supplements.

[jayjay241]

hello. Im a 37 year old male. who was taking about 8 antioxidants for about 4 weeks. They were a b complex, zinc, Vit c slow release1000 mg, selenium 100 mg, milk thistle, vitamin E, 800 iu, alpha lipoic acid 100mg, grape seed extract 100mg, co q ten, 100mg, and nac. the zinc was 50 mg, i read later that 40 is the most u should take. Why was i taking all this. im a healthy, phys ed teacher who doesnt smoke. I have had some muscle problems and thought it might be nuerological. My question is could all of these cause a worse reaction or problem in my body. It was only for four weeks. and i didnt do every single pill every day. could the 50 mg of zinc cause lasting problems.  I read that to much b can cause nerve problems, but once u stop it then it should be ok.

[Renee Radenberg]

The recommended upper limit for zinc per day for an adult male / female is 40 mg. You should not have an lasting effects if you have only been taking it for 4 weeks and should bring it down to 40mg. Vitamins and minerals do cause issues when they are taken above the upper limits or mega dose levels. That will cause the body to have toxic build up and medical issues will occur. The issues can be serious depending on the length of time and amounts the supplements were taken. From what you have stated in your question, you are at the upper limits for vitamin C and E, decrease Zinc to 40mg, and suggest not increasing the other doses. You did not state the vitamin Bs you are taking. Vitamin B6 recommended dose for Adult male is 1.3mg a day (upper limit 100mg), and Niacin 16 mg a day (upper limit 35mg). You stated that you were having muscle problems, are you eating enough potassium foods (oranges, orange juice, potatoes, bananas, etc)? Suggest you see your MD if the muscle issues continue. The best source for all vitamins and minerals are our foods. Fresh fruits and vegetables are the best sources. You get the needed vitamins and minerals and the additional fiber benefit too.

[jayjay241]

thanks for responding.
i was taking a vitamin b 100 complex from solaray. it had folic acid 400 mcg, pathothentic acid 100 mg, b12 100 mcg, niacin 100 mg,, b6, b1, b2,  100 mg. when you say toxic effects that obviously concerns me, i took a total of 25 pills over a month or so.

[jayjay241]

i just read the rda. most of the b i took was extreme low end theraputic. I saw all the effects from going overboard. anything else you would like to add would be great. thank you

[Renee Radenberg]

Vitamin B is a water soluble vitamin and would not have built up in short time that you took the supplements. The only one that above recommended levels was Zinc and you has since lowered it. Suggest if you prefer supplements to take them within the recommended dose levels.