The W.O. Frohring Family Resource Center
Part of Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, this center has a resource library with information on parenting, breastfeeding, sibling relationships and much more. Materials may be borrowed for a limited time within the hospital, and copying services are available.
Patients who have recently given birth at MacDonald Women’s Hospital find the library to be an excellent source on topics relating to newborns and their parents. The Frohring Family Resource Center supports a caring and effective partnership between families and their healthcare team by providing general assistance on baby care and health-related issues. You can learn more about the Center on the Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital website. Community residents are also welcome to visit or call the center for information.
Health Encyclopedia
Safety and vitamins
Vitamins and safety regulations
Question:
Does the government monitor the safety of vitamins?
Answer:
No. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) monitors drugs but not vitamins. However, standard vitamins and minerals are considered relatively risk free if you avoid high doses. Keep in mind that most experts feel that it is best to get your vitamins from eating a variety of foods, rather than taking pills. Very high doses of some vitamins, such as vitamin A or E, can make you ill or may increase the risk of developing other health problems. Talk to your health care provider before taking any "mega" doses of any particular vitamin.
US Food and Drug Administration. Fortify Your Knowledge About Vitamins. Updated February 21, 2009. Accessed March 7, 2009.
Rakel D, ed. Integrative Medicine. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007.
Review Date:
3/9/2009
Reviewd By:
Linda Vorvick, MD, Family Physician, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.