Understanding What Supplements Could Cause Vertigo

October 7, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2015 Harvard Health blog, dietary supplements contain active ingredients that can cause unwanted effects like dizziness or vertigo. While many supplements are beneficial, it is crucial to understand that they can have adverse side effects, and knowing what supplements could cause vertigo is vital for your safety.

Quick Summary

Certain vitamin, mineral, and herbal supplements can induce or worsen vertigo due to various mechanisms, such as affecting blood flow, fluid balance in the inner ear, or causing toxicity. Overdoses of specific vitamins like A and B6, as well as some herbal remedies, are commonly reported triggers.

Key Points

Vitamin A Overdose: Excessive intake of Vitamin A, sometimes found in cod liver oil, can lead to toxicity with symptoms including dizziness and nausea.
B Vitamin Excess: High doses of vitamins B6 and B12 have been linked to neurological symptoms like dizziness and nerve damage.
Herbal Remedies: Supplements such as Black Cohosh, Melatonin, Saw Palmetto, and garlic have been reported to cause dizziness or vertigo in some individuals.
Electrolyte Imbalance: Rapid electrolyte loss, often associated with low-carb diets or specific supplements, can disrupt inner ear fluid balance and cause dizziness.
Blood Flow Issues: Supplements like caffeine or certain weight-loss aids can affect blood flow to the inner ear, potentially triggering or worsening vertigo symptoms.
Seek Medical Advice: It is essential to consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement, especially if prone to vertigo, to prevent harmful interactions and side effects.

Vitamins and Minerals That Can Trigger Vertigo

While deficiencies in certain vitamins like B12 and D are known to cause dizziness, an overdose or high intake of others can have the opposite effect, leading to vertigo or dizziness. These effects can range from mild to severe, sometimes indicating a serious health concern.

Vitamin Overdose (Hypervitaminosis)

An excess of certain vitamins, particularly fat-soluble ones, can build up in the body and lead to toxicity, causing vertigo and other symptoms. Water-soluble vitamins are generally safer but can still cause issues at very high doses.

Vitamin A: Excessive intake of Vitamin A can lead to symptoms like dizziness, headaches, nausea, and in severe cases, liver damage. One common source of excessive Vitamin A is cod liver oil, which contains both Vitamin A and Omega-3 fatty acids.
Vitamin B6: Long-term intake of high doses of Vitamin B6 (over 250 mg/day) can cause neurological symptoms, including dizziness and ataxia (loss of control of bodily movements).
Vitamin B12: While B12 deficiency is linked to vertigo, an overdose via supplements can also cause dizziness, nausea, and headache.
Vitamin D: Although often recommended for vertigo relief, excessive Vitamin D intake can cause weakness, confusion, and heart arrhythmias, which can contribute to dizziness.

Mineral Imbalance

Proper mineral balance is crucial for a properly functioning vestibular system, which controls balance. An imbalance can be caused by certain supplements and diets.

Iron: Iron deficiency anemia is a known cause of dizziness, but paradoxically, iron supplements can also cause dizziness and other side effects like nausea and stomach upset. If this occurs, it's essential to consult a doctor to rule out iron poisoning.
Electrolytes (Sodium, Potassium, Magnesium): Certain diets, particularly the ketogenic diet, can cause a rapid excretion of electrolytes, leading to imbalance and dizziness. While magnesium deficiency is linked to vertigo, imbalances caused by diet can be a trigger.

Herbal and Other Supplements with Reported Side Effects

Several herbal and other dietary supplements have been reported to cause dizziness or vertigo as a side effect. These range from herbal remedies to cholesterol and weight-loss products.

