Red, blotchy face after taking liquid multi-vitamins

[jaxjen11 14]

I'm eight days post op. Just took my morning liquid vitamins and also had 2 Vitamin C gummies. Within a few minutes, my face turned red and blotchy and I got really hot. If my thermometers are working, I don't have a fever. Has this happened to anyone? I hope I'm not allergic to the Vitamins?

[Kime-lou 648]

Some people do have allergies to Multivitamins. I do, except I vomit uncontrolably. When they did my blood work they told me specifics I needed to take- B Complex, C, Calcium. I just took those. Now I am off all except the B Complex.

Talk to you doctor, some of us just can't tolerate the mix of Vitamins.

[LapBandit2013 162]

I think that's called a "niacin flush".

[JACKIEO85 308]

The niacin flush is a side effect of taking large doses of niacin (vitamin B3) supplements. It consists of reddening of skin along with a burning or itching sensation, which starts about 10 to 20 minutes after taking niacin supplements. The flush happens when the niacin causes the small blood vessels in the skin to dilate. Flushing of the face is the most common, but it can also occur in the neck and upper body. Most people who take large doses of regular niacin feel the niacin flush.

The niacin flush isn't dangerous, but it can be very uncomfortable and even frightening if you're not expecting it. The niacin flush may be reduced in severity by taking aspirin 30 minutes before taking the niacin supplements, or by using time-released niacin.

IF it doesn't contain niacin, then you could be allergic to any number of things(additives) IN the Vitamins as well, not specifically the vitamins.

http://nutrition.about.com/od/calcium/f/What-Is-A-Niacin-Flush.htm

[jaxjen11 14]

Thanks for the reply. I have called my doctor's office and my doctor is in surgery so they told me to take benidryl for now.

I reviewed the suppliment facts and the liquid Vitamin does have 20MG of Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) and the description that you gave was exactly how I felt. I took my weekly B12 shot on Monday -- I assume though B3/B12 are different and that may not have impacted this feeling. Maybe I'm just sensitive to the B3 or maybe I didn't take it 24 hours a part.. who knows!

But, thanks for giving me insight!!!

[mrsto 2,925]

Don't rule out that there may be something else in the Vitamins that caused the flushing, aside from niacin. It will be interesting to see what your blood work shows.

Do the liquid vitamins have anything "extra"; things like ginseng, ginkgo, green tea extract or other "energy lifting" elements? For me, I've found that sticking to the basics is what works best. One time I ended up in the ER with chest pains, which ended up being from some new Vitamins I took. They had all sorts of energy promoting components, which had a very negative effect. I think they were called Alive! (exclamation point included). Alive.....really? That bottle went right in the trash - LOL