(continued from previous page)
3.) Vitamin A. Vitamin A can be toxic in large doses, causing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Most cases of vitamin A toxicity occur in adults using megadoses of vitamins to treat illness or in children who accidentally ingest supplements, but researchers are now wondering if smaller supplemental doses of vitamin A can cause health problems, too.
Related: Vitamins and Minerals: What You Need, How to Get Them
The RDA for vitamin A for adults is 700-900 micrograms, and an article published in The American Journal for Clinical Nutrition notes that just twice this amount has been connected to osteoporosis and hip fracture in people without other symptoms of toxicity.
4.) Multivitamins. Seventy-five percent of Americans who take supplements take a multivitamin, making it the most popular dietary supplement in the U.S. Multivitamins are all different, but most contain a long list of vitamins and minerals, sometimes in amounts well over their recommended daily intakes. Over the past few years, study after study has challenged the alleged health benefits of multivitamins, but there have also been a few that show some health benefit.
In a large study of older women, multivitamin use was associated with increased mortality.
Related: Seven Smart Ways to Stay in Tiptop Health All Summer
An eight-year study showed no protective effect against cardiovascular disease or mental decline but a slight protective effect against cataracts and cancer. And most recently, a 2016 study has contradicted previous research by showing a slight benefit for heart health.
The research surrounding multivitamin supplements isn’t clear-cut, and it’s possible that not all adults benefit from them.
Related: The Stress Fighters That Can Save Your Life
It’s important to consult with your doctor before taking a new supplement and to know that adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet is the most evidence-supported intervention you can make for your own health. Fruits and veggies can lower your risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure without any dangerous side effects.
A cart full of produce is much more affordable than a cabinet full of supplements.
This Fox News piece is used with permission.
Read more at Fox News:
U.K. McDonald’s, KFC, Burger King Drinks Test Positive for Poo Bacteria
Family Finds Catheter in Tub of Ice Cream, Requires Testing for Hepatitis, HIV
Tabasco Debuts Scorpion Sauce, Hottest One Yet [lz_pagination]
(photo credit, homepage images: Bradley Stemke, Flikr; photo credit, article images: Oregon State University, Wikimedia)
Join the Discussion
Comments are currently closed.