Dietary supplements are used to treat health conditions such as vitamin and mineral deficiencies, as well as to enhance physical strength and the ability to exercise. However, these supplements have benefits and harms that must be noted, and we will review them in Dalili Medical. The harms of dietary supplements occur as a result of excessive consumption, which may lead to individuals contracting many diseases, ranging from stress and anxiety to heart disease and cancer. Often, the harms of these supplements are greater than their benefits, especially for those who take them without consulting a doctor or conducting the necessary tests. This may lead to an increase in the levels of chemicals and vitamins in the body beyond the permissible limits, which harms general health.

Can taking vitamins daily be harmful?

 

Most people prefer to drink a full glass of water in the morning instead of taking vitamins daily, as these vitamins do not provide significant health benefits for ordinary adults.

How can dietary supplements be harmful?

 

Dietary supplements can be harmful when combining different types of them, or taking them in excessive doses, such as vitamin A, vitamin D, and iron. Using them to treat health problems that have not been verified or accurate can be dangerous.

How can supplements be harmful?

 

The answer to the question "Are supplements harmful?" is yes, which opens the door to wondering how this happens. There are several factors that may cause nutritional supplements to cause harm, including:

- Taking them with other medications, whether they are prescription or over-the-counter.

- Combining different types of nutritional supplements.

- Taking them in excessive doses, such as vitamin A, vitamin D, and iron.

- Using them to treat health problems that have not been verified or accurate.

- Taking them without knowing their side effects, as some supplements may cause unwanted effects before, during, or after surgery.

- Relying on nutritional supplements instead of prescribed medications to treat certain health conditions.

**Dangers of nutritional supplements**

It is important to know that nutritional supplements are generally considered safe for your health and body, provided that they are used according to the product instructions. However, taking high doses of them may lead to some damage and side effects.

Continuous use of some nutritional supplements may also cause health problems, and in some cases may lead to loss of life. The most prominent examples of the damage of nutritional supplements are:

- **Vitamin B6 supplements**: may cause damage to the nervous system and reduce the effectiveness of anticonvulsant medications in some cases.

- **Vitamin K**: can reduce the effectiveness of blood thinners.

- **Vitamin E**: may increase the effect of blood thinners, leading to easy bruising and nosebleeds.

- **Perforated stye**: can speed up the breakdown of many medications, such as antidepressants and birth control pills, reducing their effectiveness.

- **Iron and calcium supplements**: may negatively affect the effectiveness of antibiotics, especially tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones.

. Feeling of tingling or numbness**: This may occur if you overeat minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc, which may lead to a malfunction in your nervous system.

. Heart disease**: Taking large amounts of vitamin D and folic acid may increase your risk of serious heart problems.

. Affects your mental health: Because taking nutritional supplements voraciously results in many psychological diseases such as psychological stress and anxiety, which results in an increase in the percentage of energy in your body.

. Nervous system disorder**: Excessive intake of vitamin C may cause you to feel nauseous, vomiting, and stomach cramps, in addition to digestive disorders such as diarrhea.

. Hair loss**: Taking large amounts of selenium, which is considered an antioxidant, can damage hair follicles.

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. **Nerve damage**: High doses of minerals and vitamins can have negative effects on the health of the nervous system, which may cause mild nerve damage and affect the movement of the limbs.

. **Difficulty sleeping and concentrating**: Many studies have shown that taking large amounts of vitamins daily, exceeding the permissible limit, may lead to insomnia and make it difficult for you to sleep.

. **Addiction**: Dietary supplements are tablets that anyone can take daily, which can lead to addiction and excessive consumption.

Who are the people who need dietary supplements?

 

People who need dietary supplements can be classified into four categories:

**First category:** Individuals who suffer from severe nutritional deficiencies, such as famines and epidemics.

**Second category:** People whose bodies require large amounts of food, such as pregnant and lactating women and infants, especially if the child relies only on milk without eating any other type of food.

**Third category:** Individuals whose ability to absorb nutrients is reduced, such as the elderly or those with absorption problems, or those who follow a special diet due to a certain allergy.

**Fourth category:** People who suffer from chronic diseases, where their bodies' needs for nutrients increase, such as cancer patients and kidney and liver patients.

**Dangers of taking multivitamins without consulting a doctor**

 

It is difficult to determine the body's vitamin needs without conducting medical tests, which makes taking multivitamins harmful if the body is supplied with excessive amounts of unnecessary vitamins. If the levels of some vitamins in the body are high, multiple health risks may appear.

The appropriate dose depends on the type of vitamin, as vitamins are divided into two categories:

1. **Soluble vitamins**Water-soluble vitamins**: These vitamins can be eliminated by the body in excess.

2. **Fat-soluble vitamins**: These vitamins cannot be eliminated by the body easily if their quantity increases, which leads to their accumulation over long periods.

Fat-soluble vitamins include vitamins A, D, E, and K. While vitamins E and K are relatively non-toxic, vitamins A and D can be toxic if taken in excessive amounts.

**Dangers of taking multivitamins without consulting a doctor*

 

**Allergic reactions**Allergic reactions are among the most prominent potential harms of using multivitamins, as they can appear in the form of a rash, chills, itching, redness or swelling of the skin, in addition to peeling or skin ulcers, and may be accompanied by fever or without.

