Do Multivitamins Have Any Side-Effects?

The dictionary defines the word Side Effects as a " secondary, typically undesirable effect of a drug or
medical treatment.”

Today we all understand that our diets may not fulfil the body’s demands of nutrition and thus
consumption of a daily multivitamin among people is increasingly common. However, one of the most
common concerns that people have is if vitamins are safe or if they have any side effects.

What Are Multivitamins?

Multivitamins are a combination of varied vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and herbs our body needs for
healthy functioning. They come as tablets, capsules, syrup, powders–and act as a nutritional bridge for
our body.

Common Side Effects of Multivitamins

When a person starts taking multivitamins, there are some common side effects one may experience
which are mostly gastrointestinal. They disappear when your body becomes accustomed to the
multivitamin. These include side effects such as constipation, diarrhoea, upset stomach and nausea.

Water-Soluble Vitamins V/S Fat-Soluble Vitamins

One of the key things to remember is that there are two types of multivitamins–water-soluble and fat-
soluble. Water-soluble vitamins like B vitamins, vitamin C dissolve in water. They rarely accumulate in
the body or cause severe side effects if you take them in excess.

On the other hand, fat-soluble vitamins like vitamins A, D, E, and K dissolve in fat, accumulate in the
body and can cause toxicity in the body if taken in excess doses. Similarly, taking minerals like iron,
iodine, zinc, copper, and selenium in excess can accumulate in the body and cause harmful effects.

Side Effects Due Of Extreme Overdosing On Multivitamins

Vitamin A – An overdose of vitamin A can cause toxicity in the body, leading to liver damage, weaker
bones, and birth defects.

Vitamin B – Vitamin B3 when taken in three times larger than the upper limit may cause stomach pain,
high blood pressure, vision problems, and liver damage. Excess B9, also known as folic acid, may weaken
the immune system and mask a severe vitamin B12 deficiency. Taking vitamin B6 10 times above the
upper limit can cause skin lesions, light sensitivity, heartburn, and neurological problems.

Vitamin C – Vitamin C overdose causes gastrointestinal problems such as cramps, diarrhoea, nausea, or
migraines.

Vitamin D – Overdose of vitamin D is very rare, but it is linked to bone pain and kidney stones.

Vitamin E – Too much vitamin Vitamin E toxicity may cause bleeding, diarrhoea, blurred vision, fertility
problems and increased risk of stroke.

Minerals – Multivitamins with high amounts of minerals like iron, copper, and zinc can cause
complications such as malabsorption of other nutrients. Too much iron can cause liver damage while too
much iodine can cause thyroid problems. Too much selenium may cause bad breath, hair loss, brittle
nails, along with severe neurological symptoms and kidney failure

Multivitamins – The Solution

Multivitamins are the best solution for those who have a diet lacking in vitamins and minerals. However,
it is essential to only consume multivitamins that contain nutrient levels in the right dose and sourced
from clean ingredients. Going beyond the daily upper limit of nutrients can cause short term as well as
long-term side effects.

The best solution then is to choose multivitamins like HeraNow Women’s Multivitamin. Hera has a
motto of clean nutrition and they deliver multivitamins that are clean, safe and effective. They have
sourced the right ingredients and in the right forms that can be easily absorbed by the body without
causing any harm. Each multivitamin is in the right dose so that there are absolutely no side effects and
they are 100 percent safe.

Each capsule of HeraNow Women’s Multivitamin is packed with the goodness of all the nutrients you
need in a day as an active woman.