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Multivitamins and Cytamins

Complemata multivitamina et cytamina

For medical students2 min readUpdated 2026-10-10

Multivitamin complexes and cytamins are important pharmacological groups used to correct metabolism and nutrient deficiencies. They are widely applied during high physical stress, chronic pathologies, and metabolic disorders.

Low-componentPreparations containing 2–4 vitamins for targeted therapy.

CytaminsNatural cellular bioregulators derived from animal tissues.

OrganotropyThere are 17 types of cytamins for various organ systems.

Carbohydrate-freeThe composition of cytamins makes them safe in diabetes and obesity.

Classification of Multivitamin Preparations

The pharmacological properties and indications of multivitamins depend on their composition and the number of components. Several main groups are distinguished:

Low-component: Include from two to four vitamins. Prescribed for specific pathologies, such as Ascorutin to strengthen the vascular wall or Aevit as an antioxidant.
Multicomponent balanced complexes: Contain 10–12 vitamins (Undevit, Decamevit). They are recommended for polyhypovitaminosis and extreme physical or psycho-emotional stress.
Vitamin-mineral complexes: Combine vitamins with macro- and microelements (Complivit, Vitrum).
Pediatric dosage forms: Available as syrups, drops, or effervescent tablets tailored to the child's age and preventive needs.

Characteristics and Organotropy of Cytamins

Cytamins are natural biologically active substances derived from animal organs and tissues. They act as cellular bioregulators, correcting metabolism directly within damaged tissues.

Currently, there are 17 cytamins exhibiting pronounced organotropy:

Nervous and cardiovascular systems: Cerebramin for the brain, Vasalamin for blood vessels, and Coramin for the heart.
Digestion and respiration: Hepatamin (liver), Pancramin (pancreas), Ventramin (stomach), and Bronchalamin (lungs).
Reproductive and endocrine systems: Ovariamin, Testalamin, Thyramin (thyroid gland), and Suprenamin (adrenal glands).
Other systems: Thymusamin for immunity, Chondramin for the musculoskeletal system, and Renisamin for the kidneys.

Composition and Clinical Interactions

In addition to proteins and lipids, cytamins contain B-group vitamins, fat-soluble vitamins A and E, and a wide range of macro- and microelements. An important metabolic feature is the virtually complete absence of carbohydrates, making these agents valuable for patients with obesity and diabetes mellitus.

Clinically significant pharmacological interactions include:

Combination of the antituberculosis drug Cycloserine with pyridoxine (vitamin B₆) to reduce neurotoxicity.
Risk of fat-soluble vitamin deficiency (including vitamin K) when taking bile acid sequestrants such as Cholestyramine.
Increased bioavailability of iron when combining trivalent iron preparations with ascorbic acid.

Mnemonic

Low-component — focal (Aevit, Ascorutin), multicomponent — broad-scale (Undevit), and cytamins — organotropic by animal tissue.

Frequently asked questions

Which vitamins are part of the preparation Ascorutin?

The preparation Ascorutin includes vitamins C and P. The active substances of this low-component complex are:

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid);
Vitamin P (rutoside).

This combination is used to strengthen the vascular wall, reduce its permeability, and decrease capillary fragility.

Absorption of which specific vitamins is impaired during the administration of bile acid sequestrants (e.g., cholestyramine)?

During the administration of bile acid sequestrants, such as cholestyramine, the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins is impaired. In particular, a decrease in the absorption of vitamin K—whose deficiency increases the risk of bleeding—and vitamin E may occur due to the binding of bile acids in the intestinal lumen.

What macro- and microelements are contained in cytamins?

Cytamins contain macro- and microelements in physiological concentrations. The complex includes the following elements:

Mg, Fe, P, K, Ca, Na, S;
Cu, Mn, Co, Mo, Al.

These substances complement the vitamin complex (B-group vitamins, PP, A, and E) and nutrients (proteins and fats), ensuring the correction of cellular metabolism.

How are multivitamin preparations divided according to composition?

They are divided into low-component agents (2–4 vitamins), multicomponent balanced complexes (10–12 vitamins), vitamin-mineral complexes, and special pediatric dosage forms.

What are cytamins and what is their mechanism of action?

These are natural bioregulators isolated from animal organs and tissues. They correct cellular metabolism directly within damaged tissues of specific organs.

Why are cytamins suitable for patients with diabetes mellitus?

The basis of cytamins consists of proteins, lipids, vitamins, and minerals with an almost complete absence of carbohydrates, making them safe for carbohydrate and lipid metabolism disorders.

Why is trivalent iron combined with ascorbic acid?

Ascorbic acid reduces iron from the trivalent to the divalent state, which significantly improves its absorption in the gastrointestinal tract.

Go deeper

Classification of multivitamins by route of administration and doses
Age-related features of pediatric vitamin formulations
Complete list of all 17 types of organotropic cytamins
Role of vitamin B₆ in preventing neurotoxic effects
Mechanisms of absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and the role of vitamin K
Pharmacokinetics of iron compounds via various routes of administration