Society has begun to emphasize the health benefits of getting the full spectrum of nutrients and vitamins the body needs daily. Since many people don’t generally get enough of these nutrients from foods, they turn to vitamin supplements to help reach their daily requirements. However, recent trends have taken supplement consumption to new levels. People seem to believe that if taking some supplements is good for you, then taking more supplements is better for you. Doctors are warning patients to be careful about how many supplements they take.
Too Much of a Good Thing
You can easily overdo it on supplements, especially if you eat or drink foods fortified with extra vitamins. Some supplement companies are actually driving the trend by offering vitamins with outrageous concentrations. Multi-vitamins blend in several nutrients and vitamins that you can absorb by eating healthy foods. If you take a pill with 100% of your daily vitamin D, then you drink milk or spend a lot of time in the sunlight, you will get more vitamin D than you need for the day. The same is true for vitamin C and other common supplemental ingredients.
Possible Dangers of Multi-Vitamin Overdose
The dangers of overdose range from mild stomach discomfort to temporary nerve damage. The problem is not with the supplements themselves, but with the layers of vitamins and nutrients added to your system through taking several different supplements or taking supplements even when your healthy eating habits provide all the nutrients you need. You could develop vitamin toxicity, leading to skin rashes, stomach problems similar to food poisoning, liver trouble, muscle and joint pain, or bladder problems, depending on the type of vitamin taken in excess.
Follow the Instructions
The best way to stay safe with your supplements is to read the label carefully and follow the instructions. If you take more than one supplement, check to make sure you aren’t doubling up on any particular vitamin. Pay attention to which foods you eat during the day, as well. Some orange juice makers fortify their juice with extra vitamins that you might have taken with your supplement pill. Don’t exceed the recommended dosage of any supplement, and try to stay near your recommended daily requirement for each nutrient and vitamin. If you take too much, either your body will pass it through and it will be useless, or you will suffer from an uncomfortable side effect.
Overdoing Some, Neglecting Others
Doctors complain that people are taking too many of some supplements while they are skipping other important nutrients. Everyone should eat a healthy, balanced diet including all of the vitamins and nutrients that their bodies need in order to function properly. Overloading your system with a few types of vitamins and neglecting others will not help you achieve good health. In fact, you could end up feeling worse than before you started taking supplements. Your best bet is to consume a well-rounded diet that includes a little bit of everything you need.
Jessica Bosari writes about health topics for Nutritionist-World.com. The site seeks to match students with the best schools for nutritionist certification and culinary arts.
