Vitamin deficiencies are a very real problem for those who don’t adhere to a balanced diet or have certain medical issues. So, taking a supplement may appear to be a good idea, but some vitamins can actually be quite dangerous and should be avoided. Dr. Jacob Hascalovici explains which vitamins to avoid and why. As usual, please see your physician if you have any medical questions.
1 — Calcium
Dr. Hascalovici says, “Calcium as a supplement is often marketed as beneficial for the bones, but research suggests that calcium consumed in pill form poses an increased risk of cardiac events. It appears that rather than using standalone supplements, it’s preferable to get calcium from foods rather than supplements. Even if you’re concerned about osteoporosis, double-checking with your doctor to ensure that calcium supplementation is appropriate for you is a good idea.”
2 — Ginkgo Biloba
According to Dr. Hascalovici, “Ginkgo biloba is natural and is commonly regarded as useful for memory and blood flow. Ginkgo biloba, on the other hand, may negatively affect a variety of common medicines including anti-depressants, diabetes medications, and pain medications, with sometimes terrible consequences. People with epilepsy should avoid ginkgo biloba since it can trigger seizures.”
3 — Beta Carotene
Dr. Hascalovici states, “Overdosing on beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A, can be harmful. In one research, researchers discovered that men who took beta-carotene supplements had a higher chance of developing lung cancer. Sweet potatoes, carrots, and other bright veggies are preferable sources of beta-carotene and vitamin A.”
4 — It’s Possible to Overdose on Vitamins
Dr. Hascalovici tells us, “Vitamins and minerals are frequently marketed as safe, which is not always the case. It’s not always a good idea to take more than 100% of the suggested quantity of any vitamin or supplement. For one thing, the body’s ability to process and utilize such a high dose on a daily basis may be limited. Certain vitamins and supplements can also cause issues with other vitamins, supplements, or bodily processes. Finally, it is possible to overdose on certain vitamins, minerals, or supplements; this might result in health issues.”