What is the alcohol content in Geritol?
By
Dr Natalia Marceli Stephanes (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes PhD is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drugs Administration and Toxicity; Discovery of New Drugs; Cancer Treatment; Biochemical Analyzes and Hematological Analyzes. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes’ Highlights:
- Pharmacist at the Department of Health of Santa Catarina State, Brazil
- PhD with a focus on oncology treatment
- Years of experience in commercial pharmacy
- Bachelor, Master and PhD degrees in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina
Professional Experience:
From her undergraduate studies to her Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Pharmacy, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes has participated in numerous scientific studies in the field of oncology and onco-hematology at the University Hospital of the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Her research has focused on understanding the molecular and biochemical bases of malignant neoplasms and investigating safer and more effective therapeutic alternatives.
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes has also served as an assistant professor of haematology for undergraduate students at the Federal University of Santa Catarina. Additionally, she held the position of professor of Hospital Pharmacy at the Qualificar Technical School in Brazil, where she developed instructional materials for use in the Pharmacy Postgraduate Program at the Leonardo Da Vinci University Center.
In addition to her academic experiences, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes possesses a strong expertise in commercial pharmacy, with in-depth knowledge of medications, their routes of administration, desired effects, adverse effects, and toxicity.
Currently, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes works as a Pharmacist at the Health Department of Santa Catarina State, where her role entails providing pharmaceutical scientific consulting services to judges.
Education:
- 2016 Bachelor in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
- 2018 Master in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
- 2023 PhD in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
The main publications of Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes are:
Falchetti M ; Delgobo M, Zancanaro H, Almeida K, Das Neves RN, Dos Santos B, Stefanes NM, et al. Bishop Omics-based identification of an NRF2-related auranofin resistance signature in cancer: Insights into drug repurposing. Comput. Biol. Med [Internet]. 2023; 152:106347.
Feuser PM, Matos dos Santos PC, Cordeiro AP, Stefanes NM, Walter LO, Maioral MF, Santos-Silva MC, et al. Antineoplastic activity of free 4-nitrochalcone and encapsulated in poly(thioether-ester) nanoparticles obtained by thiol-ene polymerization in two human leukemia cell lines (Jurkat and K562). J Drug Deliv Sci Technol [Internet]. 2022; 67:102924.
Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Walter LO, Perondi DM, Efe FL, Souza LFS, Sens L, et al. Synthesis of chalcones derived from 1-naphthylacetophenone and evaluation of their cytotoxic and apoptotic effects in acute leukemia cell lines. Bioorg. Chem [Internet]. 2021; 116:105315.
Duarte BF, Vieira DSC, Lisboa ML, Stefanes NM, Grando LJ, Santos-Silva MC. Características clínico-epidemiológicas de pacientes portadores de carcinoma de células escamosas de boca. Arquivos Catarinenses de Medicina. 2021; 50(2): 232–245.
Machado V, Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Santos-Silva MC, Biavatti MW. Anti-leukemic activity of semisynthetic derivatives of Lupeol. Nat. Prod. Res. 2021; 35(22):4494-4501.
Bigolin A, Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Mascarello A, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Nunes RJ, Yunes RA, et al. A novel sulfonamide derivative as a strong and selective apoptotic agent against hematological malignancies. Chem. Pap. 2020; 74:2965–2976.
Bigolin A, Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Zatelli GA, Philippus AC, Falkenberg MB, Santos-Silva MC. Cytotoxic mechanisms of primin, a natural quinone isolated from Eugenia hiemalis, on hematological cancer cell lines. Anticancer Drugs. 2020; 31(7):709-717.
Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Neufeldt PD, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Nunes RJ, Santos-Silva MC. Aldehyde biphenyl chalcones induce immunogenic apoptotic-like cell death and are promising new safe compounds against a wide range of hematologic cancers. Future Med. Chem. 2020; 12(8):673–688.
Perondi DM, Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Maioral MF, Sens L, Pacheco LA, Cury NM, et al. A novel thiosemicarbazone as a promising effective and selective compound for acute leukemia. Anticancer Drugs. 2019; 30(8):p 828-837.
Rengifo AFC, Stefanes NM, Toigo J, Mendes C, Argenta DF, Dotto MER, Santos-Silva MC, et al. PEO-chitosan nanofibers containing carboxymethyl-hexanoyl chitosan/dodecyl sulfate nanoparticles loaded with pyrazoline for skin cancer treatment. Eur. Polym. J. 2019; 119:335-343.
