Wizard of Vitamins

Adrenal Extract Vitamin

What is Adrenal Extract?

Adrenal extracts are derived from the adrenal glands of bovine (beef) sources. Commercially available adrenal extracts are made using the whole gland (whole or total adrenal extracts) or just the cortex or outer portion of the gland (adrenal cortex extracts). The adrenal glands are a pair of small glands that lie just above the kidneys.

Adrenal Extract in Diets

Adrenal extracts are available in capsules or tablets. Adrenal extracts prepared for injection were commonly used at one time, but currently are unavailable.

Adrenal Extract Medicinal Treatments

Fatigue Morning sickness

Known Consequences of Adrenal Extract Deficiency

As adrenal extract is not an essential nutrient, no nutritional deficiency state exists. However, some people sub-optimal adrenal function or frank adrenal insufficiency. The diagnosis of adrenal problems should be made by a physician.

Adrenal Extract Recommended Dosages

The amount of adrenal extract taken will depend upon the quality and potency of the product. Follow the recommendations given on the product label or those given by your healthcare provider.

Adrenal Extract Side Effects

Stomach irritation and/or nausea is a common side effect, especially with higher potency products. Other possible side effects include a general stimulatory effect that may manifest as anxiety, irritability, and/or insomnia. Since no safety data exist for use during pregnancy or breast-feeding, adrenal extract should not be used in these situations unless supervised by a doctor. Consumption of excessive amounts may produce signs and symptoms of corticosteroid excess similar to those experienced with the drug prednisone. However, serious side effects are not likely to result from taking a large amount of an adrenal extract for a short period of time or from excessive intake on a single occasion, but rather from long-term use of high amounts. With prednisone (a synthetic cortisone-like drug) at lower doses (less than 10 mg per day), the most notable side effects are usually increased appetite, weight gain, retention of salt and water, and increased susceptibility to infection. At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with adrenal extract.