5 facts about vitamin supplements you must know - How safe is it to take dietary supplements?

The human body requires various micro-nutrients, and macro-nutrients to perform its various functions. However, not all of these nutrients can be produced within the body. In fact, very few of them are actually produced by the body itself, while most of them are procured from the food we eat. This is one of the primary reasons why eating nutritious, healthy foods is so important. 

However, not all of us are able to get all the nutrients from the food we eat, because maintaining a balanced diet is a task way more difficult than we think it is. This is when the role of dietary supplements comes in. they are like a package of a certain nutrient that our body needs, but we are unable to provide it through food. It is usually concentrated in the form of a tablet, or powder, that we need to take according to the recommended dosage, to ensure we do not become or stay deficient in the particular nutrient. Vitamin supplements are the most common dietary supplements taken by a lot of people around the world.

How safe is it to take dietary supplements?

Dietary supplements are safe, provided you do not overdo them, and you do not take those nutrients in the form of supplements that you are already getting enough of. You must take supplements only when recommended by a doctor, and refrain from self-prescribing. Given there are a number of brands and products in the market, it is also advised that you take the one recommended by your medical professional, as they are aware of the ingredients of such supplements. 

5 myths about vitamin supplements that need to be busted

Myth: Multi-vitamin supplements can be used to replace a healthy diet.

Reality: They are called “supplements” which literally translates to “in addition of.” Vitamin supplements should be taken alongside a healthy, nutritious diet, which may not be able to provide for the daily requirements of the vitamins by the body. They are not a substitute for healthy food. They cannot be consumed alongside a diet that comprises of only junk food, and then be expected to keep us free from diseases.

Myth: You cannot overdose on vitamins.

Reality: Yes, you can. When they said, “Excess of anything is bad.”, they meant vitamins, too. Consuming too many vitamins can harm your vital organs. Therefore, you must only take supplements when recommended by the doctor and should stick to the recommended dosage.

Myth: Supplements are medicines.
Reality: A lot of people assume that just because something comes in a tablet form, it is a medicine. However, supplements are not medicines. Unlike medicines that are used to treat or cure a specific condition, supplements are taken to provide for the daily requirements of nutrients by the body, and in fact, keep diseases and disorders at bay.

Myth: Supplements should be taken empty stomach.
Reality: While supplements can be taken at any time of the day if they are water-soluble, you must take fat-soluble vitamins only with a little food, that contains some amount of fat. Taking supplements empty stomach also causes nausea, some anecdotal evidence says.

Myth: All supplements can be taken together.
Reality: Certain nutrients block the absorption of others, while others can help in the absorption of other nutrients in the body. All supplements may not go well with each other, and therefore, must not be taken without consulting a medical professional. Full disclosure of any supplements being taken should be made to the doctor.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.     

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