Side Effects of Rutin

Rutin is a flavonoid that is required mainly for the absorption of vitamin C. Since our bodies cannot produce rutin on their own, we need to solely depend on our diet to supplement this essential nutrient. Rutin also contains quercetin, eriodictyol, hesperidin, and citron.

It is mainly found in citrus fruits, apples, onions, broccoli tea, buckwheat and eucalyptus leaves. Rutin is known to treat varicose veins, improve eye health, blood circulation and vein insufficiency and strengthen blood capillaries and skin collagen (important for good skin). It also keeps blood pressure in check.

But all these benefits apart, the side effects of rutin are several and it is better to know the same before administering any supplements that contain these.

There are certain allergies that you might experience due to the intake of rutin. These include skin rashes, swelling, chest pain, fatigue and breathing problems. The allergic reaction depends form person to person. Some might experience severe degrees of these reactions and in some, the effects may be rather mild. There is a major possibility that people who are allergic to citrus fruits, will be allergic to rutin as well.

Rutin is taken in Latin America as a contraceptive to prevent getting pregnant and also to induce miscarriages. When rutin is taken in large doses, it has the ability of prolonging the action of the adrenaline and decreasing the ability of the capillary to permeate into the uterine tissue, which causes endometrium to turn non-nutritive to the fertilized egg.

Thus the egg does not implant and abortion/miscarriage takes place. In the early stages of pregnancy, take rutin only after consultation with the doctor, as it might cause an abortion. Which is a rather dangerous rutin side effect.

Rutin side effects may include certain gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea or stomach upset. It may be due to the fibers that are present in abundance in these supplements, but nothing is known. Taking rutin supplements with meals or reducing the dose might help to relieve the pain and discomfort caused as a rutin side effect.

Some people might experience severe dizziness and headaches as a result of rutin intake. These might include migraines, vertigo and a 'spinning of the room' feeling. Try changing the dosage to a lesser one to see if there are any changes in the condition. Usually, the body takes time to adjust to these high doses and that is why these reactions can come about. Increasing the dose over a period of time can effectively solve this side effect.

Some people experience muscle cramps as one of the most common side effects. This poses a major problem because if it is prescribed by the doctor for sports injuries then this supplement becomes redundant. It beats the very purpose of administering the medicine.

Some people might experience severe fatigue as a rutin side effect. And it might also cause insomnia in some.

The other side effects may include hair loss, over-generation of white blood cells, deep vein thrombosis (when blood clots form in one of the deep veins).

Side effects of rutin are many. Some of these might affect certain individuals and others not at all. To be on the safer side, always administer rutin supplements in low doses and check for the many side effects. If it does not have any adverse effects, then the dosage can be increased over a period of time, but always in consultation with a doctor.