Experts state that if vitamins cannot be met with food, they must be used with the advice of a physician, and emphasize that taking vitamin supplements indiscriminately can cause permanent harm instead of benefit. Stating that today, the debates about high-dose vitamins prevent cancer, heart and respiratory diseases continue. Dr. Yıldız Okuturlar explained what should be considered while using vitamins, and made important warnings and suggestions.
LISTEN TO YOUR DOCTOR
In the daily hustle and bustle of the modern age, unhealthy nutrition has become increasingly common, and vitamin deficiencies have become more common in both adults and children. As a result, many people complain of problems such as extreme fatigue, concentration disorder and forgetfulness, and apply to the doctor with complaints such as ‘I have no strength to lift my arm, I feel almost exhausted’. Acıbadem University Atakent Hospital Internal Medicine Specialist Prof. Dr. Yıldız Okuturlar stated that many diseases may underlie these and similar problems, and that the source of the problem may also be vitamin deficiency. Everyone’s vitamin needs vary according to their own metabolism, lifestyle, age and personal health status, and the conditions in body stores. For this reason, it would be more accurate to make a clinical diagnosis by the doctor before using the vitamins and then to ask for a test if necessary. Tests usually show only recent nutritional intake. “If you have a vitamin deficiency, your doctor will tell you what supplements you should take and in what dosage,” she says.
THE SOURCE OF VITAMINS IS ON YOUR TABLE
Stating that it is not necessary to take multivitamin supplements for the prevention of chronic disease in people who have a healthy and balanced diet, Prof. Dr. Yıldız Okuturlar says: “Today, there is an ongoing debate that high-dose vitamins prevent cancer, heart and respiratory diseases. If you are healthy and eat a good diet, you probably do not need to take vitamin supplements. Vitamins are found in almost all foods, but no food group is a good source of all vitamins. The best way to get the vitamins we need from food is to consume seasonal vegetables and fruits, whole grain foods, meat and fish. Some vitamins are only found in foods from animals, such as meat or eggs. But overall, fruits and vegetables have the highest concentrations of vitamins, as well as lots of fiber and other compounds that generally support health.”
CAUTION! INCREDIBLE SUPPLEMENT CAN DAMAGE PERMANENTLY
Emphasizing that taking vitamin A supplements indiscriminately can increase the risk of cancer, heart disease and bone fractures, taking too much vitamin A in pregnant women can harm the developing baby. Dr. Yıldız Okuturlar says that excessive accumulation of vitamin E supplements in the body can cause prostate cancer risk and even loss of life.
Stating that consuming vegetables and fruits rich in antioxidants can reduce the risks of cancer and cardiovascular disease, Prof. Dr. Yıldız Okuturlar said, “There is insufficient evidence that vitamin C supplementation also reduces the risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, or death. Indiscriminate vitamin C supplementation can increase the risk of kidney stones.