Indicated for: vitamin deficiency; vitamin supplementation
Route of administration: infusion
Substance: vitamins (vitamins)
ATC: B05XCN2 (Blood and blood forming organs | I.v. solution additives | Vitamins)
Vitamins are essential substances the body needs in small amounts for metabolism, immunity, vision, blood formation, bones, skin and nervous-system function. Some are water-soluble, such as B vitamins and vitamin C, while others are fat-soluble, such as vitamins A, D, E and K. Supplements can help when diet does not meet needs or when deficiency is confirmed.
They are taken by mouth at the dose recommended in the leaflet or by a doctor or pharmacist. The right product depends on age, diet, pregnancy, medical conditions, blood tests and other medicines. Combining several vitamin products without checking total doses is not recommended, because the same vitamin may be present in multiple supplements.
Side effects depend on composition and dose. Nausea, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhoea, unpleasant taste or rash may occur. Excess fat-soluble vitamins can accumulate and become toxic. Too much vitamin A may affect the liver and pregnancy, excess vitamin D may raise calcium levels, and vitamin K can interfere with anticoagulant treatment.
Ask a doctor before use if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have kidney or liver disease, or take anticoagulants, anticonvulsants or long-term treatments. Vitamin supplements do not replace a varied diet and should not be relied on alone to treat fatigue, hair loss or low immunity without investigating the cause.