Nutritional supplements are becoming increasingly popular. As our population grows older and yet stays fitter we are all striving to slow the clock. What some people don realise is that some of the supplements are not merely harmless nutrients but that high levels can cause dangerous imbalances and some can even react harmfully with some common prescription drugs. Once you know of these risks you would be advised to speak to you doctor for the sake of your health.



Many, many people believe that because vitamins, minerals and other nutritional supplements are sold as health foods they are only associated with positive effects. As with everything there is positive and negative effects to be had with most nutritional supplements.

If nutritional supplements are take to excess, that is in quantities greater than the recommended dietary allowances, then they are classes as drugs. In these circumstances the nutritional supplements can adversely affect a persons? health and cause interference with prescribed medication.

Here are just some examples of what can happen if care is not exercised when taking nutritional supplements.

Vitamin A - fatigue and lethargy

Vitamin D - possible kidney failure

Vitamin C - gas and diarrhoea (dehydration can occur due to diarrhoea)

Vitamins A, D, K - reaction to toxicity

Niacin - flushed skin, impaired liver function

Iodine - enlargement of the thyroid gland

Magnesium - diarrhoea

If you feel the need to take nutritional supplements then do so but be aware that the same amount of care you employ when taking prescription medication should also be taken when taking nutritional supplements.

Nutritional supplements can be taken for a variety of reasons. If you are vegetarian then you may not get all that you need from your more limited diet choice and therefore a nutritional supplement can keep you on top form. If you dislike fish then again a nutritional supplement can fill in that dietary gap. Some people either dislike dairy products or only like a few and therefore a top up nutritional supplement can be just the thing.

Speak to your doctor, pharmacist or health care professional and don't take high doses of vitamins without advice first. Your doctor will also be able to advise if you are getting the right quantities of everything you need from you current diet or whether a nutritional supplement can be of help. Some minor niggles such as mild headache or mild persistent tiredness can be signs of nutritional deficiency and could be simply set right with the correct nutritional supplement.