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Although many believe that taking multiple supplements daily benefits their health, experts caution that this habit may actually be harmful. Initially unaware of her extensive supplement collection, health reporter Ruth Clegg discovered various products in her cupboard, including creatine, vitamin D, magnesium, collagen, a green all-in-one supplement, and perimenopause-related tablets. Despite thinking she was immune to social media advertising influences, she realized that persuasive comments endorsing supplements had affected her perspective.
While supplements can be beneficial when necessary, some specialists warn that the eagerness to enhance wellbeing through multiple products could endanger health. Medical professionals report an increase in patients experiencing liver, kidney, and gastrointestinal problems linked to excessive supplement use. One nutritionist described the trend as “insane,” emphasizing that many individuals mistakenly believe pills can replace the nutrients obtained from food, which she firmly disputes.
A notable case is that of Ginger Smith, a 30-year-old brand influencer from Seattle, who began taking numerous supplements three years ago, believing they improved her health. Her regimen included high doses of vitamin C, vitamin D, turmeric, a de-bloating supplement, and electrolyte drinks. Although she initially felt healthier, Ginger developed severe lower back pain, which led to a diagnosis of a large kidney stone—measuring between two and three centimeters—caused by her daily supplement intake. The subsequent operation cost her thousands despite having insurance. Ginger reflected, “I never would have thought that by trying to improve my health, I would end up in such a bad way.”
Further concerns arise from cases seen by Dr Pedro de Maria Pallares, a gastroenterologist in Madrid, who treats patients with liver damage from herbal supplements. Patients often deny medication use initially, only revealing supplement consumption after thorough inquiry. Certain supplements, notably vitamin A, glutamine, ashwagandha, and green tea extract, can be toxic to the liver in high doses. Although liver damage can be reversible, prolonged exposure risks chronic illness. The British Liver Trust supports this caution, urging people to weigh benefits against risks.
Dr Karan Rajan, an NHS surgeon who also creates health content, acknowledges the value supplements may have when used appropriately, noting the decline in nutrient density in modern soil compared to decades ago. He personally takes a combination of vitamin D, prebiotics, protein, fiber, and creatine to address potential deficiencies but warns about the risks of mixing multiple supplements without professional guidance. Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, president of the Royal College of GPs, highlights that patients may unintentionally consume excessive doses by overlapping ingredients, such as vitamin B6 from both a multivitamin and a dedicated vitamin B6 supplement, potentially causing nerve damage. Similarly, combining iron, calcium, and magnesium can impair absorption.
Nutritionist Kristen Stavridis expresses frustration over social media’s role in convincing people to take unnecessary supplements. She recommends that adults without health issues focus on a balanced diet, supplement vitamin D during winter, and consider multivitamins or fish oil only if needed. Women prone to iron deficiency may benefit from short-term supplementation, but only under medical supervision. Stavridis stresses prioritizing food as the main nutrient source and consulting doctors about deficiencies rather than relying on supplements to solve the problem. Checking recommended daily amounts and interactions with prescribed medication is also vital.
After months of recovery from her kidney stone surgery, Ginger Smith is now feeling well again and back at work. She remarks, “I feel just as energised and healthy as I did when I was taking all those different supplements. Now I just take one multivitamin a day—and hopefully that’s good enough.
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
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