containing zinc (Intestamin) can
decrease the risk for organ failure in people
with sepsis.
 Food poisoning (shigellosis). Research
shows that taking a multivitamin syrup
containing zinc along with conventional
treatment can improve recovery time and
reduce diarrhea in undernourished children
with food poisoning.
 Sickle cell disease. Taking zinc by mouth
seems to help reduce symptoms of sickle cell
disease in people with zinc deficiency.
Taking zinc supplements also appears to
decrease the risk for complications and
infections related to sickle cell disease.
 Leg ulcers. Taking zinc sulfate by mouth
appears to help some types of leg ulcers heal
faster. The effects seem to be greater in
people with low levels of zinc before
treatment. Applying zinc paste to leg ulcers
also appears to improve healing.
 Vitamin A deficiency. Taking zinc by
mouth together with vitamin A seems to
improve vitamin A levels in undernourished
children better than vitamin A or zinc alone.
 Warts. Early research suggests that applying
a zinc sulfate solution improves plane warts
but not common warts. Applying zinc oxide
ointment appears to be as effective as
conventional treatments for curing warts.
Taking zinc sulfate by mouth also appears to
be effective.

Possibly Ineffective for

 AIDS diarrhea-wasting syndrome. Taking
zinc by mouth together with vitamins does
not seem to improve AIDS diarrhea-wasting
syndrome.
 Hair loss. Although there is early evidence
that suggests taking zinc together with biotin
might be helpful for hair loss, most studies
suggest that zinc is not effective for this
condition.
 Scaly, itchy skin (eczema). Taking zinc by
mouth does not appear to improve skin
redness or itching in children with eczema.
 Cataracts. Taking zinc by mouth together
with antioxidant vitamins does not seem to
help treat or prevent cataracts.
 Cystic fibrosis. Zinc sulfate does not
appear to improve lung function in children
or adolescents with cystic fibrosis, although
it may reduce the need for antibiotics.
 HIV. Taking zinc by mouth along with
antiretroviral therapy does not improve
immune function or reduce the risk of death
in adults or children with HIV.
 Pregnancy complications in women with
HIV. Taking zinc by mouth during
pregnancy does not appear to reduce the risk
of transmitting HIV to the infant. Also, zinc
does not appear to prevent infant death or
maternal wasting in pregnant women with
HIV.
 Infant development. Giving zinc to infants
does not improve mental or motor
development.
 Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Taking zinc by mouth does not seem to help
treat IBD.
 Flu. Taking zinc supplements by mouth is
unlikely to improve immune function in
people who are not at risk for zinc
deficiency.
 Ear infection. Taking zinc does not appear
to prevent ear infections in children.
 Iron-deficiency during pregnancy. Taking
zinc by mouth does not seem to help
improve iron levels in women taking iron
and folic acid supplements.
 Prostate cancer. Early research suggests
that taking zinc along with other vitamins
and minerals may prevent prostate cancer in
some men. However, other research suggests
that taking zinc can increase the risk of
 developing prostate cancer and increase the
risk of dying from prostate cancer.
 Red and irritated skin (psoriasis). Taking
zinc by mouth does not seem to help treat
psoriasis.
 Joint inflammation associated with a
specific skin condition (psoriatic
arthritis). Taking zinc by mouth, alone or
together with painkillers, has no effect on
the progression of psoriatic arthritis.
 Joint inflammation (rheumatoid
arthritis). Taking zinc by mouth does not
seem to help treat rheumatoid arthritis.
 Sexual dysfunction. Research suggests that
zinc supplementation does not improve
sexual function in men with sexual
dysfunction related to kidney disease.
 Ringing in the ears (tinnitus). Taking zinc
by mouth does not seem to help treating
ringing in the ears.
 Upper respiratory tract infections. Taking
zinc by mouth does not decrease the risk for
upper respiratory tract infections.

Likely InEffective for

 Malaria. Taking zinc by mouth does not
seem to help prevent or treat malaria in
undernourished children in developing
countries.

