Yasemin Artunc / Mynet Special – Vitamins and minerals work in harmony like an orchestra. Unnecessary use should be avoided without medical supervision. While the vitamins taken according to needs have benefits for our body, unconscious and random use of vitamins can negatively affect health. While excess of unnecessary use of vitamin A can accumulate in the liver and cause undesirable effects, excess of vitamin B can cause high calcium in the blood and kidney stones. Long-term use of vitamin B6 can reveal nerve damage. Excessive zinc intake can lower the copper level in the body. Long-term use of high doses of vitamin C can form oxalate stones in the kidneys. Acıbadem Fulya Hospital Specialist Dr. Aynur Ketene replied for Mynet readers.
IN WHICH SITUATIONS VITAMIN SUPPLEMENTS SHOULD BE USED?
Pregnancy, developmental age, alcoholism, advanced age, chronic disease, presence of chronic disease increase the need for vitamins and minerals. Support is needed during these times.
VITAMIN C BY EATING LEMON, VITAMIN K BY EATING SPINCHA, CAN I MEET DAILY VITAMIN D NEEDS BY EATING SALMON?
Although it may seem difficult to meet the needs of vitamin C by eating lemon, vitamin K by eating spinach, and vitamin D by eating salmon in today’s conditions, we should try to meet our needs from natural foods as much as possible.
IT IS SAID THAT THE MOST EFFECTIVE AGAINST COVID-19 IS VITAMINS D, C AND ZINC. HOW SHOULD WE TAKE THESE VITAMINS? FROM VEGETABLES AND FRUITS OR SUPPLEMENTS?
It is the right approach to use vitamin C and zinc, which are effective vitamins against Covid-19, in a controlled manner according to need, to take care of a healthy and balanced diet, quality sleep and exercise. It is necessary to use vitamin D, vitamin C and zinc, which strengthen the immune system against Covid-19, in a controlled manner according to need. Our priority should be vitamin D. The daily dose should be determined according to the level of vitamin D in the blood. The use of high doses and vitamin D without vitamin K2 at one time can lead to undesirable effects such as kidney stones.
In addition, in order for vitamin D to be active in the body, it is appropriate to take magnesium supplements together. It is necessary to know that magnesium is also activated by vitamin B6. Especially those who experience vitamin D deficiency symptoms despite using vitamin D for a long time should pay attention to this point. We prefer especially ester forms of vitamin C. 1-2 gr can be used according to daily need. Zinc is the most important mineral of the immune system. It is more correct to use it in a multivitamin containing copper, rather than long-term use alone. Zinc and vitamin C preparations combined with elderberry may be preferred in the acute phase of the disease. No support should be used for a long time and uncontrolled, and importance should be given to healthy nutrition, exercise and quality sleep.