Common Vitamins and Supplements

Question 1

Vitamin A

Answer 1

function- night vision, cell growth and maintenance, the health of the skin
safety considerations- toxicity can occur if levels are too high, leading to headaches, peeling skin, and bone thickening

Question 2

Vitamin D

Answer 2

function- calcium absorption, bone and tooth health, heart and nerve function
safety considerations- toxicity can occur if levels are too high, leading to kidney failure metastatic calcification, and anorexia

Question 3

Vitamin E

Answer 3

function- protection of cells (including skin and brain), formation of blood cells
safety considerations- N/A

Question 4

Vitamin K

Answer 4

function- blood clotting, bone growth
safety considerations- can counteract blood clotting medications, reducing their efficiency

Question 5

Vitamin B1

Answer 5

function- carbohydrate metabolism, heart, nerve, and muscle function
safety considerations- N/A

Question 6

Vitamin B2

Answer 6

function- fat and protein metabolism
safety considerations- N/A

Question 7

Vitamin B3

Answer 7

function- carbohydrate and fat metabolism
safety considerations- toxicity can occur if levels are too high, leading to red, itching skin with tingling

Question 8

Vitamin B6

Answer 8

function- enzyme assistance in the amino acid synthesis
safety considerations- toxicity can occur if levels are too high, leading to peripheral neuropathy

Question 9

Vitamin B12

Answer 9

function- protein and fat metabolism, nerve-cell maintenance, cell development
safety considerations- N/A

Question 10

Vitamin C

Answer 10

function- immunity, iron absorption, the structure of bones, muscle, and blood vessels
safety considerations- N/A

Question 11

St. John’s wort

Answer 11

function- treatment for depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders
safety considerations- some studies found it ineffective in its intended benefits (similar results to a placebo), no long-term safety studies have been conducted

Question 12

Black cohosh

Answer 12

function- relief of menopause symptoms, including hot flashes, might sweats, headaches, heart palpitations, and mood changes
safety considerations- large doses can cause vomiting, dizziness, and headaches. long-term studies have yet to be conducted (recommended to take for lass than 6 months).

Question 13

Melatonin

Answer 13

function- is a naturally occurring hormone in the brain. can be taken as a supplement to potentially help with sleep regulation and combat aging (studies validate the support of sleep regulation but do not support anti-aging benefits)
safety considerations- can result in drowsiness and headaches, may interfere with conception

Question 14

Willow Bark

Answer 14

function- pain relief (one of the main ingredients of aspirin comes from willow bark)
safety considerations- do not exceed 240 mg/day, not safe for those who cannot tolerate aspirin

Question 15

Glucosamine sulfate

Answer 15

function- promote healthy cartilage formation to maintain or replace wear and tear on joints
safety considerations- N/A, recent studies found glucosamine sulfate to be no more effective than a placebo in knee osteoarthritis

Question 16

Gingko biloba

Answer 16

function- improve memory and mental function by increasing blood flow to the brain
safety considerations- extremely high doses can lead to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea