B Complex Research Articles

Pharmacological Effects of Biotin in Animals

In recent decades, it was found that vitamins affect biological functions in ways other than their long-known functions; niacin is the best example of a water-soluble vitamin known to possess multiple actions. Biotin, also known as vitamin B7 or vitamin H, is a water-soluble B-complex vitamin that serves as a covalently-bound coenzyme of carboxylases. It is now well documented that biotin has actions other than participating in classical enzyme catalysis reactions. Several lines of evidence have demonstrated that pharmacological concentrations of biotin affect glucose and lipid metabolism, hypertension, reproduction, development, and immunity. The effect of biotin on these functions is related to its actions at the transcriptional, translational, and post-translational levels. The bestsupported mechanism involved in the genetic effects of biotin is the soluble guanylate cyclase/protein kinase G (PKG) signaling cascade. Although there are commercially-available products containing pharmacological concentrations of biotin, the toxic effects of biotin have been poorly studied. This review summarizes the known actions and molecular mechanisms of pharmacological doses of biotin in animals and current information regarding biotin toxicity.

Saliva buffering power in contact with some vitamin syrups available in Iranian pharmaceutical market

Introduction: Since pharmaceutical syrups are widely taken by children in Iran, drop of pH in oral cavity and dental decay resulted from the syrups are of high importance. This research aims to study buffering properties of saliva when in contact with some of vitamin syrups available in pharmaceutical market of Iran. Methods: In the present study, 1 milliliter (ml) of 6 samples of vitamin syrups including Vitamin C, Vitamin B-Complex, Vitamin AD, Vitamin syrup Sandros (E, D3, C, B12, B6, A, Folic Acid, Biotin), Eurho syrup (B-Complex, Vitamin C) and Vitane Droplets (Multivitamin) and also a sample of distilled water as control were examined. Initially, pH was measured in each sample, and then 1 ml of stimulated saliva collected from children (6-12 years old) and 2 ml of deionized water was added to them and mixed. Finally, pH was measured in 5 and 20 minutes after mixing by the use of TECHNO Digital pH Meter. Correspondence: Yasamin Rajai, DDS. School of Dentistry, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences. Bandar Abbas, Iran Tel:+98 9177027203 Email: rajaeeya84@yahoo.com Results: Five minutes after adding saliva to the syrup samples, pH of all the samples increased. The minimum increment was observed in Vitamin C and the maximum was observed in both Eurho and Vitane. The increment was significant just in Eurho and Vitane (P 0.05). Conclusion: Increase of pH in Eurho and Vitane after 5 minutes contacting with saliva was significant compared with the initial pH. It shows the positive buffering effect of saliva on the pH of these two syrups and; consequently, reducing the probability of decay after consuming them.

Vitamin B complex treatment improves motor nerve regeneration and recovery of muscle function in a rodent model of peripheral nerve injury

It is well known that the peripheral nervous system has a good potential for regeneration. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of vitamin B therapy (with a complex of vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and B12) on motor nerve recovery after femoral nerve injury. Our study was conducted on an experimental animal model of femoral nerve injury in rats. All animals used in the experiment were subjected to the same set of analyses. A behavior test was used for the assessment of motor function recovery. Body weight was measured and electromyography was performed in order to assess recovery of quadriceps muscle. Samples of muscles and nerves were used for counting nuclei and determining nuclear density. The results of this study showed enhanced functional recovery, including improved walking, a decreased level of muscle atrophy and better electromyography recovery after administration of vitamin B complex. Further, after 14 days of treatment with the vitamin B complex nuclear nerve and muscle density was significantly lowered. In conclusion, using a model of femoral nerve injury we demonstrated that the application of vitamin B complex improved recovery of motor nerve in rats.

Changes in the expressions of thiamine biosynthesis genes (THIC and THI1/THI4) in oil palm (Elaies guineensis) as response to salinity stress

Thiamine or also known as vitamin B 1 , it is the first water soluble B-complex vitamin to be identified which plays an important role as both cofactor and non-cofactor. Its active form, thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) is important as a cofactor for various types of enzymes involved in central metabolism. Besides that, thiamine has been shown to have a role in plant protection against stress. In this study, we investigated the expressions of the first two enzymes involved in thiamine biosynthesis pathway, THIC and THI1/THI4 when subjected to salinity stress induced by sodium chloride (NaCl) at various concentrations, namely, 0, 50, 150 and 200 mM. RT-PCR was conducted to amplify both gene transcripts and the intensities of the bands were analyzed by using the ImageJ software. Overall, there was an increase in expression for both THIC and THI1/THI4 gene transcripts upon stress application. For THIC, the highest level of expression was observed on day 7 for 50 mM NaCl treated oil palm seedling with an increase of up to 331%, while for THI1/THI4, the highest level of expression was 723% on day 3 when 200 mM NaCl was applied to the oil palm seedlings. These results obtained are in agreement with suggestions that thiamine plays an additional role in plant protection against stress as it may lead to an overexpression of thiamine in general.

Proventricular–Ventricular Impaction in two ostrich chicks (Struthio camelus)

Impaction of the proventriculus and ventriculus due to ingestion of stones, wood, ceramic tiles, metal spoons and plastic materials was confirmed at postmortem examination in two ostrich chicks (Struthio camelus) aged 8-months and 4-months from two flocks in Gwagwalada and Lugbe in Abuja, Nigeria respectively. Both cases were presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH) of University of Abuja (U.A.) in November, 2014 (first case) and in May 2016 (second case) with pale mucous membranes, sternal recumbency, outstretched neck, ruffled feathers, dehydration and emaciation. Abdominal palpation in both cases revealed firm and gritty sensations. Antibiotic (oxytetracycline) long acting, Vitamin B-complex and 5% Dextrose saline therapy was instituted in both cases. However, both ostriches later died and were autopsied. The post-mortem revealed impaction of the proventriculus and ventriculus with foreign bodies (such as stones and sand, spoons, wood fragments and ceramic tiles). In addition, there was thickened mucosa of the proventriculus with ulcers, hydropericardium, petechiae on mucosal and serosal surfaces of cervical part of the trachea in the first case; while the second case had petechiae in the mucosa of the duodenum. Proventricular-ventricular foreign body impaction was diagnosed as the cause of death in both ostrich chicks.

Dispensing of vitamin products by retail pharmacies in South Africa: Implications for dietitians

Objective: The objective of this study was to analyse the dispensing patterns of vitamins (Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) group A11) over a one-year period in a group of community pharmacies in South Africa.Design and setting: A retrospective drug utilisation study was conducted on community pharmacy electronic dispensing records in South Africa recorded in 2013.Outcome measures: All products for ATC subgroup A11 were extracted and analysed.Results: A total of 164 233 vitamin products were dispensed to 84 805 patients (62.64% female patients). Males received on average 2.09 (SD = 2.63) vitamin products per year, compared to 1.84 (SD = 2.13) products for females. Ergocalciferol (A11CC01) was the most often dispensed (37.48% of all vitamin products), followed by plain Vitamin B-complex products (A11EA00) accounting for 32.77%. Ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) is only available on prescription (50 000 IU tablets or 50 000 IU/ml oily drops) in South Africa. Tablets were the preferred dosage form (62.84% of products). Most injections were for Vitamin B1 or Vitamin B combination products.Conclusion: Ergocalciferol and injectable vitamins have recently been rescheduled to prescription-only; it is probable that this has impacted on the usage of these products. It is important to monitor future vitamin supplementation behaviour in community pharmacies since pharmacies are selling many of these products and pharmacists can, by counselling patients, determine the reasons for the use of these products. Furthermore, should dietitians and nutritionists choose to work with this captive audience, supplementation patterns can be monitored to develop and implement appropriate awareness campaigns. Further studies to explore these baseline results are recommended.

Inhibition of proteases and phospholipases A2 from Bothrops atrox and Crotalus durissus terrificus snake venoms by ascorbic acid, vitamin E, and B-complex vitamins.