Rengifo AFC, Stefanes NM, Toigo J, Mendes C, Santos-Silva MC, Nunes RJ, Parize AL, et al. A new and efficient carboxymethyl-hexanoyl chitosan/dodecyl sulfate nanocarrier for a pyrazoline with antileukemic activity. Mater. Sci. Eng. C [Internet]. 2019; 105:110051.
Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Bigolin A, Zatelli GA, Philippus AC, Falkenberg MB, Santos-Silva MC. Miconidine acetate, a new selective and cytotoxic compound with synergic potential, induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in leukemia cells. Invest. New Drugs. 2019; 37:912–922.
Srefanes NM, Toigo J, Maioral MF, Jacques AV, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Perondi DM, Ribeiro AAB, et al. Synthesis of novel pyrazoline derivatives and the evaluation of death mechanisms involved in their antileukemic activity. Bioorg. Med. Chem. 2019; 27(2):375-382.
Maioral MF, Bodack CN, Stefanes NM, Bigolin A, Mascarello A, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Yunes RA, et al. Cytotoxic effect of a novel naphthylchalcone against multiple cancer cells focusing on hematologic malignancies. Biochim. 2017; 140:48-57.
You can view some of Dr Natália’s work below and links to her professional profile below.
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Natalia-Stephanes
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliamarceli/
What is the alcohol content in Geritol?
Geritol usually contains around 12% alcohol. Although it is not a high amount of alcohol as you’re obviously not taking the whole bottle at once, it could still trigger some people.
If you are a recovering alcoholic and are concerned about your sobriety, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about it. There are other non-alcoholic options available for you according to your age and overall well-being.
Why is alcohol added to Geritol?
Alcohol is added to Geritol for several reasons (1):
Solubility
Some of the ingredients in Geritol, such as certain vitamins and minerals, are better dissolved and absorbed in an alcohol-based solution. Alcohol helps to enhance the solubility and bioavailability of these nutrients.
Stability
Alcohol acts as a preservative, helping to prolong the shelf life of the product and maintain the potency of its ingredients. It helps prevent the growth of bacteria or other microorganisms that could spoil the formulation.
Taste and palatability
The addition of alcohol can enhance the taste and improve the overall palatability of Geritol. It can help mask the strong or unpleasant flavours of certain vitamins or minerals, making it more enjoyable to consume.
Traditional formulation
Geritol has a long history, and the inclusion of alcohol in its formulation has been a characteristic feature since its inception. It has become part of the product’s identity and is familiar to many consumers.
It’s worth noting that Geritol also offers alcohol-free alternatives for those who prefer or require them. These alternatives provide similar nutritional benefits without the inclusion of alcohol.
Non-alcoholic alternatives to Geritol
There are non-alcoholic alternatives available for individuals who prefer to avoid alcohol or have specific dietary restrictions. These alternatives are formulated to provide similar benefits to Geritol without the inclusion of alcohol.
They may contain a variety of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that are beneficial for overall health and well-being (2,3). Non-alcoholic alternatives to Geritol can come in different forms such as tablets, capsules, or liquid formulations.
Some examples include:
- Centrum: Centrum offers a range of multivitamin products that are alcohol-free. They provide essential vitamins and minerals to support overall health and well-being.
- One A Day: One A Day is another brand that offers alcohol-free multivitamins. They have various formulations tailored to specific needs, such as men, women, and seniors.
- Nature’s Way Alive!: Nature’s Way Alive! is a line of alcohol-free multivitamins that provide a blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants derived from natural sources.
- Rainbow Light: Rainbow Light offers alcohol-free multivitamin options formulated with plant-based ingredients. They are designed to support various health needs, including energy, immunity, and prenatal care.
These non-alcoholic alternatives provide a convenient way to supplement your diet with essential nutrients, without the addition of alcohol. It’s important to read the labels and choose a product that meets your specific health requirements and preferences.
As always, consulting with a healthcare professional can help determine the most suitable multivitamin supplement for your individual needs.
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References
1.-
WebMD. Geritol Complete – Uses, Side Effects, and More [Internet]. New York: WebMD; 2022 [cited 2022 Nov 07]. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-59661/geritol-complete-oral/details
2.-
Biesalski HK, Tinz J. Multivitamin/mineral supplements: Rationale and safety – A systematic review. Nutrition. 2017 Jan;33:76-82. doi: 10.1016/j.nut.2016.02.013. Epub 2016 Mar 4. PMID: 27553772. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27553772/
3.-
Furlong VE, Truswell AS. Search for the most complete multivitamin. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2004;13(3):222-5. PMID: 15331331. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15331331/
