Mehr wrote: Researchers warn that excessive consumption of food supplements, especially regardless of the dosage and body needs, can endanger the health of the liver and kidneys and even interfere with some medications.
Excessive consumption of vitamins damages the liver
The liver is the main purification system of the body and is also responsible for storing some nutrients. Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the liver, and taking too much of them, like vitamin A, can cause serious liver problems over time, says Erin Persson, a nutritionist and dietitian.
Unlike water-soluble vitamins, most of which are excreted through urine, excess vitamin A accumulates in the body. Long-term use of high doses of this vitamin supplement may cause poisoning and, in severe cases, liver damage.
Some herbal supplements can also damage the liver. Among these products, we can mention green tea extract, ashwagandha, kava and turmeric. Having underlying liver diseases or consuming more than the recommended dose of supplements also increases the possibility of these damages.
Take seriously the interaction of supplements with drugs
Supplements can have a significant effect on body function and interfere with medications. Depending on the type of supplement and drug, this interaction may reduce the effectiveness of the drug or increase the likelihood of side effects.
For example, calcium and iron supplements can interfere with the absorption of levothyroxine, a common thyroid medication, and reduce its effectiveness.
Some supplements also affect the blood clotting process. Garlic, ginkgo biloba, and fish oil are among the ingredients that can be associated with an increased risk of internal bleeding, especially when taken at the same time as blood thinners such as warfarin.
Taking supplements at the same time may interfere with the absorption of nutrients
Although the purpose of taking supplements is to improve the nutritional status of the body, excessive and simultaneous use of them can have the opposite result.
Persson says that taking several supplements at the same time in high amounts may interfere with the absorption of some nutrients in the body.
For example, simultaneous consumption of calcium and iron can reduce iron absorption; Because these two substances are absorbed from similar paths. For this reason, it is recommended to take calcium and iron supplements at separate times of the day.
Zinc and copper also compete with each other for absorption in the body. Julie Stefanski, a nutritionist and dietitian, says that a person may take zinc regularly and think it will help boost the immune system, when taking it can upset the balance of other micronutrients.
Over-the-counter zinc supplements may help support the immune system in the short term, but taking high doses over the long term can reduce copper absorption and lead to copper deficiency. Copper deficiency may also cause complications such as anemia and neurological problems.
The risk of kidney stones with the use of certain supplements
The kidneys filter waste from the bloodstream, and some supplements can change the amount of waste left in the urine. Therefore, people who are prone to kidney stones should be more careful in taking supplements.
Many herbal supplements, especially those containing cinnamon, beets, turmeric, black pepper or spinach, may contain high amounts of oxalates, says Melanie Betts, M.D., a nutritionist and dietitian.
People who have a history of oxalate kidney stones should be careful in taking supplements containing these substances.
Betz also explains that vitamin C can increase the production of oxalate in the liver, significantly raising urinary oxalate levels and thus the risk of developing oxalate kidney stones.
Taking high doses of vitamin C supplements may increase the risk of developing kidney stones in susceptible individuals, although the magnitude of this risk varies from person to person.
Do taking supplements always contribute to greater health?
Experts believe that taking supplements is not always the best way to improve health.
Betz emphasizes that having a balanced diet, regular physical activity, adequate sleep, and stress management should be prioritized, and supplements can help compensate for nutritional deficiencies only when needed.
If you think you have a nutrient deficiency or that taking a certain supplement can be useful for you, it is better to consult a doctor or a nutritionist about choosing the right product and dosage. Taking a supplement without a clear need does not necessarily have more benefits for the body.