The enzyme inhibition by natural and/ or low-cost compounds may represent a valuable adjunct to traditional serotherapy performed in cases of snakebite, mainly with a view to mitigate the local effects of envenoming. The objective of this study was to evaluate possible interactions between vitamins and enzymes that comprise Bothrops atrox and Crotalus durissus terrificus venoms, in vitro. Proteolysis inhibition assays (substrates: azocasein, collagen, gelatin and fibrinogen), hemolysis, coagulation, hemagglutination were carried out using different proportions of vitamins in face of to inhibit minimum effective dose of each venom. The vitamins were responsible for reducing 100% of breaking azocasein by C.d.t. venom, thrombolysis induced by B. atrox and fibrinogenolysis induced by both venoms. It is suggested the presence of interactions between vitamin and the active site of enzymes, for example the interactions between hydrophobic regions present in the enzymes and vitamin E, as well as the inhibitions exercised by antioxidant mechanism.

A review on the role of inositol in aquaculture

Inositol is usually classified as an essential vitamin for most animals, and is recognised as a part of the B-complex vitamins. Among all other inositol isomer forms, myo-inositol possesses biological activity. It is found in the brain, skeletal, heart, and main reproductive tissues and exists as a structural component of phosphatidylinositol in biological cell membranes. Myo-inositol, also acts as a growth factor and affects the antioxidant capacity and oxidative status of cells. It is a major intracellular osmolyte that can be accumulated to protect cells from a variety of stresses and can also participate in transmembrane signal transfer. Myo-inositol is synthesised by various animal tissues and microorganisms in gut and fulfils the requirement for a few fish species. However, the supply of inositol by exogenous source (the diet) is required in most fish and shrimp for preventing deficiency signs such as inefficiency in digestion and food utilization, poor growth, fin erosion, dark skin colouration, and high accumulation of lipid in liver and muscle. The current paper aimed to provide a review on the published studies on the role of inositol in aquaculture.

Assessment of quality and production process of a non‐alcoholic stout beer using reverse osmosis

The market for low-alcohol and non-alcoholic beer has been increasing owing to factors such as health concerns, calorie content, strict traffic laws and religion, among others. Beer presents some good nutritional characteristics such as B-complex vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, fibre, protein and carbohydrates. The availability of non-alcoholic products is still very low in Brazil and worldwide. This study produced four samples of non-alcoholic dark beer derived from a Foreign Extra Stout beer style with 6.6% v/v alcohol using the process of reverse osmosis. The membrane filtration processes showed that the fouling rate coefficient increases with time and permeate volume while the flow decreases. The values of colour, bitterness, pH, phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity were maintained close to the parameters of the standard beer (counter test) when the reverse osmosis process was conducted with a diluted sample at a temperature of 20 °C. Copyright © 2016 The Institute of Brewing & Distilling

1466 The effects of supplementing a ruminally protected B-vitamin complex on preweaning growth and performance of Holstein heifer calves

1466 The effects of supplementing a ruminally protected B-vitamin complex on preweaning growth and performance of Holstein heifer calves

Nutritive value, antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds profile of brewer’s spent yeast extract

Spent yeast is the second major by-product from brewing. Mechanical disruption of yeast cell wall can be used to obtain β-glucan rich ingredients and separate inner yeast content, both with potential applications as food and nutraceutical ingredients. In this work, the nutritional composition, including minerals and B-complex vitamins, together with the antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds profile of yeast extract, prepared by mechanic disruption of brewer’s spent yeast and removal of yeast cell wall, was investigated. The lyophilised yeast extract presented 64% of proteins with high proportion of essential amino acids and 4% of RNA; macrominerals (Na, K, Ca, Mg), trace elements such as Zn (11.9mg/100g dw), Fe (1.76mg/100g dw), and Mn (0.564mg/100g dw), and vitamins B3 (77.2mg/100mg dw), B6 (55.1mg/100g dw) and B9 (3.01mg/100g dw). Two phenolic compounds were quantified as free forms, gallic acid and (±) catechin, whereas other bounded phenolic compounds were also quantified. The nutrients content, antioxidant properties and phenolic composition of the lyophilised brewer’s spent yeast extract indicates that it can be an interesting food or nutraceutical ingredient. Thus, its recovery will be beneficial in terms of sustainability and environmental impact.

