The market for vitamin supplements has been on the rise in recent years. This makes consumers vulnerable to mis-sold products. While most vitamin supplements are safe, some pose serious health risks, especially when taken in high doses.
WHAT ARE VITAMIN SUPPLEMENTS?
Vitamin supplements and products targeting dieters are sold in a wide range. Vitamins and supplements are sold for almost everything. Vitamins, minerals and products with many different ingredients cover different products.
Most people take at least one vitamin or multivitamin. However, evidence is accumulating that people who use dietary supplements experience health problems.
Harvard Health provides an overview of studies linking high-dose vitamin supplements to a range of health problems.
THERE ARE EXCEPTIONS!
The health care provider begins its assessment by saying, “Most supplements are safe to take, but there are exceptions.”
- High doses of beta carotene have been associated with a higher risk of lung cancer in smokers.
- Extra calcium and vitamin D may increase risk of kidney stones
- High doses of vitamin E can cause stroke from cerebral hemorrhage
- Vitamin K can interfere with the anticoagulant effects of blood thinners.
- Taking high amounts of vitamin B6 for a year or more has been associated with nerve damage that can impair body movements (symptoms usually disappear after supplements are discontinued).
It’s important to remember that supplements can play an important role for some high-risk groups.