This study has thrown light on the least expected outcomes of having vitamin supplements
What this study has found might be a shocker, and a means to be cognizant of the vitamin and mineral supplements that many of us have been taking with or without doctor's prescription. We are not unknown to the world of supplements. We indulge ourselves with over the counter supplements without giving any thought to the side effects. Our dependency and belief on supplements is so strong that many of us do not even consult a doctor before taking them. However, this study has thrown light on the least expected outcomes of having vitamin supplements.
What did the study find?
The study has found a link between vitamin supplements and cancer. A study review published in the BMJ has discussed cancer risks associated with vitamin supplements.
Citing a research study, the review says combining beta carotene and vitamin A increased the risk of lung cancer among workers. Even those who work with occupational exposure to asbestos have an increased risk of getting cancer if using these supplements. "β-Carotene supplementation increased the risk of lung cancer among high risk individuals in two randomised trials," the study adds that the risk of cancer in case of smokers increases by 18% and for others increases by 28%.
It also cited another study where it was found that selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial found that vitamin E (400 IU/day) supplementation was associated with a 17% increase in prostate cancer risk among men.
What else did the study find?
Not just cancer, the study review has also discussed the effect of supplements in increasing risk towards other health complications.
One such complication that the review study has discussed is vitamin D and calcium supplementation which is mostly prescribed to older people to keep their bones strong. It says, while one meta analysis found that vitamin D or calcium supplementation did not reduce the risk of hip fracture or total fracture, another meta-analysis reported that while vitamin D alone did not reduce fracture risk, combined calcium and vitamin D supplementation decreased the relative risk of hip fracture (16%) and all fractures (6%) among older adults.
Suggesting a potential harm on the overdose, the study suggests to ensure dietary and natural intake of calcium and vitamin D.
It also found no consistent evidence to support the use of antioxidant supplements for reducing cardiovascular risk.
Several research studies have discussed the wrong usage of supplements and have found that when taken in combination or when taken in extra proportion than the advisable dosage it actually harms the body more than it does good.
This draws attention towards the importance of a doctor's prescription and advice on how much and when should one take supplements.
Supplements that combine vitamin D and calcium could hike your risk of stroke
Another research study has found that a combination of vitamin D and calcium supplements can actually lead to a condition called atherosclerosis, a disease that occurs when fatty substances build up in the arteries.
The 2019 study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine journal found a link between strokes and supplements on the basis of 277 randomised controlled trials that involved almost one million people.
The study found that supplements made of vitamin D and calcium increased the risk of stroke by 17 percent.
Common vitamin, mineral supplements used
The commonly used vitamin supplements are for vitamin B12, vitamin D, calcium, folic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, melatonin, fish oil.
Due to the belief that these supplements do not have any risky side effects, many people simply add them to their diet without even consulting doctors.
However, there are several side effects associated with over consumption of the supplements.
Why is it important to take only prescribed supplements?
Apart from the fact that excessive consumption of vitamin supplements can damage your body when taken in excess amounts, it might not show any visible symptoms until its too late.
It is always advisable to take doctor's recommendations before adding a supplement to your diet. Several factors needed to be taken into consideration while prescribing a medication.
Another important reason why doctor's consultation is important is because one never knows when to stop consuming the tablets. While some believe that overdose of supplements gets removed from the body, in many cases it has been seen that the elements interfere with the normal functioning of the body.
Fat soluble natural sources of vitamins
Here are some foods to naturally increase your intake of these vitamins:
Vitamin A: Eat eggs, fish, fortified milk, sweet potatoes, carrots, pumpkins, spinach, and mangoes
Vitamin D: Fortified milk, cereals, and fatty fish are great sources
Vitamin E: Use vegetables oils, and eat plenty of leafy green vegetables, whole grains, and nuts
Vitamin K: Cabbage, eggs, milk, spinach, broccoli, kale are great examples of foods rich in this vitamin
Who should take supplements?
Ideally, it is best to consult your doctor or nutritionist when it comes to taking supplements.
Most people do not need vitamins or mineral supplements and can get enough from the foods they eat. In terms of vitamin D, sunlight is your best source. However, according to the UK's National Health Services (NHS), some people like pregnant women, older adults many need external help. Apart from that, one may also need to take vitamin D supplements in winters, given that they do not get enough sunlight.
The bottom line
Dietary supplements are enough to meet the body's daily requirement of vitamins and minerals. Since these elements are mostly required in small amounts, it is obvious that diet can fulfill the requirement.
However, in case your body is unable to absorb or assimilate the nutrients, due to some reason or the other, it is prudent to do a blood test and seek medical intervention on how to meet the nutritional demands.