Why Should We Be Careful When Taking Supplements?
Author: Victoria Aly
Time for reading: ~1
minutes
Last Updated:
August 08, 2022
Supplement users can overload their body with minerals such as iron, which can cause potentially serious health problems.
Nutritional supplements can pose a health risk, according to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition .
Scientists are adamant that most consumers of nutritional supplements do not actually need them but can provide the necessary vitamins and minerals through a balanced diet.
According to scientists, in some cases, users of supplements can overload their body with minerals such as iron, which can cause potentially serious health problems.
"People can take supplements, but not exceed the recommended daily intake," said Reagan Bailey, a nutrition expert and study leader.
Scientists estimate the intake of minerals among 8,860 men and women who participated in a large-scale health study conducted between 2003 and 2006.
Those who use supplements containing 8 important minerals - calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, copper, potassium and selenium - are more likely to take insufficient amounts of these minerals through the food consumed than people who do not take supplements. , show the results.
This relationship is significantly stronger in women, who are more likely than men to take supplements.
On the other hand, consumers of "mineral pills" tend to eat better and lead a healthier lifestyle, says Reagan Bailey.
The team of researchers also found that calcium intake often falls below the recommended levels, even among those who use supplements.
Another study conducted by Danish scientists showed that daily intake of supplements containing vitamin A, E and beta-carotene shortens life.
According to experts, an overdose of vitamin A during pregnancy can lead to abnormalities in fetal development and even abortion.
Another common supplement, selenium, increases the risk of diabetes, scientists warn.
A study of 12,000 participants found that the risk of heart attack was 30% higher in those who took calcium without vitamin D.
The authors of the study warn that dietary supplements can not only cause side effects but also affect the effectiveness of medications. For example, calcium decreases, and may even completely eliminate the effect of antibiotics, which in turn can make pathogenic microorganisms resistant to the drug.
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