Indications:
Antioxidant vitamins play a vital role in addressing a broad spectrum of conditions where free radical damage is implicated. Their combination is utilized to prevent coronary heart diseases, specific cancer types, aging, and counter the detrimental effects of free radicals induced by factors such as excessive exercise, illness, certain medications, environmental pollutants like air pollution, smoke, radiation, and pesticides. The primary functions of antioxidant vitamins include:
- β carotene: Inhibits free radical formation by neutralizing singlet oxygen, a highly reactive oxygen variant.
- Vitamin C: Acts as another potent free radical scavenger, neutralizing free radicals, particularly in the plasma, lung fluid, aqueous humor, and interstitial fluid. It enhances white blood cell activity and plays pivotal roles in antibody, prostaglandin E1, B and T lymphocyte, and interferon biochemistry.
- Vitamin E: Also serves as a scavenger for free radicals in the bloodstream, alongside β carotene and vitamin C. Additionally, vitamin E is crucial in mitigating the adverse effects of environmental pollutants like smog and smoke. Furthermore, it safeguards vitamin A from degradation in the body, compared to other nutrients
Pharmacology:
The beta carotene within this tablet undergoes conversion to vitamin A (Retinol) as needed. Retinol serves multiple biochemical functions, including roles in retinal health, growth, tissue differentiation, and immunological responses. Additionally, it exhibits anti-cancer activity.
Vitamin C stands out as the most potent reducing agent found in living tissues. Its deficiency leads to scurvy and it acts as a cofactor in various biological processes. Vitamin C, in conjunction with molecular oxygen, is indispensable for converting proline to hydroxyproline and dopamine to noradrenaline. Moreover, it plays a pivotal role in synthesizing adrenal steroid hormones. Vitamin C is vital in defending against infections, and studies underscore its importance in the normal functioning of T-lymphocytes and leukocytes. Ascorbic acid also possesses anti-inflammatory properties and shields cells against the oxidation of essential molecules. In higher doses (1-2 g daily), ascorbic acid enhances iron absorption.
Vitamin E serves as a defense mechanism against oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. Typically, there exists one molecule of tocopherol for every 1000 lipid molecules in most cell membranes. Tocopherol effectively scavenges peroxide radicals, requiring a supply of reduced hydrogen to maintain a steady-state situation, usually facilitated by ascorbic acid or reduced glutathione.
Dosage & Administration:
This tablet is meant for oral administration. The recommended adult dosage for this combination of antioxidant vitamin tablets is one tablet daily, or as directed by a healthcare professional.
- Follow the advice of your physician before consuming medication.
Interaction:
Cholestyramine, Colestipol, and Neomycin can reduce the absorption of β carotene. Prolonged use of oral contraceptives containing Estrogen, Tetracycline, and Aspirin has been associated with decreased circulating levels of vitamin C. This decline in vitamin C levels may result from drug-induced impaired absorption or increased utilization of the vitamin for drug metabolism. Vitamin E may potentiate the anticoagulant effects of anticoagulant drugs. High doses of vitamin E can hinder the intestinal absorption of vitamins A and K.
Contraindications:
This tablet is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to any of its components.
Side Effects:
β carotene is generally safe even with prolonged and high exposure. However, individuals who regularly consume large amounts of carotenoids may develop hypercarotenosis, characterized by yellowish skin discoloration and elevated carotenoid levels in the plasma. This benign condition, resembling jaundice, typically resolves upon reducing excessive carotenoid intake.
Vitamin C is generally safe for human use at normal doses. Higher doses may lead to gastrointestinal upset and kidney stone formation.
Vitamin E is generally considered safe, even at high doses. However, doses exceeding 800 mg may result in diarrhea, abdominal pain or cramps, fatigue, reduced resistance to bacterial infection, and transiently elevated blood pressure.
Pregnancy & Lactation:
β carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E do not have teratogenic effects in humans. However, caution should be exercised when prescribing them to pregnant women, as with any other medication.
Precautions & Warnings:
There is evidence suggesting that β carotene may pose risks to heavy smokers and alcoholics; therefore, caution is advised in such cases. Vitamin C should be administered with caution to patients with hyperoxaluria. Vitamin E should be used cautiously in patients taking anticoagulant drugs, as it may enhance their anticoagulant activity.
Therapeutic Class:
Anti-oxidant Multivitamin Preparations
Storage Conditions:
Store in a dry place below 30°C.
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