Three of the staples in household cupboards are multivitamins, fish oil, and probiotics—bought with promises ranging from improving heart health to enhancing digestion. Each one of these supplements represents a popular compound that, no doubt, can be beneficial; however, the other way around, risks are not so well recognized. It's just that with supplements, one must know both sides of the equation, for after all, one is going to make informed decisions with regard to what one has decided to feed into the body. This article will give a run-down of the most popular supplements, their health benefits, and the risks that might emanate from using them. Whether looking to add one more to your arsenal of supplements or simply learn about the ones you are taking, this all-inclusive guide is sure to help equip you with the necessary insight.
Multivitamins:
Benefits: Multivitamins fill in the deficiency of missed nutrition and ensure that you gain each and every important vitamin and mineral. They can become especially useful to people who have limited diets or some particular health conditions.
Risks: Overdosing with multivitamins can be toxic, especially with fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, which can accumulate in the body. Don't let multivitamins become a substitute for a balanced diet.
Fish Oil (Omega-3 Fatty Acids)
Benefits: The omega-3 fatty acids found within fish oil are extremely well known for their anti-inflammatory properties and associated with better heart health, improved function in the brain, and less loss of joint movement.
Risks: High doses of fish oil may enhance the possibility of bleeding in some individuals. This mainly happens when combined with other blood thinners. Fish oil supplements can react negatively to some medications; however, in a few people, they cause digestion problems.
Probiotics
These are live microorganisms that colonize in the gut, particularly in the lower end, supporting the digestive process and boosting the immune system.
While generally safe, probiotics have the side effects of gas and bloating. Those with weakened immune systems or with severe underlying illness should check with their doctor prior to trying probiotics because of a small risk for infection.
Calcium
Benefits: Calcium is an important nutrient that is required for building bone and teeth; supplements can help fill the need of those that do not get enough calcium in nutrient-dense food, particularly postmenopausal women and older adults.
Risks: Excessive intake of supplemental calcium above the daily upper intake level may lead to the development of kidney stones and can also raise a woman's potential risk for heart disease. Calcium supplementation is not found useful or safe for men. Too much calcium may interfere with the absorption of magnesium, hence promoting magnesium deficiency. In turn, this might add to other diseases. Another potential risk when there is too much calcium is milk-alkali syndrome.
Vitamin D
Benefits: Vitamin D is a co-factor for bone health, immune functioning, and helps to maintain mood. It applies specifically to those who do not get enough sunlight, older people, and those having darker skin complexions.
Risks: Overdosing in vitamin D is responsible for toxicity in the body, and this is manifested by symptoms such as nausea, weakness, and damage to the kidney. It is a fat-soluble vitamin; hence, it should be taken within the recommended dosage or under medical advice.
Popular supplements claim high health benefits but are not free from adverse effects. Confusing risks need to be weighed against benefits, talked through with a healthcare provider, and decisions based on an informed choice about your specific health.
