Vitamins can cause allergic reactions

A GERMAN dermatologist says it's particularly true of fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D and E.

"The supplements often contain peanut, coconut or soybean oil," said Reinhard Mrotzek of the German Dermatologists Association.

"These ingredients help the body to absorb and use the vitamin."

Taking a vitamin D supplement, for example, can cause allergic reactions such as hives or eczema.

Instead of experimenting with the dose to alleviate the reactions, sufferers should see a doctor, advised Mrotzek, noting that an overdose is very unlikely if the recommended daily intake is followed."Over-the-counter supplements have low doses," he said.Symptoms of a vitamin D overdose include diarrhoea, headache and nausea.

No one should take vitamin D merely as a "prophylactic measure", he said.Supplements were only advisable if a doctor had detected a vitamin D deficiency in the body.