Unfortunately, the answer is yes.
Online shopping is so common nowadays, nutritional supplements is a click away. However, supplements being so accessible also means a higher risk of misuse and dependence. Read on before you go on your next shopping spree because we desire for good health and the maximum benefits of the supplements we buy, and the last thing we want is a backfire — which can happen if we are not careful.
To avoid it, we should learn to be a diligent user and make informed decisions. Here are a few tips.
1. Get to know the product
Do online researches, compare products among brands, country of origin, active ingredients, and other characteristics.
2. Get what is right for you
It’s also important to understand yourself because it will decide what your body needs. Below are the most popular choices by specific gender and age groups for your reference.
- Adult male: Fish oil, calcium, Vitamin D, fiber, magnesium2
- Adult female: Fiber, aloe, citrus, folic acid (Vitamin B9), primrose
- Pregnant female: Folate, fermented cod liver oil, probiotics, multivitamins
- Elderly: Calcium, Vitamin C, Vitamin E
3. Get the dosage right
Once you have a target area to improve the health status on, check on the dosage information. Note that effects on overdose can range from minor to severe. Potential risks are as follows.
- Vitamin A: Hair loss, severe headache, confusion, liver damage, bone loss and peeling off of body skin.
- Vitamin E: Thins blood and affects clotting
- Vitamin B6: Nerve damages
- Vitamin B3: Reversible nausea, jaundice and elevated liver enzymes
- Iron: Increased risk of cancer and heart disease
While supplements bring convenience, balanced diets, regular exercises and adequate rest are more carefree ways to achieving a healthy lifestyle. Start today!
Sources
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