Dr. Nanba's Maitake Beta-Factor Ingredients & Drug Interactions
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Dr. Nanba's Maitake Beta-Factor against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.
Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy
Dr. Nanba's Maitake Beta-Factor is a dietary supplement by Planetary Herbals with 2 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for common cold and immune support, antioxidant support, skin health and collagen formation.Based on those ingredients, 498 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Maitake (Beta-Glucan) Fraction, Vitamin C. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against Dr. Nanba's Maitake Beta-Factor by Planetary Herbals
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Dr. Nanba's Maitake Beta-Factor by Planetary Herbals
Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.
What’s inside
Full disclosure
This liquid supplement contains 2 active ingredients: vitamin C and maitake beta-glucan fraction (a mushroom extract). The product also contains distilled water and vegetable glycerin as inactive ingredients that make up the liquid form and aid absorption.
Does it work?
Strong evidence
Vitamin C is effective for vitamin C deficiency and has possibly effective evidence for anemia of chronic disease, atrial fibrillation, cataracts, and exercise-induced respiratory infections. Maitake beta-glucan fraction is likely effective for dyslipidemia (high cholesterol) and coronary heart disease.
The effectiveness ratings we hold don't cover other common uses you might see claimed, so if you're considering this product for a specific health goal, it's worth asking your doctor or pharmacist whether the evidence supports it.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Vitamin C from food and normal supplement doses is generally well tolerated, but very high doses can cause abdominal cramps, diarrhea, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, and kidney stones (especially in people prone to them). Maitake beta-glucan from food sources is generally well tolerated; when used as a concentrated supplement, safety data is limited.
Topical beta-glucan preparations have caused mild, self-limiting skin reactions in some trial participants. One child in a clinical trial developed temporary rises in liver enzymes after starting a high-dose oral beta-glucan supplement.
Vitamin C in pregnancy is rated likely safe at normal dietary and prenatal doses, but avoid high-dose supplements unless your doctor advises otherwise. Data on maitake beta-glucan in pregnancy is not on file, so discuss it with your doctor or pharmacist if you're pregnant or planning to be.
For breastfeeding, vitamin C at recommended amounts is considered safe; maitake beta-glucan lacks research at supplement doses during breastfeeding, so caution is advised and you should talk with your healthcare provider.
Meds to double-check
Moderate interaction found
Before taking this product, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take estrogens (birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy), blood thinners like warfarin, chemotherapy drugs, blood pressure medications, immunosuppressants, thyroid medication (levothyroxine), antipsychotics, HIV medications, or aluminum-containing compounds. These are the medication types with documented interactions; the most serious involve estrogens and blood thinners.
The bottom line
Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with strong clinical evidence behind its ingredients' uses. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.
This product may be worth considering if you're looking to support cholesterol levels or heart health and want to add vitamin C. But because of vitamin C's interactions with estrogen-based birth control, blood thinners, thyroid medications, chemotherapy, and blood pressure drugs, plus maitake's effects on immunosuppressants and blood pressure control, you'll want to run your full medication list past your doctor or pharmacist before you start.
Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI
Assessment coverage: 2 of 2 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Nov 20, 2017.
This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed
General information
Key facts about Dr. Nanba's Maitake Beta-Factor, straight from the product label.
| Brand | Planetary Herbals |
|---|---|
| Barcode (UPC) | 021078104902 |
| Net contents | 2 fl. Oz.; 59.14 mL |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Nov 20, 2017 |
| DSLD ID | 80053 |
| Product type | Other Combinations |
| Supplement form | Liquid |
| Dietary claims / uses | All Other |
| Intended target group(s) | Adult (18 - 50 Years) |
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.
Supplement Facts
The label details for Dr. Nanba's Maitake Beta-Factor by Planetary Herbals, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin C | 37.5 mg | 60% |
| Maitake (Beta-Glucan) Fraction | 12.5 mg | -- |
Other ingredients: distilled Water, Vegetable Glycerin
Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
FDA Statement of Identity
Herbal Supplement
General Statements
Approved by Michael Tierra L.A.c, O.M.D
The only maitake product endorsed by Dr. Hiroaki Nanba, one of the world’s premier researchers of maitake.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
Suggested Use: 27 drops 1 to 2 times daily between meals.
Precautions
Note: If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or breastfeeding, consult your health care professional before using this product.
Do not use if tamper-evident seal is broken or missing.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Brand IP Statement(s)
Consists of MaitakeGold 404, which is a registered trademark of the Tradeworks Group, Inc., U.S. Patent No. 5,854,404.
Planetary Herbals, LLC
General
PF0490 REV 1131
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Dr. Nanba's Maitake Beta-Factor by Planetary Herbals label
The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.
Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.
View the full label (PDF)The Ingredients in Dr. Nanba's Maitake Beta-Factor by Planetary Herbals
These are the 2 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.
Serving size1.25 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container47 Amounts shown are per serving.
Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.
Vitamin C
Interacts with207 drugs
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an essential nutrient your body needs but cannot make, so you must get it from food or supplements. It's important for im...
Vitamin C monograph & interactionsMaitake (Beta-Glucan) Fraction
Interacts with293 drugs
Beta-glucans are natural fibers found in oats, barley, mushrooms, and yeast. The strongest evidence supports the oat and barley types for modestly low...
Maitake (Beta-Glucan) Fraction monograph & interactionsOther (inactive) ingredients: Distilled Water, Vegetable Glycerin. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
Dr. Nanba's Maitake Beta-Factor by Planetary Herbals Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
Dr.
Nanba's Maitake Beta-Factor by Planetary Herbals contains two active ingredients — vitamin C and maitake beta-glucan fraction — and both have documented interactions with medications. The most serious concern is vitamin C's moderate-severity interaction with estrogens (including birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy), where vitamin C can raise blood levels of estrogen by up to 55% in some cases.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
Vitamin C also interacts moderately with blood thinners like warfarin, chemotherapy drugs (both alkylating agents and antitumor antibiotics where vitamin C's antioxidant effects may reduce drug effectiveness), the thyroid medication levothyroxine, the antipsychotic fluphenazine, the HIV drug indinavir, and aluminum-containing compounds — it increases aluminum absorption in all of these. Maitake beta-glucan fraction carries moderate interactions with blood pressure medications (where it may lower blood pressure further) and immunosuppressant drugs (where it may interfere with their action).
Altogether, these interactions span 498 individual medications. Neither ingredient's interaction data is complete for every possible drug, so it's worth checking your exact medications with the search tool below before starting this product.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
Want to check YOUR meds against Dr. Nanba's Maitake Beta-Factor?
Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.
Go to the checkerIngredients driving the most interactions
Individual Drug Interactions
The ingredients in Dr. Nanba's Maitake Beta-Factor interact with 498 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
2 of the 2 ingredients in Dr. Nanba's Maitake Beta-Factor interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Maitake (Beta-Glucan) Fraction Vitamin C
Amlodipine BenzoateKaterzia
How Amlodipine Benzoate interacts with Dr. Nanba's Maitake Beta-Factor — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Maitake (beta-glucan) FractionAntihypertensive Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking beta-glucans with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Read the full Maitake (beta-glucan) Fraction + Amlodipine Benzoate interactionAmlodipine BesilateIstin
How Amlodipine Besilate interacts with Dr. Nanba's Maitake Beta-Factor — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Maitake (beta-glucan) FractionAntihypertensive Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking beta-glucans with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Read the full Maitake (beta-glucan) Fraction + Amlodipine Besilate interactionAmlodipine BesylateNorvasc
How Amlodipine Besylate interacts with Dr. Nanba's Maitake Beta-Factor — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Maitake (beta-glucan) FractionAntihypertensive Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking beta-glucans with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Read the full Maitake (beta-glucan) Fraction + Amlodipine Besylate interactionAmlodipine Besylate, BenazeprilLotrel
How Amlodipine Besylate, Benazepril interacts with Dr. Nanba's Maitake Beta-Factor — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Maitake (beta-glucan) FractionAntihypertensive Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking beta-glucans with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Read the full Maitake (beta-glucan) Fraction + Amlodipine Besylate, Benazepril interactionAmlodipine, CelecoxibConsensi
How Amlodipine, Celecoxib interacts with Dr. Nanba's Maitake Beta-Factor — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Maitake (beta-glucan) FractionAntihypertensive Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking beta-glucans with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Read the full Maitake (beta-glucan) Fraction + Amlodipine, Celecoxib interactionAmmonium ChlorideAmmonium Chloride
How Ammonium Chloride interacts with Dr. Nanba's Maitake Beta-Factor — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Maitake (beta-glucan) FractionAntihypertensive Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking beta-glucans with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Read the full Maitake (beta-glucan) Fraction + Ammonium Chloride interactionAnifrolumab-fniaSaphnelo
How Anifrolumab-fnia interacts with Dr. Nanba's Maitake Beta-Factor — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Maitake (beta-glucan) FractionImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, beta-glucans might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Read the full Maitake (beta-glucan) Fraction + Anifrolumab-fnia interactionAntithymocyte GlobulinThymoglobulin
How Antithymocyte Globulin interacts with Dr. Nanba's Maitake Beta-Factor — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Maitake (beta-glucan) FractionImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, beta-glucans might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Read the full Maitake (beta-glucan) Fraction + Antithymocyte Globulin interactionAprocitentanTryvio
How Aprocitentan interacts with Dr. Nanba's Maitake Beta-Factor — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Maitake (beta-glucan) FractionAntihypertensive Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking beta-glucans with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Read the full Maitake (beta-glucan) Fraction + Aprocitentan interactionAspirin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin Codeine #3
How Aspirin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interacts with Dr. Nanba's Maitake Beta-Factor — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAspirin, Aluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Acidification of the urine by vitamin C might increase aspirin levels.
