The random intake of nutritional supplements is very common among people. Many people take multivitamins, Vitamins like B, D, K, B12, biotin, magnesium, zinc ,iron supplements, thinking that it will supply them with all necessary nutrients deficient in their bodies and all their health problems will be solved.
Nutritional supplements helps in enhancing our regular diet and provides us with a healthy nutrients supply . They consists of vitamins and minerals that makes us feel better, look beautiful, and even gives us good sleep.
Vitamin misuse occurs when we take more vitamins, multivitamins, and supplements than prescribed or consuming more vitamins often than recommended. For some people, vitamin supplement misuse begins innocently within their bodies.
Dietary supplements improves our physical activity and makes us more energetic during doing exercise, builds muscle, changes body composition and reduces tiredness. If we use them unwisely, they can have side effects on our overall health badly. Dosage plays the major key concern which we should take into account while using supplements.
Dr. Sanjay Raina, Head, Department of Internal Medicine, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad stated, “Unmonitored nutritional intake of multivitamins can lead to overdose toxicity. For example, excess Vitamin A is toxic to liver skin and nervous system. Vitamin D excess is harmful for kidneys due to excess calcium.” Nutritionist Kavita Devgan said, “Any supplement taken arbitrarily will only cause harm. Only after testing on advice of a dietician or a doctor should one take supplements. For example, too much zinc can lead to nausea, loss of appetite and low levels of good HDL cholesterol. Too much magnesium may lead to diarrhoea or irregular heartbeat. Excessive iron could lead to organ damage. These are the effects we know about, there might be many more which are not yet studied or researched.”
A balanced diet consisting of fresh fruits and vegetables can easily fulfil our daily nutritional requirements. We should be cautious while taking supplements containing metals, as they can harm our liver and kidneys. Hence, it is best to intake those supplements with proper medical advice.