Bacterial Folates Provide an Exogenous Signal for C. elegans Germline Stem Cell Proliferation

Here we describe an invitro primary culture system for Caenorhabditis elegans germline stem cells. This culture system was used to identify a bacterial folate as a positive regulator of germ cell proliferation. Folates are a family of B-complex vitamins that function in one-carbon metabolism to allow the de novo synthesis of amino acids and nucleosides. We show that germ cell proliferation is stimulated by the folate 10-formyl-tetrahydrofolate-Glun both invitro and in animals. Other folates that can act as vitamins to rescue folate deficiency lack this germ cell stimulatory activity. The bacterial folate precursor dihydropteroate also promotes germ cell proliferation invitro and invivo, despite its inability to promote one-carbon metabolism. The folate receptor homolog FOLR-1 is required for the stimulation of germ cells by 10-formyl-tetrahydrofolate-Glun and dihydropteroate. This work defines a folate and folate-related compound as exogenous signals to modulate germ cell proliferation.

Assessment of nutritional status of school going children in the age group 7-9 Years

The present study was conducted in Pantnagar, U.S.Nagar district of Uttarakhand state to assess the nutritional status of the school going children. One hundred children of 7-9 years age (50 boys and 50 girls) were selected randomly. Nutritional status of children was assessed in terms of dietary assessment was done by 24 hour dietary recall method for three consecutive days of. The results of the study revealed that consumption of foods like cereals, pulses, fruits, GLV's, milk and milk products, fats and oils, sugar and jaggery were inadequate in the diets of both boys and girls. Nutrients like energy, fat, β-carotene, B-complex vitamins, vitamin C, iron and calcium were found limiting in the diets of school children. It was found that family size, father's occupation and parent's education had significant (P<0.05) effect on food intake of selected children. So there is an urgent need to educate mothers of school going children about the importance of balanced diet and preparation of nutrient-rich recipes based on locally available food stuffs in the children's diet to improve their nutritional status. The results of the study can be of use for planning need-based supplementary nutrition programmes by the policy-makers for the school children. Hence it can be concluded that feeding of nutrient rich supplements based on locally available food stuffs can go a long way in improving nutritional status of children which will contribute in the well- being of the children who are the future of the nation's prosperity.

The effect of daily zinc and/or multivitamin supplements on early childhood development in Tanzania: results from a randomized controlled trial.

Impaired childhood development has lifelong consequences for educational attainment and wage-earning potential. Micronutrient supplements have the potential to improve development. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of daily zinc and/or multivitamin (vitamins C, E and B-complex) supplements on development among Tanzanian infants. In this randomized, 2 × 2 factorial, double-blind trial, 2400 infants were randomized to zinc (Zn), multivitamins (MV), zinc and multivitamins (Zn + MV) or placebo at 6 weeks of age. At approximately 15 months, a sub-sample of 247 children underwent developmental assessment using the cognitive, language (receptive and expressive) and motor (fine and gross) scales of the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development Third Edition (BSID-III). Mean BSID-III scores were compared using univariate and multivariate linear regression models adjusted for child's sex, post-conceptual age and test administrator. Logistic regressions were used to assess odds of low developmental scores. We did not detect a significant difference in mean BSID-III scores in any of the five domains in univariate or multivariate models comparing each of the four treatment groups. We also did not detect a significant difference in mean BSID-III scores when comparing children who received zinc supplements versus those who did not, or in comparisons of children who received multivitamin supplements versus those who did not. There was no significant difference in odds of a low BSID-III score in any of the five domains in treatment arms either. Because neither daily zinc nor multivitamin (vitamins B-complex, C and E) supplementation led to improvements in any of the developmental domains assessed using the BSID-III, we recommend pursuing alternative interventions to promote early childhood development in vulnerable populations. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Marchiafava-Bignami Disease: A Less Known Neurological Complication of Alcoholism

Marchiafava-Bignami disease (MBD) is a disorder associated with chronic alcohol consumption and characterized by demyelination and necrosis of the corpus callosum. Patients may have reduced consciousness, psychotic symptoms, apathy, hemiparesis, ataxia and coma. Although some cases of recovery have been reported, the outcome is poor, with disability or dead. We reported a case of a 56-year-old woman with chronic alcoholism admitted to our hospital with impaired consciousness and a history of gait disturbance. On examination, she was in a coma, with increased muscle tone and left arm paresis. Laboratory studies showed a folic acid deficiency and the CT scan was normal. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed lesions in periventricular white matter and the entire corpus callosum with restriction of water diffusion consistent with the diagnosis of MBD. Despite treatment with B vitamin complex, the patient died. Coma and radiological involvement of the entire corpus callosum are compatible with type A MBD and associated with poor prognosis. Although being a rare alcoholism complication, it should not be forgotten since an early diagnosis and prompt supportive therapy may enable a better outcome. J Med Cases. 2016;7(5):171-173 doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.14740/jmc2477w