Read the full Vitamin C + Aspirin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interactionAtenololAtenix, Tenormin
How Atenolol interacts with Dr. Nanba's Maitake Beta-Factor — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Maitake (beta-glucan) FractionAntihypertensive Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking beta-glucans with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Read the full Maitake (beta-glucan) Fraction + Atenolol interactionAtenolol, ChlortalidoneAtenixCo, Tenoret 50, Totaretic
How Atenolol, Chlortalidone interacts with Dr. Nanba's Maitake Beta-Factor — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Maitake (beta-glucan) FractionAntihypertensive Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking beta-glucans with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Read the full Maitake (beta-glucan) Fraction + Atenolol, Chlortalidone interactionAtenolol, ChlorthalidoneTenoretic
How Atenolol, Chlorthalidone interacts with Dr. Nanba's Maitake Beta-Factor — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Maitake (beta-glucan) FractionAntihypertensive Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking beta-glucans with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Read the full Maitake (beta-glucan) Fraction + Atenolol, Chlorthalidone interactionAtezolizumabTecentriq
How Atezolizumab interacts with Dr. Nanba's Maitake Beta-Factor — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Maitake (beta-glucan) FractionImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, beta-glucans might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Read the full Maitake (beta-glucan) Fraction + Atezolizumab interactionAzamuneImmunoprin
How Azamune interacts with Dr. Nanba's Maitake Beta-Factor — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Maitake (beta-glucan) FractionImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, beta-glucans might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Read the full Maitake (beta-glucan) Fraction + Azamune interactionAzathioprineAzamune, Imuran
How Azathioprine interacts with Dr. Nanba's Maitake Beta-Factor — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Maitake (beta-glucan) FractionImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, beta-glucans might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Read the full Maitake (beta-glucan) Fraction + Azathioprine interactionAzilsartanEdarbi
How Azilsartan interacts with Dr. Nanba's Maitake Beta-Factor — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Maitake (beta-glucan) FractionAntihypertensive Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking beta-glucans with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Read the full Maitake (beta-glucan) Fraction + Azilsartan interactionAzilsartan, ChlorthalidoneEdarbyclor
How Azilsartan, Chlorthalidone interacts with Dr. Nanba's Maitake Beta-Factor — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Maitake (beta-glucan) FractionAntihypertensive Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking beta-glucans with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Read the full Maitake (beta-glucan) Fraction + Azilsartan, Chlorthalidone interactionBasiliximabSimulect
How Basiliximab interacts with Dr. Nanba's Maitake Beta-Factor — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Maitake (beta-glucan) FractionImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, beta-glucans might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Read the full Maitake (beta-glucan) Fraction + Basiliximab interactionBazedoxifene Acetate, Conjugated EstrogensDuavee
How Bazedoxifene Acetate, Conjugated Estrogens interacts with Dr. Nanba's Maitake Beta-Factor — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CEstrogens Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C might increase blood levels of estrogens.
Read the full Vitamin C + Bazedoxifene Acetate, Conjugated Estrogens interactionBeclometasone DipropionateBecotide
How Beclometasone Dipropionate interacts with Dr. Nanba's Maitake Beta-Factor — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Maitake (beta-glucan) FractionImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, beta-glucans might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Read the full Maitake (beta-glucan) Fraction + Beclometasone Dipropionate interactionBeclomethasoneBeclovent, Vanceril
How Beclomethasone interacts with Dr. Nanba's Maitake Beta-Factor — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Maitake (beta-glucan) FractionImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, beta-glucans might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Read the full Maitake (beta-glucan) Fraction + Beclomethasone interactionBeclomethasone DipropionateQNASL, Qvar
How Beclomethasone Dipropionate interacts with Dr. Nanba's Maitake Beta-Factor — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Maitake (beta-glucan) FractionImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, beta-glucans might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Read the full Maitake (beta-glucan) Fraction + Beclomethasone Dipropionate interactionBenazeprilLotensin
How Benazepril interacts with Dr. Nanba's Maitake Beta-Factor — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Maitake (beta-glucan) FractionAntihypertensive Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking beta-glucans with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Read the full Maitake (beta-glucan) Fraction + Benazepril interactionBenazepril, HydrochlorothiazideLotensin HCT
How Benazepril, Hydrochlorothiazide interacts with Dr. Nanba's Maitake Beta-Factor — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Maitake (beta-glucan) FractionAntihypertensive Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking beta-glucans with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Read the full Maitake (beta-glucan) Fraction + Benazepril, Hydrochlorothiazide interactionBendamustineBelrapzo, Treanda, Vivimusta
How Bendamustine interacts with Dr. Nanba's Maitake Beta-Factor — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAlkylating Agents Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, antioxidant effects of vitamin C might reduce the effectiveness of alkylating agents.
