From vitamin A to Z, there is a supplement fix for everything. No matter what kind of nutrient deficiency you’re trying to cope with, popping a pill may not always be a good idea. “Some of these could do you more harm than good,” says Payal Kothari, a Mumbai-based integrative nutritionist and a gut health coach. “The after-effects of consuming them regularly could be dangerously irreversible”.
Their convenient accessibility and availability has led to unprecedented sales. They’re handed out sans a doctor’s prescription, which is a huge problem. “There are hundreds of capsules and liquids that promise great hair, skin and lean muscles,” says Kothari, adding, “They may give you all that, but in return, they can cause severe damage to other parts of your anatomy. Also, self-diagnosing needs to stop. You don’t know better than a health care provider.” Unless recommended by a doctor, it’s best to avoid the following supplements, she says.
Vitamin B6
You could end up with an acute loss of appetite, headaches and irremediable nerve damage if taken for a long period of time without a go-ahead from a doctor.
Niacin
This is a Vitamin B that the body uses to turn food into energy. People tend to randomly pop this supplement to lower cholesterol, control arthritis and improve skin function. Little do they know that this can cause liver damage if taken more than required. It can also disrupt gut function.
Vitamin C
This is perhaps the most abused supplement by young adults and older people. Because various kinds of Vitamin C supplements are available off the counter, people don’t bother to check whether their body even needs it. An overdose can cause gastrointestinal problems. I know people who got kidney stones as a result of immoderate Vitamin C consumption.
Vitamin B9 (folate) or Folic Acid
This is one of the eight B vitamins. People tend to administer its intake on their own. It’s largely safe but can still cause mental dysfunction and mask a Vitamin B12 deficiency if your body develops a side reaction to it. Abdominal cramps, irregular sleep, nausea, mood swings, gas and more aren’t uncommon.
Vitamin A
No doubt, this is an important vitamin that helps form and maintains teeth, soft tissues and the skin, but it doesn’t suit everybody. If you are taking it regularly without seeking a doctor’s advice, you could end up with a coma or even death.
Vitamin K
Although low in toxicity, it does interfere with antibiotics. Until it’s clinically recommended, don’t take it as it, especially those on Coumadin for heart issues, or those who have a tendency towards blood clot.
Some supplements are water-soluble, while others are fat-soluble. It’s important to know the difference as it determines how a particular supplement will act on the body. Excess of any supplement can cause toxicity, fetal damage, gut health issues and more.