[Vitamins and metals: possible hazards for humans].

Abstract

Administration of vitamins or metals may cause severe side effects. Retinoids (derivatives of vitamin A) used for the treatment of various skin disorders are teratogenic, hepatotoxic and may induce a substantial increase in serum lipids. A case report demonstrates that vitamin D supplementation in a patient under total parenteral nutrition can cause hypercalcemia. The isolated administration of vitamin B1, without concomitant vitamin B6 and nicotinamide may precipitate potentially life-threatening pellagra encephalopathy. Repeat blood transfusions may produce clinically overt organ hemosiderosis, e.g. cirrhosis of the liver, diabetes mellitus or myocardiopathy. The literature contains reports on a few cases of sarcoma associated with orthopedic metal implants. The controversial issue of the potential dangers of dental amalgams is briefly mentioned.

• Authors: P E Ballmer
• Journal: Schweizerische medizinische Wochenschrift (Schweiz Med Wochenschr) Vol. 126 Issue 15 Pg. 607-11 (Apr 13 1996) ISSN: 0036-7672 [Print] Switzerland
• Vernacular Title: Vitamine und Metalle: mögliche Gefahren für den Menschen.
• PMID: 8668974 (Publication Type: Case Reports, English Abstract, Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Metals
• Retinoids
• Teratogens
• Vitamins
• Vitamin D
• Iron

Topics

• Adult
• Female
• Hemosiderosis (chemically induced)
• Humans
• Hypercalcemia (chemically induced)
• Iatrogenic Disease
• Iron (adverse effects)
• Liver (drug effects)
• Metals (adverse effects)
• Retinoids (adverse effects, toxicity)
• Teratogens
• Vitamin D (adverse effects)
• Vitamins (adverse effects)