Children, adults and seniors use multivitamin supplements for various health benefits. They can cause side effects, similar to prescription drugs and over-the-counter medicines. Rashes and itching are not normal side effects of multivitamins, but rather a symptom of food allergies. These allergies can turn severe, so developing a rash after taking multivitamins should be reported immediately.
Multivitamins
Multivitamins contain a mixture of vitamins and minerals, used to prevent or treat deficiencies. Multivitamins come in capsule, tablet, gel cap, liquid and powder form. You can lower the risk of developing certain chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer by taking multivitamin supplements. Some also contain herbs and various additives for more health benefits. Certain multivitamins also contain lactose or fish oils.
Food Allergies
People with a milk or fish allergy cannot use multivitamin supplements that contain these products. Some liquid multivitamin formulas contain wheat, which may pose a risk to people with wheat allergies. Food allergies cause symptoms such as itching, hives, abdominal cramps, wheezing, coughing or eczema. Although the symptoms can be treated using over-the-counter supplements, they can be the sign of a more severe form of an allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis causes symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling in the mouth and throat, low blood pressure, respiratory arrest or cardiac arrest.
Side Effects
Common side effects of multivitamins are headache, abdominal discomfort and strange taste. Multivitamin formulas made for pregnant women, called prenatal vitamins, can cause constipation and nausea.
Considerations
If your hives or rash outbreaks are considered to be mild, use over-the-counter antihistamines to help soothe the rash. Some antihistamines are available in topical form, whereas others are available by pill or syrup. Do not treat hives or rash without consulting with a physician first.