Read the full Vitamin C + Bendamustine interactionBendamustine HydrochlorideBendeka
How Bendamustine Hydrochloride interacts with Dr. Nanba's Maitake Beta-Factor — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAlkylating Agents Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, antioxidant effects of vitamin C might reduce the effectiveness of alkylating agents.
Read the full Vitamin C + Bendamustine Hydrochloride interactionBendroflumethiazideAprinox, Naturetin, Neo-NaClex
How Bendroflumethiazide interacts with Dr. Nanba's Maitake Beta-Factor — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Maitake (beta-glucan) FractionAntihypertensive Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking beta-glucans with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Read the full Maitake (beta-glucan) Fraction + Bendroflumethiazide interactionBendroflumethiazide, NadololCorzide
How Bendroflumethiazide, Nadolol interacts with Dr. Nanba's Maitake Beta-Factor — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Maitake (beta-glucan) FractionAntihypertensive Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking beta-glucans with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Read the full Maitake (beta-glucan) Fraction + Bendroflumethiazide, Nadolol interactionBendroflumethiazide, Rauwolfia SerpentinaRauzide
How Bendroflumethiazide, Rauwolfia Serpentina interacts with Dr. Nanba's Maitake Beta-Factor — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Maitake (beta-glucan) FractionAntihypertensive Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking beta-glucans with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Read the full Maitake (beta-glucan) Fraction + Bendroflumethiazide, Rauwolfia Serpentina interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in Dr. Nanba's Maitake Beta-Factor with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.
Maitake (Beta-Glucan) Fraction
Antihypertensive Drugs
Theoretically, taking beta-glucans with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Clinical research shows that taking beta-glucans may reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure in some hypertensive individuals.
Immunosuppressants
Theoretically, beta-glucans might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Some clinical research shows that beta-glucans have immunostimulant effects.
Vitamin C
Alkylating Agents
Theoretically, antioxidant effects of vitamin C might reduce the effectiveness of alkylating agents.
The use of antioxidants like vitamin C during chemotherapy is controversial. There is concern that antioxidants could reduce the activity of chemotherapy drugs that generate free radicals, such as cyclophosphamide, chlorambucil, carmustine, busulfan, and thiotepa. In contrast, some researchers theorize that antioxidants might make chemotherapy more effective by reducing oxidative stress that could interfere with apoptosis (cell death) of cancer cells. More evidence is needed to determine what effect, if any, antioxidants such as vitamin C have on chemotherapy.
Aluminum
Vitamin C can increase the amount of aluminum absorbed from aluminum compounds.
Research in animals and humans shows that vitamin C increases aluminum absorption, theoretically by chelating aluminum and keeping it in solution where it is available for absorption. In people with normal renal function, urinary excretion of aluminum will likely increase, making aluminum retention and toxicity unlikely. Patients with renal failure who take aluminum-containing compounds such as phosphate binders should avoid vitamin C supplements in doses above the recommended dietary allowances.
Antitumor Antibiotics
Theoretically, the antioxidant effects of vitamin C might reduce the effectiveness of antitumor antibiotics.
The use of antioxidants like vitamin C during chemotherapy is controversial. There is concern that antioxidants could reduce the activity of chemotherapy drugs which generate free radicals, such as doxorubicin. In contrast, some researchers theorize that antioxidants might make chemotherapy more effective by reducing oxidative stress that could interfere with apoptosis (cell death) of cancer cells. More evidence is needed to determine what effects, if any, antioxidants such as vitamin C have on chemotherapy.
Estrogens
Vitamin C might increase blood levels of estrogens.
Increases in plasma estrogen levels of up to 55% occur under some circumstances when vitamin C is taken concurrently with oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy, including topical products. It is suggested that vitamin C prevents oxidation of estrogen in the tissues, regenerates oxidized estrogen, and reduces sulfate conjugation of estrogen in the gut wall. When tissue levels of vitamin C are high, these processes are already maximized and supplemental vitamin C does not have any effect on estrogen levels. Increases in plasma estrogen levels may occur when patients who are deficient in vitamin C take supplements. Monitor these patients for estrogen-related side effects.
