MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Safety and vitamins

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Safety and vitamins

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative Names	Information

Illustrations

Vitamin safety

Alternative Names Return to top

Vitamins and safety regulations

Information Return to top

Question:

Does the government monitor the safety of vitamins?

Answer:

No. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) monitors drugs but not vitamins. However, standard vitamin and mineral tablets are considered relatively risk-free if you avoid high doses. Keep in mind that most experts feel that it is best to get your vitamins from eating a variety of foods, rather than taking pills. Very high doses of some vitamins, such as vitamin A or E, can make you ill or may increase the risk of developing other health problems. Consult your physician before taking any "mega" doses of any particular vitamin.

Update Date: 1/18/2007

Updated by: Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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