Vitamin Interaction With Other Vitamins

Organic compounds found in foods, known as vitamins, are vital to support life. The human body requires 13 essential vitamins to aid in everything from the production of healthy red blood cells to maintaining a healthy immune system. Although vital, taking vitamin supplements may not always be necessary. In addition to the risk of getting too much of a specific vitamin, taking supplements increases the risk for a vitamin to interact with another vitamin.

Vitamin B-12 and Folic Acid

Vitamin B-12 supports the formation of healthy red blood cells. Failing to intake 2.4 mcg recommended by the National Institute of Medicine Food and Nutrition Board can lead to a deficiency and cause megaloblastic anemia. Megaloblastic anemia causes fatigue, weakness, constipation, weight loss, numbness in the hands and feet, balance difficulty, depression, confusion and poor memory. Correcting the condition requires vitamin B-12, but taking folic acid, also known as vitamin B-9, can mask the effects of megaloblastic anemia. The interaction between folic acid and vitamin B-12 can increase the effects of the anemia and lead to permanent neurological damage.

Vitamin B-6 and Vitamin B-12

Vitamin B-6, a member of the B family of vitamins along with B-12, promotes the production of hormones and neurotransmitters, the chemicals that carry signals between the nerves. Vitamin B-6 is also important for the production of healthy red blood cells because the presence of B-6 enhances the absorption of B-12. A deficiency in vitamin B-6 can lead to a deficiency in B-12. In addition, vitamins B-6, B-12 and folic acid all work together to control the level of homocysteine -- an amino acid associated with an increased risk for heart disease.

Vitamin E and Vitamin K

Vitamin E functions as an antioxidant by protecting cells from damage caused by negatively charged particles formed during normal reactions within the body. Vitamin E supports a healthy immune system and may help to protect against cardiovascular disease by decreasing atherosclerosis and helping the blood circulate. Because of these effects on the blood, taking vitamin E supplements may increase the risk of bleeding, especially in patients taking anticoagulant medications such as warfarin. Vitamin K is necessary for blood to coagulate effectively. Patients with a vitamin K deficiency have an increased risk of uncontrolled bleeding and vitamin E supplements enhance this risk. A specific form of vitamin E, known as tocopherol quinine, inhibits the ability of vitamin K to produce the enzymes necessary for blood to clot.

Vitamin A and Vitamin K

Vitamin A helps the body fight infections, supports the production of healthy stem cells that produce red blood cells, promotes normal growth and development and keeps the eyes healthy. Adult men should intake 900 mcg of vitamin A per day while women need 700 mcg per day, according to the National Institutes of Medicine Food and Nutrition Board. Large doses of vitamin A can antagonize, or interfere with, vitamin K. Vitamin A inhibits the absorption of vitamin K, which inhibits the production of enzymes vital to normal blood coagulation.