8 important things to know about vitamins and vitamin supplements

8 important things to know about vitamins and vitamin supplements

Don’t be fooled by the advertisements about vitamin supplements… Yes, vitamins are extremely beneficial for your health, but it is very important to get them naturally. Here are 8 health facts you need to know about vitamins:

Vitamins must first be supplied through food…. The main natural sources of vitamins are vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grain products and dairy products. When these are not consumed enough, the risk of developing diseases such as heart disease, cancer and osteoporosis increases…

VITAMIN SUPPLEMENTS DAMAGE THE LIVER AND KIDNEYS

Unconscious vitamin use is very common in our country. Using vitamin supplements without consulting a doctor, unless necessary for health reasons, and without taking the necessary measurements can lead to many destructive effects, from liver to kidney damage…

8 misconceptions about vitamins in society…

> Everyone needs vitamin supplements: FALSE!

> TRUE: Vitamin needs vary from person to person. This varies according to the daily amount of food and drink, as well as the person’s age, accompanying diseases and lifestyle. Therefore, vitamin use should definitely be met from natural sources recommended by the doctor, according to the results of the tests requested by the doctor. Only in cases of medical necessity and if the doctor recommends, should supplements be taken…

> Multivitamins compensate for malnutrition and prevent diseases: FALSE!

> TRUE: The truth is that scientists are still undecided about whether multivitamins are effective. A healthy and balanced diet and taking vitamins naturally are always the best prescription for the nutrients needed. Vitamin supplements do not replace food, they aim to supplement in cases of health problems. For example; high doses of vitamin C do not prevent us from getting the flu, they support our recovery in cases of necessity when natural resources are insufficient when we are sick.

> All vitamin supplements are safe because they are natural: FALSE!

> TRUE: Although nutrients come from nature, they are no longer natural when manufacturers turn them into pills. On the other hand, being natural does not necessarily mean it is safe and effective. After all, arsenic is natural, but it causes cancer.

> Vitamins or other dietary supplements do not interact with medications: FALSE!

> TRUE: Vitamins or other supplements can reduce or increase the effects of medications. For example: Vitamin K supplements can interact with prescription or over-the-counter medications and cause blood clots. Therefore, it is necessary to stay away from dietary supplements unless recommended by a doctor.

> Vitamin supplements should be taken on an empty stomach: FALSE!

> TRUE: If necessary and with a doctor’s advice, water-soluble vitamins can be taken at almost any time of the day. However, it is best to take the 4 fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K) with a small amount of food. Otherwise, the vitamins taken cannot be fully absorbed.

> Vitamin supplements should be taken in the morning: FALSE!

> TRUE: If the doctor deems it necessary, vitamin supplements can be taken at any time of the day, regardless of morning or evening. If it is forgotten that day, it can be taken before going to bed at night if it comes to mind,” he says.

> Since vitamins are not fully absorbed, more than recommended can be taken: FALSE!

> TRUE: This idea is definitely not true, and taking vitamins in unnecessary and high doses can lead to serious problems. For example; While excess vitamin B6 can cause irreversible nerve damage, excess vitamin A and niacin can cause liver damage, excess folic acid can cause diarrhea, irritability and skin reactions. While excess vitamin C damages body cells, excess vitamin D can cause serious damage from heart rhythm problems to kidney failure.

> Vitamin supplements are never necessary: ​​FALSE!

> TRUE: Just like medicines, supplements are harmful in health but necessary in sickness and in cases of necessity, and despite some medical harms, they are needed for essential benefits. For example; multivitamins can be beneficial for people who cannot get the necessary vitamins, energy and minerals from food (malnutrition). Calcium and vitamin D supplements may be needed for those who are allergic to milk, vitamin B12 for those on a vegan diet, folic acid for pregnant women and extra calcium and vitamin D for those who have entered menopause. Of course, not according to people’s recommendations and your own interpretation, but completely under the supervision of a specialist doctor…