Harmful Vitamin Supplements
Article by Diet Bites
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Natural is Always Best for Essential Vitamins & Minerals
The market is flooded with health supplements which are targeted towards enhancing or improving health. But how effective are they?
Diet Bites has rang the bell for more than a decade regarding the futility of over the counter cure-alls and this applies to vitamin and mineral supplements - as well as products which are targeted towards melting body fat.
There are very few risk groups which require vitamin supplements. These include individuals with certain health conditions, those who aren't consuming a daily diet sufficient in nutrients and at times, older, younger and pregnant individuals.
Numerous studies now show that most vitamin and mineral supplements have no significant impact on health, with many creating health issues - particularly where overuse is involved.
If you feel that you need a multi-vitamin - and if you are dieting, then you may if you're not consuming an adequately nutritious daily diet, we recommend that you meet with your doctor to discuss.
Personally speaking, I've talked with numerous doctors about supplements and I've never had a doctor recommend them for healthy individuals. On that note, we've outlined several supplements which are backed with false claims and which can cause more harmful effects to the body than good.
BETA-CAROTENE
Beta-Carotene Natural Food Sources
Carrots, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, apricots, papaya, butternut squash, green, red, orange or yellow peppers, spinach, collard greens, kale, turnip greens, Chinese cabbage, cantaloupe, lettuce and peas.
Purpose of Beta-Carotene
Supports eye health for healthy vision, supports immunity, and skin health. Keep in mind that the skin is the human body's largest organ.
Unproven Health Claims
No viable evidence exists to prove that Beta-Carotene reduces the risk of cancer.
Possible Negative Consequences of Beta-Carotene Supplements
May increase risk of lung cancer in smokers.
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CALCIUM
Calcium Natural Food Sources
Milk and other dairy products such as cheese, yogurt, buttermilk and cottage cheese. Also, sardines and kale.
Purpose of Calcium
Supports bone health.
Unproven Health Claims
Calcium supplements build stronger bones.
Possible Negative Consequences of Calcium Supplements
May increase risk of heart attack in older women.
FOLIC ACID
Folic Acid Food Sources
Fortified foods such as cereal and bread and pasta, dark green vegetables such as broccoli, legumes, and citrus fruits and their juices.
Purpose of Folic Acid
Prevents birth defects, specifically those related to spina bifida.
Unproven Health Claims
Combats heart disease and cancer.
IRON
Iron Natural Food Sources
Fortified cereals, lean meats, liver, organ meats, beans, tomato products, spinach, long grain rice and seafood.
Purpose of Iron
Supports red blood cell functioning.
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Iron Supplements
May be necessary for some individuals such as those with anemia, a heavy monthly flow or for pre-surgery needs. For older women, there may be an increase risk of heart related to iron supplements.
POTASSIUM
Potassium Natural Food Sources
Beet greens, dates, raisins, potatoes, grapefruit juice, soy beans, lima beans, bananas and plantains, all varieties of melon, spinach, plums, sweet potatoes, prune juice, cabbage, papayas, and all varieties of berries.
Purpose of Potassium
Vital to electrolyte balance, regulating blood pressure and counteracting water retention issues related to excessive sodium intake.
Possible Negative Consequences of Folic Acid Supplements
May trigger serious issues in seniors as well as individuals with kidney disease.
SELENIUM
Selenium Natural Food Sources
Brazilnuts, rockfish, yellow-fin tuna, halibut, tuna salad, chicken giblets, barley, orange roughy, wheat flour, swordfish, Northern lobster, blue crab, Sockeye salmon, turkey neck, poultry, macaroni and cheese, herring, haddock, halibut and couscous.
Purpose of Selenium
An antioxidant which supports cell health. It is vital to metabolic functioning within the body.
Unproven Health Claims
Combats certain cancers from forming within the body.
Possible Negative Consequences of Selenium Supplements
Toxicity includes the following symptoms and side effects: fatigue, skin disorders, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, anxiety and hair loss.
VITAMIN E
Vitamin E Natural Food Sources
Mustard greens, collard greens, spinach, turnip greens, Swiss chard, sunflower seeds, papaya, olive oil, broccoli, barley, free range eggs, avocado, peanut butter, grapes and tomatoes.
Purpose of Vitamin E
Supports digestion system, eye health and vital organ functioning.
Unproven Health Claims
Preventative for cancer and heart attack.
Possible Negative Consequences of Vitamin E Supplements
These can prove serious and include: intestinal cramps, diarrhea, double vision, muscle weakness and fatigue. In addition, they may increase risk of heart attack.
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