Supplement
is defined as a thing that is added to something in order to make it complete
or enhance the functions. In dietary supplement, mostly it consists of vitamins
and minerals. Nowadays, there are many supplement products selling in the
market in forms of tablets, capsules, softgels and gelcaps. Do you think that
you are the one who really need supplement? Do you know supplements can cause
side effects and toxicity?
If
you have money, you can buy any supplement products without worry the cost. It
means YES, you can take your supplement everyday. But, be aware with the
Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL). UL is the maximum amount of daily vitamins
and minerals that have been set to make sure people can safely take without risking
an overdose or serious side effects. The chances of getting problems are
associated with the higher UL or above. Some supplements are good in ensuring
the adequacy of nutrients and reduce the risk of disease. But, still people are
encouraged to eat variety and healthful diet. Supplement cannot replace meals
because people need energy, macronutrients as well as micronutrients completely
from food. Supplements are not like drugs that are prescribed by doctors. They
are not intended to treat or even cure diseases. Thus, supplements should not
make claims such as “treats heart disease” or “treats osteoporosis”.
Certain companies claim that their
high calcium and vitamin D products can cure osteoporosis. NO. Calcium and
vitamin D help to reduce the occurrence of osteoporosis. Most people think that
calcium only presents in milk. If milk is categorized as your dislike drink,
get your calcium from dark green leafy vegetables such as broccoli, calcium
fortified food and beverages such as cereals and orange juice, nuts such as almonds, bones
from sardines, soy beans and dried apricots and figs. Certain people like
postmenopausal women, amenorrhoeic women, female athlete triad, individuals
with lactose intolerance, cow’s milk allergy and vegetarian are encouraged to
take supplements if they cannot get sufficient calcium from their diets. Calcium
supplement is not for all. If it is taken without expert consultation,
excessive calcium intake may cause kidney stone formation or nephrolithiasis,
hepercalcemia and renal insufficiency, and interaction of calcium with the
absorption of other nutrients.
Supplements can cause severe problems
if medical instructions are not well followed. The actions that could lead to
harmful and even life threatening are; combining supplements, taking
supplements with medications without telling to physicians, substituting
supplements for prescription medicines and taking too much of vitamin A, vitamin
D and Iron supplements. People need vitamin A to increase immunity, and prevent
xerophthalmia as well as night blindness. But remember, excessive intake of
vitamin A supplement can cause hypervitaminosis A. Some products with high
carotene also can lead to carotenosis if it is taken high dose.
Again, people can buy supplements if
they wish to. But, they need good information and knowledge to make an informed
choice. They also should not be put at risk when buying supplements. Many
health professionals should aware with the supplements taken by patients,
including physicians, pharmacists, dietitians and nutritionists. Provide
sufficient information to patients or clients if they are willing to take
supplements. Or else, encourage them to get the best way of getting sufficient
nutrients from variety and healthy diet.
References:
Dietary Supplements, What You Need to
Know. (2006). FOODFACTS, From the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Haley Smith (2011). Calcium
Supplementation. S Afr Pharm J ;78(9):28–31
Supplements Who Needs Them? (2011). A
behind the Headlines report, NHS choices. www.nhs.uk
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