Getting the right amount of vitamins and minerals is beneficial for your diet. However, it is important to be aware of what kind of supplements your body needs and how much of one supplement is considered dangerous.
Today, your caring McAllen pharmacists at Saenz Pharmacy will go over the benefits and dangers of supplements.
Understanding Supplements
Supplements, which usually come as pills, tablets, capsules, powders, or liquids, are intended to offset the minerals and vitamins you may be missing in your diet. Supplements can also come in the form of an energy bar or drink.
Some popular supplements include vitamins D, B12, and minerals such as calcium and iron.
The Dangers of Supplements
You’ve probably heard the saying “too much of a good thing can be bad,” and this too applies to supplements; taking too much of them can be the turning point where things get dangerous. Many supplements have strong active ingredients that can be harmful when taken in high doses or instead of medicine prescribed by a doctor.
Taking too much of a supplement is not only costly, but it also makes your chances of experiencing side effects significantly higher.
The foods that we consume daily may also have added vitamins, minerals, and other supplements. In return, if we incorporate extra supplements into our diet, we can be getting way more than we need, which can cause liver and organ damage, nausea, headaches, reduced bone strength, and birth defects.
Supplements can increase your risk of bleeding during surgery and even change the way you respond to anesthesia. Supplements may also interact with certain medications, so it is always best to double-check how your current medications will interact with any supplement you may be taking.
The Benefits of Supplements
For those who do not consume enough vitamins and minerals in their daily diet, supplements can be helpful. Supplements benefit those who need to:
- Maintain their health
- Support their mental and sports-related performance
- Provide immune system support
Dietary supplements can be great for the consumer as long as they are well-informed of what they are putting in their body.
Who Can Benefit From Supplements?
While too much of a supplement can be a dangerous thing, some people may need to add supplements to their diet to live a healthy life. These individuals include:
- Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant
- Older adults who need more vitamins than younger adults to make up vitamin deficiency and to support bone strength
- People with food allergies or restricted diets who take supplements to compensate for lack of nutrients
What You Should Do Before Taking Supplements
It is recommended that you talk to your primary care provider before adding any new supplements to your diet. This will ensure that you are taking the supplements correctly and that they do not interact with any other medication that you have been prescribed.
Find out if supplements are right for you with the help of Saenz Pharmacy.
You can never be too careful when taking any type of supplement or medication. The trained pharmacists at Saenz Pharmacy are ready to answer any questions you may have!