The Hidden Risks Behind Dietary Supplements

Millions of Americans use some form of dietary supplements from brands like Vital Nutrients in Supplement First to aid their diet and receive the necessary nutrients for their minds and bodies. But have you ever seen or read research questioning the value of supplements?

While they are beneficial and offer nutrients you might be deficient in from your diet, there might be hidden risks associated with supplements. So, before you purchase a bottle of vitamins from supplementfirst.com, we’ll share the hidden risks.

You Can Overdose

That’s right, folks! Just because supplements are not like your prescription medication doesn’t mean overdosing isn’t a possibility. If you take too many vitamins A, D, E, or K, you may experience health problems and side effects. Moreover, some supplements can interfere with any other prescription medications you are taking.

Too much vitamin A can lead to liver failure, or even death, while vitamin D can lead to bone pain, diarrhea, vomiting, or stomach issues.

They Don’t Cure Diseases

Some supplements claim they can treat or cure diseases, but these are claims the FDA does not allow.

Moreover, omega-3 pills and supplements containing antioxidants can’t cut the risk of heart diseases or cancer, despite all the common perceptions. There are no protective benefits from supplements, so if this is the reason you are purchasing them, do check with your doctor first.

To protect yourself, visit reliable government websites like the FDA, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, and the National Institutes of Health’s Office of Dietary Supplements. They share information about supplement brands and if they are legal to purchase.

Be Cautious with Botanicals

You’ve probably seen a botanica or stores selling medicinal plants and healing artifacts before. While they make interesting claims on how their products treat diseases, there are no studies that prove such claims. Moreover, there is no information on the risks and side effects associated with taking these “natural” products either.

As such, it’s best to stay away from products deemed “natural” and “healing” until research has proven their claims. Check with the doctor before you take any traditional herbs and let your doctor know where they came from. You may even want to contact an integrative physician who will safely combine holistic methods with conventional medical treatments.

You Might Not Even Need Supplements

Many nutrients are found naturally, so there usually isn’t a need to prove it. You can find vitamins and minerals in healthy foods. For instance, you can get vitamin A from the liver, eggs, whole milk, and green leafy vegetables. B vitamins are found in animal-derived products, and vitamin C can be from citrus fruits.

If you eat a lot of healthy foods and lean protein, you most likely get enough nutrients from what you consume. As such, you may end up overdosing or wasting your money purchasing supplements you don’t need.