Vitamin Supplement Risks

by Jaime Noone

Research has suggested almost a third of the adult population consume some form of supplement in the belief that it will make them feel healthier. Some individuals take a general vitamin and mineral supplement to guard against any potential deficiencies whilst other people consume extracts and concentrates of plants to help heal a specific condition. It is widely believed that only a limited amount of the supplements provide genuine effects however, nutritionists state that people taking large and significant amounts of various different vitamins and minerals could be damaging their health.

The majority of our vitamin and mineral requirements can be met through the foods that we eat however, in some cases where this demand cannot be met through diet, mineral and vitamin supplements are often provided especially for elderly people, young children and pregnant women. Folic acid supplements are a good example of this given it provides pregnant women with a higher level of this mineral than any ordinary diet can supply. Folic Acid is required in pregnant women particularly for pre-and post pregnancy stages to help reduce the possibility of having a child with a neural tube defect such as spina bifida.

Some nutritionists believe the folic acid supplements taken alongside vitamin D can also help middle-aged men and elderly people given a deficiency of this mineral is the main cause of raised amino acid blood levels which has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease.

Vegans clearly do not eat any food which contains any animal origins therefore, and in a lot of cases, they are required to eat fortified foods to replace these lost nutrients. Good examples are fortified breakfast cereals, or they can consume vitamin supplements instead. Of particular benefit to Vegans are the vitamin B and vitamin D supplements along with the minerals zinc, iodine, calcium and iron.

There is a growing body of evidence which suggests that consuming more than the recommended daily amount of nutrients can reduce specific health risks. Taking additional vitamin E may counter the threat of cardiovascular diseases.

Excessive amounts of some vitamins and minerals can however be considered dangerous. A good example of this is the vitamin A and D which are fat-soluble and cannot therefore be excreted from our bodies should excess amounts be consumed. Excessive amounts of vitamin D can also promote a build-up of calcium within soft tissues such as our hearts and kidneys leading to significant damage.

Clearly there is evidence to suggest that moderate usage of vitamin supplements can benefit especially those in the young and vulnerable categories. However, excessive usage especially concerning vitamin A and D can prove to be damaging to your health.

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