Multivitamins contain 'more' than they say

Health officials say a large number of existing multivitamins contain more or less of an ingredient than that mentioned on their labels. According to a report recently released by ConsumerLab.com, more than 30 percent of multivitamin products do not contain the same amount of an ingredient as they claim. Many of them are reported to be contaminated with lead. The report revealed that many of the tested multivitamins contain exceeded levels of ingredients such as niacin - which can cause skin tingling and flushing - and zinc, responsible for immune deficiency and anemia when overused. Other multivitamins were found to contain high levels of vitamin A and folic acid when compared to limits considered tolerable by the Institute of Medicine. Excess consumption of these products is linked with various health conditions. In the short term, too much vitamin A may cause nausea and blurred vision, while osteoporosis and liver problems are frequently reported in the long-term. Adding too much folic acid to men's multivitamins on the other hand may increase the risk of prostate cancer in the consumers. ConsumerLab.com, a private company based in White Plains, New York, performs independent evaluations of health- and nutrition- related products. The company is not owned by nor has a financial interest in any companies that make, distribute or sell consumer products.