Insufficient Evidence for

 AIDS-related infections due to weakened
immunity. There is some early evidence
that taking zinc supplements by mouth in
combination with the drug zidovudine might
reduce infections that occur because of a
weakened immune system.
 Alcohol-related liver disease. Taking zinc
sulfate by mouth might improve liver
 function in people with alcohol-related liver
disease.
 Alzheimer’s disease. Some early research
shows that zinc supplements might slow the
worsening of symptoms in people with
Alzheimer’s disease.
 Arsenic poisoning. Early research suggests
that taking zinc together with spirulina can
reduce symptoms and arsenic levels in the
urine and hair of people with long-term
arsenic poisoning.
 Asthma. Zinc intake does not appear to be
linked to the risk for developing asthma in
children.
 A blood disorder called beta-thalassemia.
Early research suggests that taking zinc
sulfate along with blood transfusions
increases growth in children with beta-
thalassemia compared to blood transfusions
alone.
 Brain tumor. Early research suggests that
zinc intake is not linked with a reduced risk
of developing brain cancer.
 Canker sores. Some early research suggests
that taking zinc sulfate improves canker
sores and prevents them from reappearing.
However, other research shows no benefit.
 Death during childhood. Research
suggests that supplementing pregnant
women in Nepal with zinc, folic acid,
vitamin A, and iron does not reduce the risk
of childhood death by the age of 7 years-old
compared to vitamin A alone.
 A lung disease called chronic obstructive
pulmonary disorder (COPD). Early
research suggests that taking zinc daily after
recovery from COPD-related infections
reduces the risk of additional infections in
older people.
 Clogged arteries (coronary artery
disease). Early research suggests that taking
zinc reduces cholesterol but not triglycerides
in people with clogged arteries.
 Memory loss (dementia). Research
suggests that taking zinc sulfate improves
behavior and social abilities in people with
memory loss.
 Dental plaque. Early evidence suggests that
brushing teeth with toothpaste containing
zinc reduces plaque buildup.
 Nerve damage caused by diabetes
(diabetic neuropathy). Research suggests
that taking zinc sulfate improves nerve
function and reduces blood sugar in people
with nerve damage caused by diabetes.
 Down’s syndrome. Early research suggests
that taking zinc can improve immune
function and reduce infections in people
with Down’s syndrome and weakened
immune systems. However, other research
shows conflicting results.
 Head and neck cancer. Research suggests
that zinc supplementation does not improve
survival rates after 3 years in people with
head and neck cancer. However, zinc might
improve survival rates after 5 years
 Loss in brain function due to liver
problems (Hepatic encephalopathy).
Research suggests that taking zinc acetate
improves some measures of mental function
in people with hepatic encephalopathy.
However, other research suggests that zinc
sulfate does not improve brain function in
people with this condition.
 HIV-related diarrhea. Research suggests
that taking zinc can reduce the risk of having
diarrhea in adults and children with HIV.
However, other research suggests that zinc
 might not be effective in adults who have
had diarrhea for 7 or more days.
 Fertility problems in men (impotence).
Some early research suggests that taking zinc
by mouth does not improve sperm count or
sperm movement in men with fertility
problems. However, other early research
suggests that zinc supplementation increases
sperm count, testosterone levels, and
pregnancy rates in infertile men with low
testosterone levels
 Stomach infections and parasite
infestations. Zinc supplementation, alone
or together with vitamin A, might be
effective for treating some parasite infections
in children in developing countries.
However, evidence is not consistent. Some
research suggests that taking zinc with
vitamin A reduces the risk for some
infections, while other research suggests that
it does not have an effect on the risk for
infection.
 Head trauma. Administering zinc
immediately after a head trauma seems to
improve the rate of recovery.
 A type of cancer called non-Hodgkin’s
lymphoma. Research suggests that zinc
supplementation is linked to a decreased risk
of developing non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
 Full-term newborns that are too small.
Research suggests that taking zinc
supplements during pregnancy does not
reduce the risk of having a low birth weight
infant. However, adding zinc to nutritional
supplementation for underweight, full-term
infants in developing countries seems to
decrease the risk of death. Also, some
research suggests that zinc supplementation
 increases birth weight and length. However,
other research shows no benefit.
 Recovery after surgery. Early research
suggests that taking zinc by mouth can
reduce healing time after surgery.
 A yeast infection of the skin called
(Tinea versicolor). Research suggests that
using a zinc shampoo once daily for 14 days
seems to reduce a fungal skin infection that
causes tinea versicolor.
 Wrinkled skin. A skin cream containing
10% vitamin C as L-ascorbic acid and acetyl
tyrosine, zinc sulfate, sodium hyaluronate,
and bioflavonoids (Cellex-C High Potency
Serum) applied for 3 months to facial skin
aged by sun exposure seems to improve fine
and coarse wrinkling, yellowing, roughness,
and skin tone.
 Crohn’s disease.
 Ulcerative colitis.
 Other conditions.