Dietary supplements were invented to supplement the diet with everything the body needs, especially vitamins and microelements. Dietary supplements differ from drugs in that they do not cure or prevent diseases. Moreover, if taken unreasonably and in too high doses, they can cause serious ailments.
The raw materials and dosages that can be used for the production of the supplement, as well as the form and form, are strictly defined. Therefore, some preparations with vitamin B6 or C have the status of a drug, othersdietary supplement . The secret is in the composition and dose. By succumbing to the magic of advertising, we forget that supplements are not a substitute for he althy eating. The body benefits more from food than from its chemical counterparts. A varieddiethas a richer composition, and some food ingredients extend the shelf life or enhance the effects of others. For example, flavonoids contained in blueberries or chokeberry extend the durability of vitamins C, A, E. Therefore, ingesting a vitamin is not the same as eating grapes.
ImportantFor security
From January 2010, under the new regulations, products bordering on supplements and drugs can no longer be sold as dietary supplements. In the case of doubtful preparations, the opinion of the Office for Registration of Medicinal Products, Medical Devices and Biocidal Products is binding. Qualified as drugs, like all drugs, they will be subject to strict pharmaceutical regulations and strict controls.
Dietary supplements can be overdosed
Synthetic vitaminscan be overdosed, which is much more difficult with natural compounds. This applies especially to fat-soluble vitamins: A, E, D and K. If we ingest them in large doses or on an empty stomach, they may accumulate in the body. Excess vitamin A disrupts the liver and causes skin diseases. Too much beta-carotene causes drowsiness, and under the influence of nicotine smoke, beta-carotene turns into free radicals (this applies to people who smoke 2 packs of cigarettes a day). It is recommended to take vitamin D carefully, because the body gets rid of its excess only when it is synthesized in the skin under the influence of the sun.
Taking it unnecessarily or in inappropriate doses may upset the calcium-phosphate balance and aggravate atherosclerotic changes. Vitaminswater-soluble, the excess of which is excreted in the urine, can also have side effects. Vitamin C can cause stomach discomfort and damage the kidneys without significantly affecting the immune system. Exceeding the daily dose of omega-3 fatty acids (1 g) may cause nausea, bleeding from the nose and gums.
Dietary supplements: dangerous interactions
Individual vitamins and minerals work closely together and too much of one can impair the absorption of the other (a balanced diet ensures the balance). Calcium must be taken with magnesium, and vitamin B all together. High doses of iron make it difficult to absorb vitamin E, and excess fiber - calcium and iron. Minerals and vitamins can worsen he alth, some interact with medications. Taking large amounts of vitamin B12 and C at the same time sometimes results in nosebleeds. Calcium preparations are not recommended for kidney stones. Vitamin K can be dangerous for people taking anticoagulant medications. Calcium, iron, and magnesium reduce the effectiveness of some antibiotics. If someone is eating he althy and feeling well, there is no reason to take supplements. There are situations when they are needed, e.g. weakened immunity, excess work. Then it is worth consulting a doctor what will be best for us.