There are soooo many supplements on the market today - I thought I would take some time and go through 7 things you may not have known about vitamins and supplements.
1 - Not all side effects are listed on the labels!
For example - St. John's Wort is supposed to be good for anxiety. Did you know that it interacts with a plethora of prescribed medication? Always talk to your doctor before you take any supplements.
2 - Not all multivitamins are created equal.
You may think that a multivitamin is a multivitamin but the distribution of the vitamins may be different! Check the labels!
3- You can overdose on Vitamin A.
Contrary to popular belief not all vitamins are water soluble and if we "overdose" we just pee out the extra. With Vitamin A for example: "Vitamin A toxicity can occur from either the topical or oral form of Vitamin A. Oral vitamin A toxicity can be acute or chronic. In acute toxicity, ingestion occurs because of the ingestion of a large amount of vitamin A over a short period of time. In chronic toxicity, intake is over a longer duration. The most common adverse effect of topical retinoids is skin irritation, notably erythema and peeling. The most severe adverse effect of systemic retinoids is teratogenicity. Each year, in the US alone over 60,000 cases of Vitamin toxicity are reported. Unlike the water-soluble vitamins, the fat-soluble vitamins tend to accumulate in the body." Link to the full report here:
4- Natural does NOT always equal safe.
(Please see the St. John's Wort example above)
5- If Vitamins or supplements have the label "Quick Fix" or something that insinuates that it will work miracles.... steer very clear of it!
6- You do NOT need supplements.
If you are eating a balanced diet you should not have to supplement with vitamins! That being said if your doctor advises you that your body is deficient you may have to take a supplement to assist. Which takes me to my final point.
7- ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR.
You are not a medical professional and neither is google. Your doctor knows your medical history best so if you are thinking of taking a supplement talk to your doctor to make sure that it will not be pointless to take the supplement, wasting your money and time.
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