Most of us these days are compromising with our diets and taking recourse to vitamin supplements that compensate for any nutritional deficiency. Stressful and hectic lifestyles have made us switch to food that is convenient to eat. Market brought and processed food means that more and more people are succumbing to nutritional deficiencies.
In such cases, vitamins come to the rescue. However, they are not without their dangers and pitfalls. Here are some of the pitfalls and dangers of vitamins.
Dangers of Vitamin Supplements
Heart Attacks and Strokes
Certain weight loss pills and vitamins are associated with an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. Excess usage of these pills can lead to heart failure, decreased performance on tasks and a decline in the cognitive performance of a person.
Kidney Failure
Certain vitamins when taken in excess can make the kidneys work harder in trying to eliminate the excess build up of toxins. In such cases, the kidneys too are likely to fail. This can be risky, damaging to a person’s health because a malfunction in the kidneys is normally noted when it is too late, and the kidneys are able to perform only a miniscule of their functions.
Excess of Vitamin A
It has been reported that excess of vitamin A is said to lead to liver failure in some people and pregnant women may also develop the risk of having birth defects in their newborn babies. In such cases, it makes a lot of sense to take this vitamin only in its prescribed amount under supervised medical guidance.
The Dangers of Vitamin D
It has been adequately researched that overdoing on vitamin D can lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, unhealthy weight loss, bone pain and a host of muscle related problems.
One of the best sources of vitamin D is the sun so getting 10-15 minutes of sunlight daily is said to be more than enough to combat a deficiency if any.
Excess of Calcium
It has been reported in so many cases where people have unknowingly taken excess of calcium. Too much of extra calcium can lead to the formation of painful kidney stones that may eventually require surgical and medical intervention. It is never a good idea to overdose on calcium even though a lot of people are known to do this. Instead, make sure you are getting enough of this mineral in your diet by increasing your intake of dairy and other products.
Vitamins Are Not Risk Free
The FDA has received recent reports stating that a number of people have succumbed to allergies, vomiting, diarrhea and a host of other complaints after taking vitamins and supplements. It is therefore pertinent to ensure that people taking these medications and pills learn to read between the lines and take a thorough look at the warnings, possible drug interactions and alerts mentioned on the labels of these vitamins and minerals.
Lacing of Supplements with Prescription Drugs
Some of the supplements that people are taking are now being laced with prescription drugs, which can do more harm than good. The common supplements, which are laced with drugs, are the ones used for bodybuilding, weight loss and sexual enhancement. Some of these pills are known to cause damage to heart and kidneys, anxiety and other psychosomatic complaints.
Vitamins Do not Cure Diseases
Desist from taking vitamins if you are under the false misconception that they can cure diseases. None of these vitamins can cure diseases as proffered by many health pharmaceuticals. They should only be taken under the strict guidance of a medical health advisor or doctor and not as a cure all for a debilitating problem or disease.
Irritation of the Oesophagus
Source: http://www.webmd.boots.com/heartburn-gord/ss/slideshow-heartburn-overview
Many of the pills can irritate the oesophagus and cause severe heartburn and acidity. Some of the pills are also known to be a choking hazard. Tilting your head back while taking these pills and making sure that you drink enough water can counter this problem.
Most People Do not Need Supplements
It is suffice to say that if you are strong, fit, healthy, take regular and moderate exercise and eat sensibly, there is no pill or supplement that you will need to take. Make sure that your diet has a healthy and balanced mix of carbs, proteins, essential fats and minerals. For this you need to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, cereals, fish, chicken, nuts, seeds and low fat dairy. If your diet is wholesome your body will be automatically taken care of without needing the excesses of nutritional supplements and vitamins.
Some Natural Vitamins are not Very Natural
Some natural vitamins claim to hail from botanical gardens. In most cases, they are synthetically manufactured and can cause unnecessary problems later on. Make sure that when you buy or purchase these pills, you look for the USP mark on the labels.
Lower Mortality Rate
One of the long-term uses of increased and excessive vitamin intake was seen on the mortality rates of men and women. Both sexes reported a reduced mortality rate and more people died early than later. Thus, it can be concluded that although vitamins have their fair points, their abuse can have horrific effects on the health and well-being of a person.
They Cannot Prove Heart and Cancer Protection
Many people consume vitamins and minerals, which are claimed to be loaded with anti-oxidants though this is still to be proved. A lot of hue and cry has been raised on taking of fish oil, which is said to contain omega-3 fatty acids that protect the heart. When significant research was done, no correlation was found between taking the fish oil and a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease or strokes. Thus, the efficacy of these supplements is still to be proved.
Thus, we can certainly say that a small dosage of these prescribed vitamins may be supportive and conducive to the health of a person as long as the person does not overdose or abuse these vitamins and supplements. It is better to keep oneself abreast of the high-risk probabilities of taking these vitamins.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.