Other symptoms may include a wheezing sound, tightness in the chest or throat, difficulty breathing, swallowing or speaking, in addition to abnormal hoarseness or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue or throat.

**Digestive disorders** Multivitamins can affect the digestive system, leading to a range of symptoms such as stomach upset, vomiting, or constipation, along with abdominal pain and cramps. If a multivitamin is taken and any of these symptoms appear, it is advisable to stop using it and consult a doctor as soon as possible.

**Damages of multivitamins for pregnant women** Pregnancy supplements usually contain more than 20 types of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, C, D, E, and K, in addition to folic acid, iodine, magnesium, iron, copper, zinc, and selenium. Pregnant women need to be especially careful when taking these supplements.

**Damages of taking multivitamins for breastfeeding**

 

Breast milk is the main source of vitamins necessary for the healthy growth of the child, so the mother does not usually need to take multivitamins, unless she suffers from a deficiency in some of the vitamins she needs, in which case the doctor may recommend taking multivitamin capsules.

**Disadvantages of multivitamins for children** Multivitamins are not necessary for most healthy, normally growing children, as foods are the best source of the nutrients a child's body needs. Healthy meals can provide all the necessary nutrients without the need for a multivitamin.

Although satisfying children's tastes in food can be a challenge, their rejection of some foods can be compensated for by choosing common options rich in nutrients, such as breakfast cereals, milk, orange juice, vegetables, and various fruits. These foods contain important vitamins and minerals such as the B vitamins, vitamin D, calcium, and iron, ensuring that the child gets the necessary vitamins and minerals without the need for a multivitamin.

**What are the disadvantages of using more than one type of multivitamin?**

 

As mentioned earlier, multivitamins contain a variety of vitamins and minerals. Therefore, taking more than one type of multivitamin at the same time may be harmful to health rather than beneficial, as the body does not need these excess doses of vitamins. For example, taking large amounts of vitamin C or zinc can lead to nausea, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. Excessive intake of selenium can also cause hair loss, digestive disorders, fatigue, and mild nerve damage. In addition, taking excessive amounts of vitamin D can lead to serious heart problems. To avoid the harms of multivitamins, it is recommended not to take more than one type at a time unless recommended by a doctor.

**How ​​to avoid the harms of nutritional supplements?**

 

Some concern, but the goal here is to raise awareness of the importance of consulting a doctor or pharmacist before taking any nutritional supplements. To avoid potential harms resulting from nutritional supplements, here are some tips:

- **Consult a doctor before taking multivitamins:** It is necessary to make sure that the body needs these vitamins to avoid the risks resulting from increasing their levels.

- **Adherence to the specified doses:** If the doctor prescribes taking multivitamins, you must adhere to the recommended doses and not exceed them or take more than one type of vitamins at the same time without consulting a doctor.

- **Stop taking vitamins when abnormal symptoms appear:** Some side effects may appear such as skin, digestive or respiratory problems. If any of these symptoms occur, it is recommended to stop taking supplements and go to the doctor to look for suitable alternatives.

- **Knowing the best time to take supplements:**

It is necessary to determine the ideal time to take multivitamins, especially when using other medications, to avoid any interference that may occur between them and the multivitamin, which may lead to negative effects on the body.

**Continuous follow-up with the doctor**It is recommended to have periodic follow-up with the doctor if you continue to take multivitamins for long periods. This follow-up helps monitor changes that may occur in the body and avoid any potential harm resulting from the use of multivitamins.

**Do not neglect a healthy diet**Although multivitamins provide a range of vitamins and minerals necessary for the body, their quantities are often less than the daily needs. Therefore, it cannot be relied upon as a substitute for eating healthy foods rich in various nutrients.

Therefore, it is important to discuss the appropriate diet with your doctor while taking multivitamins to ensure health and disease prevention.

Vitamin A: It is preferable to choose a supplement that contains beta-carotene and mixed carotenoids, as the body converts these substances into vitamin A as needed.Avoid taking too much vitamin A, such as retinol, because it can negatively affect bone and liver health.

Iron: Men and postmenopausal women are advised to take a multivitamin supplement without iron, unless their diet is significantly low in iron-rich foods, such as meats and fortified grains. Too much iron in the body can damage organs.

Folic acid: Women of childbearing age need 400 micrograms of folic acid daily to help prevent neural tube defects during the first month of pregnancy. (Many breakfast cereals contain 400 micrograms of folic acid per serving.)

Vitamin D: Most multivitamin supplements contain 400 international units of vitamin D, which is necessary for calcium absorption and may play a role in cancer prevention. While this amount is adequate, you may need more vitamin D, especially if you have dark skin or are overweight.

Vitamin E: Some research has shown safety concerns when taking high doses of vitamin E, or when taking doses exceeding 600-800 IU per day.

Vitamin C: Vitamin C is an essential vitamin that the body needs, so it is recommended to choose a multivitamin that contains about 250 mg of vitamin C, as this amount is considered appropriate and safe.

You should avoid taking nutritional supplements that claim to treat certain diseases or health problems.

It is also preferable to stay away from supplements promoted through mass emails.

Avoid supplements that claim to be effective for weight loss, muscle building, or improving sexual ability.

It is important to take nutritional supplements according to the directions of your doctor or pharmacist.

Read labels carefully.

Be wary of exaggerated claims, such as "completely safe" or "better than a certain medicine."

Always remember that natural nutritional supplements do not necessarily mean safe.