Black Cohosh: Used for menopausal symptoms, black cohosh has been linked to infrequent instances of dizziness.
Garlic Supplements: While generally safe in culinary amounts, concentrated garlic supplements can cause dizziness in some individuals.
Melatonin: A hormone supplement used to aid sleep, melatonin can cause dizziness, especially when a person wakes up.
Saw Palmetto: This herbal remedy, used for prostate health, may cause headaches and dizziness as side effects.
Red Yeast Rice and Policosanol: Used to lower cholesterol, these supplements have been reported to cause dizziness.
Weight Loss Supplements: Some weight loss supplements, especially those with stimulants, can cause elevated blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and dizziness.
L-Glutamine: This amino acid supplement can cause dizziness and other gastrointestinal side effects.

Potential Mechanisms and Comparison Table

Supplements can cause vertigo through various mechanisms, including affecting blood pressure, disturbing fluid balance in the inner ear, or interacting with the nervous system. For example, caffeine-containing supplements can constrict blood vessels, impairing blood flow to the inner ear and brain, which can worsen symptoms. The side effects are often dose-dependent, meaning higher intake increases the risk.


Feature	Supplements That Can Cause Vertigo	Supplements That May Help Vertigo	Mechanism of Action
Examples	Vitamin A (high dose), Vitamin B6 (high dose), Melatonin, Black Cohosh, Iron (high dose)	Vitamin D, Magnesium, Vitamin B12, Ginkgo Biloba, Ginger	Cause: Overdose, imbalance, nerve disruption, blood vessel constriction, fluid pressure changes. Help: Improve blood flow, regulate inner ear fluid, stabilize nerve function, reduce inflammation.
Risk Profile	Increased risk with high dosage or long-term use. Specific sensitivities may exist.	Generally low risk when taken at recommended dosages.	Varies significantly depending on the supplement and individual health status.
Key Precaution	Consult a doctor before starting, especially if taking multiple supplements. Stop and seek medical advice if symptoms appear.	Ensure deficiency is confirmed and dosage is appropriate, as high doses can still be problematic.

The Importance of Consultation and Moderation

It is crucial to be aware of the potential for any supplement to cause side effects, including vertigo. Many people assume "natural" or over-the-counter products are harmless, but this is not always the case. Always read safety labels and discuss any new supplement with a healthcare provider, especially if you take other medications. A medical professional can assess your specific needs and ensure that supplements will not cause harmful effects, either alone or in combination with other substances. If you develop concerning symptoms like dizziness or vertigo after starting a supplement, stop taking it and contact your doctor immediately. In many cases, discontinuing the supplement will resolve the issue.

Conclusion

While supplements offer various health benefits, a surprising number of them can cause or exacerbate vertigo. Overdoses of vitamins like A and B6, imbalances from certain minerals or diets, and side effects from herbal or weight-loss supplements are among the potential triggers. Understanding these risks and consulting a healthcare professional before beginning a new supplement regimen is the best way to safeguard your health and prevent adverse reactions. Taking an informed and cautious approach to supplementation is crucial for managing vertigo and maintaining overall well-being. For more insights on supplement safety, see the informative blog on harmful effects from Harvard Health Publishing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, taking excessively high doses of certain vitamins, a condition known as hypervitaminosis, can cause vertigo. Overdosing on vitamins like A and B6 is particularly associated with symptoms including dizziness.

Vertigo is a sensation of spinning or moving when you are actually stationary. It often results from a disturbance in the vestibular system, which is located in the inner ear and controls balance.

Several herbal supplements are known to potentially cause dizziness or vertigo. These include Black Cohosh, Saw Palmetto, and garlic supplements. It is best to consult a healthcare provider before using them.

While iron deficiency can cause dizziness, iron supplementation can also have side effects, including dizziness, especially at high doses. It is crucial to consult a doctor if this occurs, as it could indicate an overdose.

Yes, some weight loss supplements, particularly those with stimulants, can increase blood pressure and heart rate, which can lead to dizziness and a potential feeling of vertigo.

You should immediately stop taking the supplement and contact a healthcare professional. They can help determine if the supplement is the cause and provide appropriate guidance.

Yes, an imbalance of electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and magnesium, often caused by rapid fluid loss or certain diets like keto, can affect the fluid balance in the inner ear and result in vertigo.