Vitamin A (Retinol)
needed for low-light vision
adult dose: 2,000-3,000 IU/day
max dose: 10,000 IU/day
excessive doses during pregnancy can cause birth defects
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
needed for metabolism of carbohydrates
adult dose: 1-1.5 mg/day (10 mg/day for cataract prevention)
max dose: none established
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
needed for metabolism of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates
adult dose: 1 mg/day
max dose: none established
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
lowers cholesterol and triglycerides
adult dose: 14-18 mg/day
max dose: 35 mg/day, high doses may cause flushing (can be prevented by taking an NSAID)
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)
needed for metabolism of nutrients and synthesis of certain enzymes
adult dose: 5 mg/day
max dose: none established, excessive doses can cause diarrhea
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
needed for metabolism, immune function, and fetal brain development
adult dose: 1.5 mg/day
max dose: 100 mg/day, excessive doses can cause severe nerve damage
Vitamin B7 (Biotin)
needed for metabolism of nutrients; used to help strengthen hair and nails
adult dose: 30 mcg/day
max dose: none established
Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid)
needed for cell development; used during pregnancy to prevent fetal neural tube defects
adult dose: 400 mcg/day (600 mcg/day for pregnant pt)
max dose: 1,000 mcg/day (higher doses may be used for certain conditions)
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
needed for DNA and red blood cell production
adult dose: 2.4 mcg/day
max dose: none established (high doses have not demonstrated harm)
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
needed for antioxidant properties to protect cells from radical damage; also used in collagen production (wound healing)
adult dose: 75-100 mg/day
max dose: 2,000 mg/day, excessive doses can cause diarrhea and iron overload
Vitamin D (Ergocalciferol: D2, Cholecalciferol: D3)
needed for nerve function, immune function, and absorption of dietary calcium
adult dose: 400-800 IU/day
max dose: 4,000 IU/day, excessive doses can cause kidney damage and/or high calcium levels leading to cardiac arrhythmias
Vitamin E (Alpha-Tocopherol and seven other related compounds)
needed for antioxidant properties to protect cells from free radical damage; also needed for immune function and cardiovascular health
adult dose: 22 IU/day
max dose: 1,100-1,500 IU/day, excessive doses can cause bleeding
Vitamin K (Phytonadione)
essential for blood clot formation; sometimes used topically for rosacea, stretch marks, scars, and burns; used orally/by injection to reverse effects of warfarin
adult dose: 90-120 mcg/day
max dose: none established
