subject: What You Need To Learn About Drug Interactions [print this page] Vitamins are elements that the body needs to support the various metabolic functions of the cell. They are subdivided into standard groups: the fat-soluble and also the water-soluble vitamins. The fat-soluble vitamins are generally kept in the fat tissues of the human body that can be stored and utilized for future use. On the contrary, water-soluble vitamins are used immediately by the body. In excess to what the entire body uses, the water-soluble vitamins are excreted from the body through the urine. Specific medications can decrease the levels of various vitamins in the blood which may lead to vitamin insufficiency causing different health problems.
Vitamin D is important for calcium absorption for the body to acquire strong bones and teeth. It can be found in a variety of food sources such as milk and cereals. Also, exposure to the Ultra violet rays of the sun stimulates the development of this vitamin in the body. An antiseizure medication implemented among rehabilitation for alcohol when treating withdrawal symptoms can trigger the liver to break down vitamin D which can cause an increase of calcium levels in the blood.
Apart from strengthening the body's immune system response, vitamin C also plays a great role in the synthesis of collagen, a fibrous protein that is found in the connective tissues of the body. It also posseses antioxidant effects in the cells. It enhances absorption of iron supplements in the human body but it may decrease the effectiveness of warfarin, a drug designed to prevent blood clot formation. Furthermore, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are painkillers that increase the elimination of this vitamin in the blood. These effects however are uncommon to opioid analgesics therefore, when this kind of painkiller is over used, it requires confinement in drug addiction rehab.
To get good cellular metabolic rate and nerve conduction, vitamin B is a vital vitamin. On the contrary, there are several drugs that may hinder its normal function in the body. This includes oral contraceptives, oral hypoglycemic agents and antibiotics. For instance, the birth control pills can lower the amounts of vitamin B6 and B12 in the blood which can result in the person to become more vulnerable to bleeding. In diabetic clients using metformin, it has the capacity to decrease the level of vitamin B12 which predisposes a person to improving peripheral neuropathy.
We should always keep in mind that these vitamins are important for our body to preserve homeostasis. Whether over-the-counter or prescription medications are used, it is necessary to be aware of the various drug interactions to avoid untoward side effects and other health threats.
