From the Guidelines
Taking vitamin A, vitamin K2/D3, EPA/DHA supplements, and iodine together is unlikely to directly cause dry, red eyes for most people, but high doses of vitamin A (typically above 10,000 IU daily for extended periods) can potentially cause eye dryness and irritation as a side effect. The other supplements mentioned—vitamin K2, vitamin D3, EPA/DHA (fish oil), and iodine—are not commonly associated with eye dryness when taken at recommended dosages. According to the most recent and highest quality study available, 1, individuals undergoing bariatric surgery may require additional routine oral vitamin A supplementation, especially if symptoms such as deterioration in night vision and dry eyes are present. However, this study also suggests starting with a lower dose of vitamin A (10,000 IU daily) and adjusting as necessary.
If you're experiencing dry, red eyes after starting these supplements, consider reducing your vitamin A intake to within recommended levels (3,000 IU for men and 2,300 IU for women daily) or temporarily discontinuing it to see if symptoms improve, as suggested by 1. The timing might also be coincidental, as dry eyes can result from environmental factors, screen time, allergies, or other medications. If eye symptoms persist after adjusting supplement intake, consult with a healthcare provider to rule out other causes. Proper hydration, using preservative-free eye drops, and taking regular breaks from screen time may help alleviate symptoms while you determine if supplements are contributing to the problem.
Some key points to consider:
- Vitamin A deficiency can lead to impaired vision, night blindness, corneal dryness, and dry hair, as noted in 1.
- High doses of vitamin A can cause toxicity, and it's essential to factor in dietary intake when determining supplement dosing to avoid harmful vitamin A toxicity, as mentioned in 1.
- The risk of hypervitaminosis A is higher with water-miscible and water-soluble forms than with oil-based supplements, according to 1.
In terms of management, it's crucial to:
- Monitor vitamin A levels and adjust supplement dosing accordingly, as recommended by 1.
- Consider alternative forms of vitamin A, such as beta-carotene, especially during pregnancy or when planning to conceive, as suggested by 1.
- Prioritize proper hydration, use preservative-free eye drops, and take regular breaks from screen time to alleviate dry eye symptoms.
From the Research
Potential Causes of Dry, Red Eyes
- The combination of vitamin A, K2/D3, and EPA/DHA supplements with iodine may contribute to dry, red eyes, although there is limited direct evidence to support this claim.
- High intake of vitamin A, as noted in the study 2, may lead to adverse effects, but the specific connection to dry, red eyes is not explicitly mentioned.
- The risk of abuse of vitamin supplements, including vitamins A, E, D, and C, is highlighted in the study 3, which may imply potential eye-related side effects, but this is not directly addressed.
Supplement Interactions and Side Effects
- The study 4 focuses on the effects of vitamins K2 and D3 supplementation on coronary artery calcification and does not mention eye-related side effects.
- The study 5 investigates the effects of marine omega-3 fatty acid and vitamin D supplementation on incident atrial fibrillation and does not report any eye-related side effects.
- The study 6 examines the relationship between vitamin supplement use and reduced risk of oral and pharyngeal cancer, but does not discuss potential eye-related side effects.
Conclusion on Available Evidence
- There is no direct evidence from the provided studies to confirm that taking vitamin A, K2/D3, and EPA/DHA supplements with iodine causes dry, red eyes.
- However, the potential risks associated with high intake of vitamin A and the abuse of vitamin supplements, as mentioned in studies 2 and 3, suggest that caution should be exercised when taking these supplements, and any eye-related side effects should be monitored.