Effect of B-complex vitamins on the antifatigue activity and bioavailability of ginsenoside Re after oral administration

BackgroundBoth ginsenoside Re and B-complex vitamins are widely used as nutritional supplements. They are often taken together so as to fully utilize their antifatigue and refreshing effects, respectively. Whether actually a drug–nutrient interaction exists between ginsenoside Re and B-complex vitamins is still unknown. The objective of this study was to simultaneously investigate the effect of B-complex vitamins on the antifatigue activity and bioavailability of ginsenoside Re after their oral administration. The study results will provide valuable theoretical guidance for the combined utilization of ginseng and B-complex vitamins. MethodsGinsenoside Re with or without B-complex vitamins was orally administered to mice to evaluate its antifatigue effects and to rats to evaluate its bioavailability. The antifatigue activity was evaluated by the weight-loaded swimming test and biochemical parameters, including hepatic glycogen, plasma urea nitrogen, and blood lactic acid. The concentration of ginsenoside Re in plasma was determined by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. ResultsNo antifatigue effect of ginsenoside Re was noted when ginsenoside Re in combination with B-complex vitamins was orally administered to mice. B-complex vitamins caused to a reduction in the bioavailability of ginsenoside Re with the area under the concentration–time curve from zero to infinity markedly decreasing from 11,830.85 ± 2,366.47 h·ng/mL to 890.55 ± 372.94 h·ng/mL. ConclusionThe results suggested that there were pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic drug–nutrient interactions between ginsenoside Re and B-complex vitamins. B-complex vitamins can significantly weaken the antifatigue effect and decrease the bioavailability of ginsenoside Re when simultaneously administered orally.

Does allicin combined with vitamin B-complex have superior potentials than alpha-tocopherol alone in ameliorating lead acetate-induced Purkinje cell alterations in rats? An immunohistochemical and ultrastructural study

The current article aims to explore the protective potentials of α-tocopherol alone and the combination of allicin and vitamin B-complex against lead-acetate neurotoxicity on the cerebellar cortex. Forty rats were divided into four groups (n = 10). Group 1 was the control group; Group 2 received 10 mg/kg body weight (BW) of lead acetate; Group 3 was exposed to 10 mg/kg BW of lead acetate plus a combination of allicin (100 mg/kg BW) and vitamin B-complex (40 mg/kg BW); Group 4 was administered lead acetate (10 mg/kg BW) and α-tocopherol (100 mg/kg BW). The animals received the treatment for 60 days by oral gavage. All the groups were studied ultrastructurally and immunohistochemically with glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). The affected groups revealed shrunken and degenerated Purkinje cells with irregular nuclei. The cytoplasm comprised several lysosomes, unhealthy mitochondria, and dilated Golgi saccules. The myelinated nerve fibres demonstrated breaking of the myelin sheaths, apparent vacuoles, and broad axonal spaces. Immunohistochemically, there was a tremendous surge in GFAP-positive astrocytes in the lead acetate-treated group. These histological and ultrastructural variations were ameliorated by the administration of a-tocopherol and the combination of allicin and vitamin B complex. Moreover, an apparent decrease in the number of GFAP-positive astrocytes was obvious in the protected groups. Although both a-tocopherol and the combination of allicin and vitamin B-complex can be used as possible adjuvant therapies to ameliorate nervous system ailments attributable to lead acetate, α-tocopherol showed more protective potential.