Fluphenazine (Prolixin)
Theoretically, vitamin C might decrease levels of fluphenazine.
In one patient there was a clinically significant decrease in fluphenazine levels when vitamin C (500 mg twice daily) was started. The mechanism is not known, and there is no further data to confirm this interaction.
Indinavir (Crixivan)
Vitamin C can modestly reduce indinavir levels.
One pharmacokinetic study shows that taking vitamin C 1 gram orally once daily along with indinavir 800 mg orally three times daily reduces the area under the concentration-time curve of indinavir by 14%. The mechanism of this interaction is unknown, but it is unlikely to be clinically significant in most patients. The effect of higher doses of vitamin C on indinavir levels is unknown.
Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Others)
Vitamin C can increase levothyroxine absorption.
Two clinical studies in adults with poorly controlled hypothyroidism show that swallowing levothyroxine with a glass of water containing vitamin C 500-1000 mg in solution reduces thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels and increases thyroxine (T4) levels when compared with taking levothyroxine alone. This suggests that vitamin C increases the oral absorption of levothyroxine, possibly due to a reduction in pH.
Warfarin (Coumadin)
High-dose vitamin C might reduce the levels and effectiveness of warfarin.
Vitamin C in high doses may cause diarrhea and possibly reduce warfarin absorption. There are reports of two people who took up to 16 grams daily of vitamin C and had a reduction in prothrombin time. Lower doses of 5-10 grams daily can also reduce warfarin absorption. In many cases, this does not seem to be clinically significant. However, a case of warfarin resistance has been reported for a patient who took vitamin C 500 mg twice daily. Cessation of vitamin C supplementation resulted in a rapid increase in international normalized ratio (INR). Tell patients taking warfarin to avoid taking vitamin C in excessively high doses (greater than 10 grams daily). Lower doses may be safe, but the anticoagulation activity of warfarin should be monitored. Patients who are stabilized on warfarin while taking vitamin C should avoid adjusting vitamin C dosage to prevent the possibility of warfarin resistance.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol, Others)
High-dose vitamin C might slightly prolong the clearance of acetaminophen.
A small pharmacokinetic study in healthy volunteers shows that taking high-dose vitamin C (3 grams) 1.5 hours after taking acetaminophen 1 gram slightly increases the apparent half-life of acetaminophen from around 2.3 hours to 3.1 hours. Ascorbic acid competitively inhibits sulfate conjugation of acetaminophen. However, to compensate, elimination of acetaminophen glucuronide and unconjugated acetaminophen increases. This effect is not likely to be clinically significant.
Aspirin
Acidification of the urine by vitamin C might increase aspirin levels.
It has been suggested that acidification of the urine by vitamin C could increase reabsorption of salicylates by the renal tubules, and increase plasma salicylate levels. However, short-term use of up to 6 grams daily of vitamin C does not seem to affect urinary pH or salicylate excretion, suggesting this interaction is not clinically significant.
Choline Magnesium Trisalicylate (Trilisate)
Acidification of the urine by vitamin C might increase choline magnesium trisalicylate levels.
It has been suggested that acidification of the urine by vitamin C could increase reabsorption of salicylates by the renal tubules, and increase plasma salicylate levels. However, short-term use of up to 6 grams daily of vitamin C does not seem to affect urinary pH or salicylate excretion, suggesting this interaction probably is not clinically significant.
Niacin
Vitamin C might decrease the beneficial effects of niacin on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels.
A combination of niacin and simvastatin (Zocor) effectively raises HDL cholesterol levels in patients with coronary disease and low HDL levels. Clinical research shows that taking a combination of antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and selenium) along with niacin and simvastatin (Zocor) attenuates this rise in HDL, specifically the HDL-2 and apolipoprotein A1 fractions, by more than 50% in patients with coronary disease. It is not known whether this adverse effect is due to a single antioxidant such as vitamin C, or to the combination. It also is not known whether it will occur in other patient populations.
Salsalate (Disalcid)
Acidification of the urine by vitamin C might increase salsalate levels.
It has been suggested that acidification of the urine by vitamin C could increase reabsorption of salicylates by the renal tubules, and increase plasma salicylate levels. However, short-term use of up to 6 grams/day vitamin C does not seem to affect urinary pH or salicylate excretion, suggesting this interaction probably is not clinically significant.
Brand information
Manufacturer and brand details for Dr. Nanba's Maitake Beta-Factor, from the product label.
