Which Supplements Will Help and Which Can Harm You

For most of us, taking a daily vitamin is as automatic as eating. Taking a daily vitamin, which supplements the vitamin, mineral, and enzymes in your diet, can help prevent disease and improve your health. There are however, many scientists who claim that some vitamins can have the exact opposite affect. I can only stress this is a report of what some people believe happens when taking different vitamins. Many clinical trials and research has been conducted on the benefits of multivitamin supplements. No one questions the value of a good daily multivitamin, but experts are saying extra supplements may be unnecessary and even harmful. They are talking about supplements that are taken above the daily multivitamin and what is consumed in your diet.

One woman who was taking an extra calcium supplement was also consuming a diet high in calcium and was found to be at a higher risk of kidney stones. Her doctor confirmed that she did not need the calcium supplement. The calcium in her diet and her multivitamin were enough for the needs of her body. Too much calcium can also interfere with brain function and is one of the many causes of dementia.

In one study, vitamin E was shown to increase the risk of congestive heart failure. A study group states that long-term use of vitamin E supplements not only did nothing to prevent cancer or cardiovascular events; it may have increased the risk of heart failure in some patients. Especially those who already suffers from a vascular disease or diabetes. Another study shows that patients who were taking large doses of vitamin E while undergoing radiation therapy had a higher rate of their cancer recurring than those who were given a placebo.

Another study involving beta-carotene showed that instead of reducing the risk of developing lung cancer, it was found to increase the risk in some smokers. Another study of smokers and people who worked with asbestos were given extra doses of beta-carotene and vitamin E had their risk of developing lung cancer, cardiovascular disease and their over-all mortality rate began to rise. The rates of death were so high the study was stopped before it was scheduled for completion.

Vitamin A was shown to increase the risk of women having hip fractures after menopause. Vitamin A supplements were also associated with birth defects when taken by women who were still of childbearing age.

We must stress again that these studies were done on subjects who were taking added supplements besides what they were getting in their diet and any multivitamin they were taking. Most people will agree that a good multivitamin supplement is essential in today’s culture of fast foods, skipped meals, and drug and alcohol use. If you feel uncomfortable taking more supplements of vitamins and minerals, consult your doctor. They may recommend a change in diet and a reduction in the supplements you are taking. A qualified dietician can also help in deciding the levels of certain vitamins and minerals that your body needs to remain healthy and strong.