Antioxidant Vitamin Combination Tablet: Combating Free Radical Damage

This tablet is an antioxidant multivitamin preparation containing beta-carotene, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E. It is indicated for a wide range of conditions where free radical damage plays a significant role, helping to protect the body from oxidative stress.

How These Antioxidants Work (Pharmacology)

• Beta-carotene: This is converted to Vitamin A (Retinol) as needed by the body. Retinol is vital for vision, growth, tissue differentiation, and immune response, and also exhibits anti-cancer activity. Beta-carotene specifically prevents free radical formation by quenching singlet oxygen, a highly reactive form of oxygen.
• Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid): A potent reducing agent and a crucial cofactor in many biological processes. It deactivates free radicals, particularly in plasma, lung fluid, aqueous humor, and interstitial fluid. Vitamin C is essential for white blood cell activity, antibody biochemistry, prostaglandin E1, B and T lymphocytes, and interferon. It's also vital for converting proline to hydroxyproline and dopamine to noradrenaline, and for adrenal steroid hormone synthesis. It offers some anti-inflammatory activity and protects cells from oxidation.
• Vitamin E (Tocopherol): Primarily acts as a defense against oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation, particularly in cell membranes. It scavenges peroxide radicals and requires a supply of reduced hydrogen (usually from Vitamin C or reduced glutathione) to restore its antioxidant capacity. Vitamin E helps protect Vitamin A from degradation and offers protection against the harmful effects of smog and smoke.

Key Indications & Benefits

This antioxidant vitamin combination is used for:

• Prevention of coronary heart diseases.
• Prevention of certain types of cancer.
• Combating aging processes.
• Protection against free radical damage caused by:
  • Excessive exercise
  • Illness
  • Certain medications
  • Air pollution
  • Smoke
  • Radiation
  • Pesticides

Dosage & Administration

• This tablet is administered orally.
• The usual adult dose is 1 tablet daily or as prescribed by a physician.
• Always consult a registered physician for medication use.

Important Considerations & Warnings

It is crucial to discuss your full medical history with your doctor before taking this supplement.

Contraindications:

• Hypersensitivity to any of its components.

Side Effects:

• Beta-carotene: Generally safe. High, prolonged intake can lead to hypercarotenosis (yellowish skin discoloration) which is benign and reversible upon reducing intake.
• Vitamin C: Generally safe at normal doses. Larger doses may cause gastrointestinal upset and renal stone formation.
• Vitamin E: Considered safe even in large doses. Doses over 800 mg may cause diarrhea, abdominal pain/cramps, fatigue, reduced resistance to bacterial infection, and transiently raised blood pressure.

Pregnancy & Lactation:

• Beta-carotene, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E have no known teratogenic effects in humans.
• However, caution should be exercised when prescribing to pregnant or nursing women, as with any medication.

Precautions & Warnings:

• Beta-carotene: Some evidence suggests it may cause harm to heavy smokers and alcoholics. Caution should be exercised in these cases.
• Vitamin C: Should be given with caution to patients with hyperoxaluria (excess oxalate in urine, a risk factor for kidney stones).
• Vitamin E: Should be used with caution in patients taking anticoagulant drugs, as Vitamin E may enhance their anticoagulant activity.

Drug Interactions:

• Decreased absorption of Beta-carotene: Cholestyramine, Colestipol, Neomycin.
• Reduced circulating Vitamin C levels: Prolonged administration of oral contraceptives (containing Estrogen), Tetracycline, and Aspirin. This may be due to impaired absorption or increased utilization for drug metabolism.
• Enhanced anticoagulant activity: Vitamin E may enhance the effects of anticoagulant drugs.
• Impaired absorption of Vitamins A and K: High doses of Vitamin E can interfere with the intestinal absorption of Vitamins A and K.

Storage Conditions

Should be stored in a dry place below 30°C.