Taking vitamin supplements in the name of health and fitness has become a common trend these days. Driven by social media, fitness influencers, and online advertisements, people purchase and consume various supplements without consulting a doctor.

Most people believe that supplements only provide benefits, but the truth is that overdosing can be seriously harmful. In some cases, this can even prove fatal.

Health awareness has increased significantly these days. Consequently, people start taking supplements daily based on videos they've seen online or on someone's advice. They do so with the belief that vitamins or herbal remedies will be harmless. If you start taking supplements without medical advice or testing and end up with an excess of them in your body, it can cause harm. It's important to consult a doctor before taking any supplements.

What do experts say?

Dr. Jugal Kishore, Director-Professor of Community Medicine at Safdarjung Hospital, Delhi, says, "People often assume that multivitamin pills will fulfill all their nutritional needs. However, the reality is that the body doesn't rely solely on vitamins. The body also needs minerals, protein, fat, carbohydrates, antioxidants, fiber, and adequate water daily."

Relying solely on multivitamins and neglecting a balanced diet can lead to deficiencies in other essential nutrients. This can affect the heart, kidneys, and liver.

Never take two supplements at the same time. You shouldn't take anything without consulting a doctor. Eat a diet rich in vegetables and pulses to ensure you receive all the nutrients your body needs.

Vitamin D Supplements

Vitamin D is often considered completely safe, but it is a fat-soluble vitamin. This means it can accumulate in the body and is not easily excreted if consumed in excess. Excessive vitamin D can cause problems like muscle pain, mood swings, kidney stones, and severe stomach pain. In severe cases, it can lead to calcification in the heart arteries, which can cause a heart attack and stroke.

On the other hand, vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble and are also stored in the body. If taken in excess for a long time, they can accumulate and cause serious side effects.

Precautions Regarding Calcium Supplements

Calcium is essential for bone strength, but consuming more than 2,500 mg of calcium daily can be harmful. Excessive calcium can cause plaque to accumulate in the arteries, making them harden. This affects blood circulation and increases the risk of heart attack.

Dangers of Magnesium and Iron

Magnesium helps maintain proper muscle and nervous system function, but overdose can be dangerous for people with impaired kidney function. When kidney function weakens, magnesium accumulates in the body, leading to nausea, sudden drops in blood pressure, and serious kidney problems.

Similarly, iron deficiency causes anemia, but excessive iron intake increases the risk of heart disease. Excess iron can damage the heart muscle by creating free radicals in the body.

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