Systemic Infection by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a Dog

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an important pathogen frequently associated with nosocomial infections affecting mainly immunosuppressed patients. In Veterinary Medicine, infections caused by P. aeruginosa are becoming increasingly frequent; infections are related to intrinsic or acquired resistance mechanisms, which limit the choice of effective agents.Case: This study describes the case of a four-month-old male Pitt Bull dog treated at the Small Animal Internal Medicine service of the Veterinary Hospital at the Health and Rural Technology Center of Federal University of Campina Grande, Patos/Paraíba. The patient presented with apathy, inappetence, moderate dehydration, tachypnea, tachycardia, hyperther­mia, pale mucosae, small lesions in the pelvic limbs, with edema and subsequent widespread petechiae. Treatment with intravenous fluid therapy using 0.9% NaCl with B-complex vitamins, and 20 mg/kg cephalexin every 12 h was established. The patient did not respond well to treatment, and died two days later. Necropsy was performed at the Veterinary Pathology sector of the Hospital and histopathological findings revealed focally extensive areas of necrosis associated to myriads of bacteria and mild mononuclear inflammatory infiltrates in the liver, heart and kidneys. Secretions and organ fragments were submitted to the Microbiology Laboratory of the same institution, which identified a systemic bacterial infection caused by P. aeruginosa. In vitro bacterial susceptibility to 15 different antimicrobials was assessed using the Bauer-Kirby disk diffusion test in Mueller Hinton agar. The agent exhibited multiple resistance to enrofloxacin, cephalexin, ceftiofur, gentamicin, imipenem, kanamycin, cephalothin, norfloxacin, amoxicillin, polymyxin B, ampicillin, tetracycline, and penicillin. It was sensitive to amikacin and neomycin only. Phenotypic detection was performed via disk approximation test (D-test) established by the Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI), which showed metallo-beta-lactamase (MBLs)-producing bacteria.Discussion: Clinical-pathological and microbiological aspects confirmed a systemic infection by P. aeruginosa characterized by yellowish nodular lesions and occasional hemorrhage, associated with myriads of bacteria in the lumen of the vessels in multiple organs. The agent was probably disseminated hematogenously, and it is likely that the cutaneous lesions in the pelvic limbs were the entry point. Treatment using cephalexin proved to be inefficient for the animal of the present study, which may have been be due to the patient’s immunosuppression and the agent’s natural or acquired resistance to this drug; therefore, special care needs to be taken when using these antibiotics as a preventive measure against the dissemination of gram-negative (MBL)-producing P. aeruginosa. We can conclude that P. aeruginosa may cause systemic infection in dogs. Amikacin and neomycin are the most efficient antimicrobials for the in vitro elimination of the bacteria; however, other studies on the use of these drugs in vivo are needed. Considering the occurrence of resistance to multiple antimicrobials and the production of MBLs observed in this study, it is important to monitor P. aeruginosa through phenotypical and antimicrobial susceptibility tests to verify its level of resistance in diseases in Veterinary Medicine.Keywords: microbiological, internal medicine, infections, Veterinary Medicine.

The effects of SLC35F2 expression and B-complex vitamins on gefitinib sensitivity of lung adenocarcinoma cells

The effects of SLC35F2 expression and B-complex vitamins on gefitinib sensitivity of lung adenocarcinoma cells

Are we too reluctant about irrational nutraceutical combinations?

Background: The objective of the study was to study the rationality of Vitamins and minerals combinations available in India and to provide comprehensive data of irrational combinations having excess and sub sufficient quantity of vitamin and minerals than recommended by National Guidelines of India. Methods: This observational study and analysis was done between June and August 2016. Data was collected from current index of medical specialties and drug India. Rationality assessment was done using National list approved drug combinations by Central drug standard control organization (CDSCO) and essentially was cross checked using World Health Organization essential drug list 2015. Adequacy was analysed using Dietary reference intake (DRI) for Indians by Nutrional council of India draft guidance. Results: In our analysis, we have found 1184 irrational nutraceutical preparations available in India market. Out of 461(38.9%) are based on fat soluble vitamins, 190 (16.4%) based on B-complex vitamins based and 5339 (45.1%) related to essential minerals. Among 461 fat soluble vitamins, 104 contain excessive level, 334 contain substandard levels. Similarly 128 and 62 Vitamin B-Complex based preparations are having excess and less quantity than recommended levels respectively and almost all the mineral combinations except four are not prepared following guidelines. None of these combinations were included in National essential list of medicines. Conclusions: Multivitamins are generally considered safe; these are irrationally prescribed and taken as self-medication by public. Many of the ill effects are often unnoticed and under reported. Government of India should regulate the manufacture and sale these nutraceuticals to promote rational use of drugs and to promote wellbeing and safety of Indian population which is primary objective of ‘Health for all’.