Planetary Herbals
See all Planetary Herbals products- Name
- Planetary Herbals, LLC
- Street Address
- P.O. Box 1760
- City
- Soquel
- State
- CA
- ZipCode
- 95073
- Web Address
- www.planetaryherbals.com
Dr. Nanba's Maitake Beta-Factor by Planetary Herbals: Common Questions
Does Dr. Nanba's Maitake Beta-Factor by Planetary Herbals interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
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What side effects does vitamin C have at normal doses?
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Is maitake beta-glucan safe if I'm on an immunosuppressant drug?
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Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
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The Full Monographs Behind Dr. Nanba's Maitake Beta-Factor’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
Vitamin C
Interacts with 207 drugsVitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an essential nutrient your body needs but cannot make, so you must get it from food or supplements. It's important for immune function, collagen, and acts as an...
Read the full Vitamin C monograph → Herb & supplement monographBeta-glucans
Interacts with 293 drugsBeta-glucans are natural fibers found in oats, barley, mushrooms, and yeast. The strongest evidence supports the oat and barley types for modestly lowering cholesterol and blood sugar, while...
Read the full Beta-glucans monograph →Sources & How We Checked
Dr. Nanba's Maitake Beta-Factor's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) — The official product label on file for this supplement.
- Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — Evidence-graded clinical reference behind the ingredient interaction data.
Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.
The 62 references behind this product’s interaction data
Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.
Vitamin C 51 references
- McEvoy GK, ed. AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 1998.
- Back DJ, Breckenridge AM, MacIver M, et al. Interaction of ethinyloestradiol with ascorbic acid in man. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1981;282:1516.
- Morris JC, Beeley L, Ballantine N. Interaction of ethinyloestradiol with ascorbic acid in man [letter]. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1981;283:503.
- Labriola D, Livingston R. Possible interactions between dietary antioxidants and chemotherapy. Oncology 1999;13:1003-8.
- Dwyer JH, Merz NB, Shirocre AM, et al. Progression of early atherosclerosis and intake of vitamin C and vitamin E from supplements and food. The Los Angeles Atherosclerosis Study. 41st Annual Conference on Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology and Prevent
- Levine M, Rumsey SC, Daruwala R, et al. Criteria and recommendations for vitamin C intake. JAMA 1999;281:1415-23. PubMed
- Hansten PD, Horn JR. Drug Interactions Analysis and Management. Vancouver, WA: Applied Therapeutics Inc., 1997 and updates.
- Segal S, Kaminski S. Drug-nutrient interactions. American Druggist 1996 Jul;42-8.
- Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium, and Carotenoids. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2000. Available at: http://www.nap.edu/books/0309069351/html/.
- Houston JB, Levy G. Drug biotransformation interactions in man VI: Acetaminophen and ascorbic acid. J Pharm Sci 1976;65:1218-21. PubMed
- Brown BG, Zhao XQ, Chait A, et al. Simvastatin and niacin, antioxidant vitamins, or the combination for the prevention of coronary disease. N Engl J Med 2001;345:1583-93. DOI
- Rosenthal G. Interaction of ascorbic acid and warfarin. JAMA 1971;215:1671. DOI
- Hume R, Johnstone JM, Weyers E. Interaction of ascorbic acid and warfarin. JAMA 1972;219:1479. DOI
- Smith EC, Skalski RJ, Johnson GC, Rossi GV. Interaction of ascorbic acid and warfarin. JAMA 1972;221:1166. DOI
- Traxer O, Huet B, Poindexter J, et al. Effect of ascorbic acid consumption on urinary stone risk factors. J Urol 2003;170:397-401.. PubMed
- Domingo JL, Gomez M, Llobet JM, Richart C. Effect of ascorbic acid on gastrointestinal aluminum absorption (letter). Lancet 1991;338:1467.
