The Effects of Fillers in Vitamins

Vitamins sometimes do not have the necessary ingredients to compress themselves. For compressing to take place, fillers are usually added. Examples of fillers include binders, flavoring agents, and coloring. The amount of fillers is increased based on the size of a tablet. Typically, more fillers are added for a larger tablet. These fillers, however, can be toxic to human beings. While most healthy people will experience no side effects by taking a minute amount of toxins, the long term effects can be hazardous.

Liver and Kidney Damage

• Liver and kidney damage can occur with vitamin fillers. Propylene glycol is an antifreeze used in windshield washer fluid and brake fluid and is known to cause this kind of damage.

Allergic Reactions

• Vitamin fillers may also cause allergic reactions. Dyes are one filler that is behind this reaction. Some dyes found in vitamins are red dye 33 and red dye 40. Allergic reactions range from hives to anaphylactic shock.

Cancer

• Some fillers can even cause cancer. Talc, for example, is often used to soothe irritated skin. However, a link exists between talc and asbestos, revealing they are chemically identical. Asbestos is a chemical known to cause cancer.