Dietary supplements: Do they help or hurt?
Every person's diet today is lacking in a variety of ways. Our food is deficient in a range of essential minerals and nutrients, such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, and D. It is unsurprising that every person is grabbing a supplement bottle to meet their nutritional needs.
Supplements may appear to be an easy method to acquire our nutrients, but they don't always live up to their claims of improved health. Moreover, some of them can potentially be dangerous in increased dosage.
Concept of supplements
According to a series of studies, vitamin D may protect against various illnesses, including cancer, diabetes, depression, and even the common cold. Omega-3 fatty acids have been associated with strokes and other cardiovascular problems. Vitamins C and E and beta carotene have been touted as potential remedies for heart disease, cancer, and even Alzheimer's disease.
How can we meet nutrient gaps in the body?
To meet the daily needs of the human body, it is recommended to increase the range of the
To stay healthy, we need a range of nutrients daily, such as calcium and vitamin D to safeguard our bones, folic acid to generate and sustain new cells, and vitamin A to keep our immune systems and vision in good shape.
Nutrients and other components that are not present in a pill are found in fruits, vegetables, seafood, and other good foods, which work together to keep us healthy. A supplement won't have the same synergistic impact. In addition, taking specific vitamins or minerals in higher-than-recommended doses can induce adverse effects or interfere with nutrient absorption.
All the supplements aren't safe for the body
Multivitamins are unlikely to cause any health problems in many cases. Even so, it's critical to use caution when ingesting anything. Dietary supplements are subject to fewer federal regulations than prescription medications. Some supplements may contain substances not specified on the label, which can be harmful. Certain nutritional supplements are presented as such, but they include prescription medicines not permitted in dietary supplements.
The following supplements may represent a risk:
Vitamin K, which can make blood thinners less effective.
Gingko is a plant that can thin the blood.
St. John's wort, which can reduce the effectiveness of several medications like antidepressants and birth control.
Comfrey and kava are herbal supplements that can harm your liver.
Vitamin A and beta-carotene, which can raise the risk of lung cancer in smokers
Recommendations from health experts
Because a supplement's effectiveness and safety may depend on your unique situation and health, the first step should be to discuss your alternatives with your healthcare professional.
Furthermore, keep these easy guidelines in mind when selecting a supplement:
- Take supplements as advised on the label and as directed by your healthcare provider.
- Read the ingredients, medication interactions, and percent daily value on the label (percent DV).
- Extreme statements like "totally safe" or "work better than (insert prescription medicine)" should be avoided.
- Keep in mind that "natural" does not always imply "safe."
- Keep supplements out of the reach of children and securely kept.