- Domingo JL, Gomez M, Llobet JM, Corbella J. Influence of some dietary constituents on aluminum absorption and retention in rats. Kidney Int 1991;39:598-601. PubMed
- Partridge NA, Regnier FE, White JL, Hem SL. Influence of dietary constituents on intestinal absorption of aluminum. Kidney Int 1989;35:1413-7. PubMed
- Mc Leod DC, Nahata MC. Inefficacy of ascorbic acid as a urinary acidifier (letter). N Engl J Med 1977;296:1413. DOI
- Hansten PD, Hayton WL. Effect of antacid and ascorbic acid on serum salicylate concentration. J Clin Pharmacol 1980;20:326-31. PubMed
- Dysken MW, Cumming RJ, Channon RA, Davis JM. Drug interaction between ascorbic acid and fluphenazine. JAMA 1979;241:2008. DOI
- Vihtamaki T, Parantainen J, Koivisto AM, et al. Oral ascorbic acid increases plasma oestradiol during postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy. Maturitas 2002;42:129-35. PubMed
- Slain D, Amsden JR, Khakoo RA, et al. Effect of high-dose vitamin C on the steady-state pharmacokinetics of the protease inhibitor indinavir in healthy volunteers. Pharmacotherapy 2005;25:165-70. PubMed
- Cheung MC, Zhao XQ, Chait A, et al. Antioxidant supplements block the response of HDL to simvastatin-niacin therapy in patients with coronary artery disease and low HDL. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2001;21:1320-6. PubMed
- Feetam CL, Leach RH, Meynell MJ. Lack of a clinically important interaction between warfarin and ascorbic acid. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 1975;31:544-7. PubMed
- Weintraub M, Griner PF. Warfarin and ascorbic acid: lack of evidence for a drug interaction. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 1974;28:53-6. PubMed
- Lee DH, Folsom AR, Harnack L, et al. Does supplemental vitamin C increase cardiovascular disease risk in women with diabetes? Am J Clin Nutr 2004;80:1194-200. PubMed
- Taylor EN, Stampfer MJ, Curhan GC. Dietary factors and the risk of incident kidney stones in men: new insights after 14 years of follow-up. J Am Soc Nephrol 2004;15:3225-32. PubMed
- Ward NC, Hodgson JM, Croft KD, et al. The combination of vitamin C and grape-seed polyphenols increases blood pressure: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Hypertens 2005;23:427-34.. PubMed
- Prasad KN. Rationale for using high-dose multiple dietary antioxidants as an adjunct to radiation therapy and chemotherapy. J Nutr 2004;134:3182S-3S. PubMed
- Conklin KA. Cancer chemotherapy and antioxidants. J Nutr 2004;134:3201S-3204S. PubMed
- Fairweather-Tait S, Hickson K, McGaw B, et al. Orange juice enhances aluminium absorption from antacid preparation. Eur J Clin Nutr. 1994;48(1):71-3.
- Gruenwald, J., Graubaum, H. J., Busch, R., and Bentley, C. Safety and tolerance of ester-C compared with regular ascorbic acid. Adv.Ther. 2006;23(1):171-178.
- Rahimi, R., Nikfar, S., Rezaie, A., and Abdollahi, M. A meta-analysis on the efficacy and safety of combined vitamin C and E supplementation in preeclamptic women. Hypertens.Pregnancy. 2009;28(4):417-434. PubMed
- Einerson, B., Nathorn, C., Kitiyakara, C., Sirada, M., and Thamlikitkul, V. The efficacy of ascorbic acid in suboptimal responsive anemic hemodialysis patients receiving erythropoietin: a meta-analysis. J Med.Assoc.Thai. 2011;94 Suppl 1:S134-S146.
- Li, G., Li, L., Yu, C., and Chen, L. Effect of vitamins C and E supplementation on Helicobacter pylori eradication: a meta-analysis. Br.J Nutr 2011;106(11):1632-1637.
- Chen X, Shen L, Gu X, et al. High-dose supplementation with vitamin C--induced pediatric urolithiasis: the first case report in a child and literature review. Urology. 2014;84(4):922-4. PubMed
- Sattar A, Willman JE, Kolluri R. Possible warfarin resistance due to interaction with ascorbic acid: case report and literature review. Am J Health Syst Pharm. 2013;70(9):782-6. PubMed
- Yaich S, Chaabouni Y, Charfeddine K, et al. Secondary oxalosis due to excess vitamin C intake: a cause of graft loss in a renal transplant recipient. Saudi J Kidney Dis Transpl. 2014;25(1):113-6. PubMed
- Jalloh MA, Gregory PJ, Hein D, et al. Dietary supplement interactions with antiretrovirals: a systematic review. Int J STD AIDS. 2017 Jan;28(1):4-15. PubMed
- Rumbold A, Ota E, Nagata C, Shahrook S, Crowther CA. Vitamin C supplementation in pregnancy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;(9):CD004072. PubMed
- Seo MS, Kim JK, Shim JY. High-dose vitamin C promotes regression of multiple pulmonary metastases originating from hepatocellular carcinoma. Yonsei Med J. 2015;56(5):1449-52. PubMed
- Skelin M, Lucijanic T, Amidzic Klaric D, et al. Factors Affecting Gastrointestinal Absorption of Levothyroxine: A Review. Clin Ther. 2017 Feb;39(2):378-403. PubMed
- Jiang K, Tang K, Liu H, Xu H, Ye Z, Chen Z. Ascorbic acid supplements and kidney stones incidence among men and women: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Urol J. 2019;16(2):115-120.
