Other supplements

Many people are worried about their appearance and choose to take supplements to help them stop the aging process. Vitamin A is commonly used by people who wish to smooth wrinkles or people who want to have healthier looking skin. Many people have heard of the topical cream Retin A for use with wrinkles and acne so they that the vitamin. Vitamin A is fat soluble so is stored in the liver. If taken in excess dosages, it can also cause headaches, hair loss, dry skin, and bone pain. In extreme cases it may even cause liver damage that may be irreversible. Pregnant women should also be very careful as a recent study showed pregnant women who consumed larger amounts of vitamin A in the first trimester had an increase of risk for having children with birth defects. Unfortunately, it is actually quite easy to overdose with vitamin A.

Beta carotene is one vitamin that nobody worries about. The body converts beta carotene to vitamin A in a manner that even in large quantities cause no harm. This vitamin is an antioxidant that protects cells from free radicals. It is being studied as a cancer preventative. Studies are favorable but as of yet remain inconclusive. Time will tell if beta carotene may be a preventative for cancer.

Selenium is another vitamin that is reported to ward off cancer. It also remains unproven as to whether or not this is effective. Because of the claims, however, many people do take it. If taken in large doses, people may experience side effects such as hair loss, diarrhea, nail changes, and nervous system disorders.

Iron is safe for most adults if used up to seventy five milligrams. If you are diagnosed with hemochromatosis, though, you should only take iron supplements under the care of a doctor. Side effects for excess doses of iron are usually only a concern for those with hemochromatosis and young children.

Zinc has often been reported to improve sexual functions. In addition it is thought to able to increase the effectiveness of the immune system. Neither of these claims are proven, however. The recommended dosage is fifteen milligrams per day for men and twelve for women. Most packages of zinc, though are packaged in five hundred milligram increments, much higher than the recommended daily allowance or RDA. This makes it very easy to take too much. Zinc can lessen the effects of beneficial cholesterol shrink red blood cells and damage the immune system.