With the growing interest in health, it is becoming common for both children and adults to take nutritional supplements. In particular, as interest and concerns about health increase due to COVID-19, nutritional supplements that strengthen immunity or improve basic physical strength are attracting attention.
However, the problem is that the regulation of vitamins used as supplements is rather loose, unlike drugs prescribed through medical treatment in hospitals. In addition, since most of the cases are purchased by individuals in anticipation of health rather than an accurate prescription for individual diseases, it is necessary to be careful as they may injure the body or take medicines that do not fit the body or consume too much.
Then, let’s find out what nutritional supplements have adverse health effects when eaten in excess.
Top 4 nutritional supplements that are poisonous if eaten in excess
1. Iron
Iron supplements are essential for pregnant women. Iron is a nutrient that helps the body make hormones, and a mineral needed to make hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells, that helps transport oxygen throughout the body.
Therefore, if you are anemic or iron deficient, take iron supplements. If you eat too much iron, the stomach wall can become inflamed.
In addition, a study by the US National Institutes of Health found that a small number of people experienced coma and convulsions when iron overdose was consumed.
In addition, there may be symptoms such as constipation, nausea, diarrhea and abdominal pain, so if you take iron supplements and the following symptoms appear, you need to consult a specialist.
2. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is known to be good for skin care. In addition, it is an antioxidant that protects the body from free radicals that cause various diseases, and is a nutrient that helps heal wounds.
However, vitamin C is abundant in most fruits and vegetables, so if you eat fruit regularly, you will get the required amount, but taking too much vitamin C can cause diarrhea and stomach cramps. In men, it is also recommended to keep the dosage as it can increase the risk of kidney stones.
3. Calcium
Calcium is essential for building healthy bones. It is an important nutrient that helps build muscles and healthy bones, including teeth, and helps circulation in the body. A lack of calcium can weaken the bones and cause them to break easily even with a small impact and decrease in height. On the other hand, if you eat too much calcium, kidney failure, kidney stones, hypercalcemia, etc. may occur, so you should avoid eating too much.
4. Vitamin D
Vitamin D necessary for maintaining various physiological functions. Vitamin D can be obtained through sunlight in addition to nutrients. When the skin is stimulated by ultraviolet rays, vitamin D synthesis occurs. Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for bone growth, so a deficiency increases the risk of osteoporosis, falls, and hip fractures, as well as cancer and autoimmune diseases.
However, excessive consumption can cause kidney and cardiovascular damage. In addition, it is necessary to control the amount of intake as it can cause loss of appetite, weakened muscle strength, and headaches and arthritis.