- Thomas S, Patel D, Bittel B, et al. Effect of High-Dose Zinc and Ascorbic Acid Supplementation vs Usual Care on Symptom Length and Reduction Among Ambulatory Patients With SARS-CoV-2 Infection: The COVID A to Z Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2 PubMed
- Giffen MA, McLemore JL. Hyperoxalosis Secondary to Intravenous Vitamin C Administration as a Non-Allopathic Treatment for Cancer. Acad Forensic Pathol 2019;9(1-2):118-126. PubMed
- Maike A, Sturgill D, Gallan A. Oxalate Nephropathy in a Renal Transplant Recipient After Receiving High Dose Ascorbic Acid. Am J Med Sci 2021. PubMed
- Shen ZY, Chen YR, Wang MC, Chang SS. High-dose vitamin C-induced acute oxalate nephropathy in a renal transplant recipient: a case report and literature review. Asian J Surg 2022. PubMed
- Yanase F, Spano S, Maeda A, et al. Mega-dose sodium ascorbate: a pilot, single-dose, physiological effect, double-blind, randomized, controlled trial. Crit Care 2023;27(1):371. PubMed
- Sharma Y, Sumanadasa S, Shahi R, et al. Efficacy and safety of vitamin C supplementation in the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia: a systematic review and meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis. Sci Rep 2024;14(1):11846. PubMed
- Pejcic AV, Petrovic NZ, Djordjic MD, Milosavljevic MN. Vitamin C Levels in Pregnant Women and the Efficacy of Vitamin C Supplements in Preventing Premature Rupture of Membranes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Balkan Med J 2024;41(4):248-260. PubMed
Beta-glucans 11 references
- Katz, D. L., Nawaz, H., Boukhalil, J., Giannamore, V., Chan, W., Ahmadi, R., and Sarrel, P. M. Acute effects of oats and vitamin E on endothelial responses to ingested fat. Am.J.Prev.Med. 2001;20(2):124-129. PubMed
- Keenan, J. M., Pins, J. J., Frazel, C., Moran, A., and Turnquist, L. Oat ingestion reduces systolic and diastolic blood pressure in patients with mild or borderline hypertension: a pilot trial. J.Fam.Pract. 2002;51(4):369.
- Maki, K. C., Galant, R., Samuel, P., Tesser, J., Witchger, M. S., Ribaya-Mercado, J. D., Blumberg, J. B., and Geohas, J. Effects of consuming foods containing oat beta-glucan on blood pressure, carbohydrate metabolism and biomarkers of oxidative stress i
- Bergendiova, K., Tibenska, E., and Majtan, J. Pleuran (beta-glucan from Pleurotus ostreatus) supplementation, cellular immune response and respiratory tract infections in athletes. Eur.J.Appl.Physiol 2011;111(9):2033-2040.
- Talbott S, Talbott J. Effect of beta 1,3/1,6 glucan on respiratory tract infection symptoms and mood state in marathon athletes. J Sports Sci Med 2009;8(4):509-515.
- Feldman S, Schwartz HI Kalman DS Mayers A Kohrman HM Clemens R Krieger DR. Randomized phase II clinical trials of Wellmune WGP® for immune support during cold and flu season. The Journal of Applied Research 2009;9(1-2):30-42.
- McFarlin BK, Carpenter KC, Davidson T, McFarlin MA. Baker's yeast beta glucan supplementation increases salivary IgA and decreases cold/flu symptomatic days after intense exercise. J Diet Suppl. 2013;10(3):171-83. PubMed
- Jesenak M, Urbancek S, Majtan J, Banovcin P, Hercogova J. ß-Glucan-based cream (containing pleuran isolated from pleurotus ostreatus) in supportive treatment of mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis. J Dermatolog Treat 2016;27(4):351-4.
- Mah E, Kaden VN, Kelley KM, Liska DJ. Beverage containing dispersible yeast ß-glucan decreases cold/flu symptomatic days after intense exercise: a randomized controlled trial. J Diet Suppl 2020;17(2):200-10. PubMed
- Zhong K, Liu Z, Lu Y, Xu X. Effects of yeast ß-glucans for the prevention and treatment of upper respiratory tract infection in healthy subjects: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Nutr. 2021. PubMed
- Cardenas FI, Mauguen A, Cheung IY, et al. Phase I trial of oral yeast-derived ß-glucan to enhance anti-GD2 immunotherapy of resistant high-risk neuroblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021;13(24):6265. PubMed
Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC