What about recent news and debates about vitamin overdosing?

Like all medicines, for that matter like all things in life, too much of a good thing can be bad. With vitamins, certain fat soluble vitamins cannot be excreted easily and tend to get accumulated in the body. Therefore, vitamins A,D,E and K, should not be consumed in excess quantities.

 

What about recent reports about vitamin supplements being 'useless'?

At the outset, remember that most of these studies are based on the western world, where their needs are different from ours and nutritional deficiencies are relatively rare. What is being extensively studied, is to find out if taking a lot of vitamins can actually prevent diseases like hear attacks and cancer. Studies have failed to conclude any positive benefits. However that does not mean that there are no vitamin deficiencies in your body. The basic amount of vitamins are absolutely essential for every human being. Excess may either be bad or of no use.

 

So vitamins and supplements will not protect me from cancer and heart diseases?

That is a tricky question. Lack of vitamins and certain essential minerals will make you prone to heart diseases and cancer and therefore supplements will help you. But if the cause of these diseases in your body are not due to deficiencies, then taking excess vitamins will not protect you.

 

Are there generalized conditions in which vitamins and supplements should be avoided?

There are a few. Recent studies have shown that too much of Vit E and maybe even Vit C in smokers makes them prone to Lung Cancers. In the same way, retinoids (a form of Vitamin A) MUST be avoided during pregnancy. People prone to kidney stones must avoid calcium supplements except under medical supervision. Amino acid supplements can worsen kidney function in patients with kidney failure and should not be taken except under medical supervision.

 

So I do not have specific health issues, I can safely take vitamin supplements. Is that right?

Even with certain chronic lifestyle diseases like diabetes and increased blood pressure, you can safely take most of the Vitamin B and C group without much adverse effects. If you plan to undergo any elective surgery or if you have generalized illness like infections, vitamins will help you recover sooner.

 

Can you mention certain generalized conditions for which I can take supplements?

Normally, if you have attained menopause and have not been diagnosed with kidney stones, it is optimal to take a daily dose of calcium supplements. Both men and women can take Vitamin B and C supplements in normal daily doses. If you are NOT a smoker and if you have a family history of any kind of cancer, anti oxidant supplements like Vitamin E can be taken in minimal doses safely. People who are diabetic or hypertensive or both and without any kidney complications can also take amino acid supplements safely. However, do let your doctor know of all the supplements you take for him to optimize your medications.

 

What about Iodine?

Iodine is a very essential component for the functioning of the Thyroid Gland, which plays a role in many aspects of the normal functioning of your body and mind. Salt has been iodized to prevent iodine deficiency and is usually good enough. However if you do not consume salt either on medical advice or due to personal preferences, you can take iodine supplements, which are usually a part of a number of multivitamin pills.

 

I have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism? Will iodine supplements work?

Hypothyroidism can be due to various causes. Commonly in hilly areas, iodine deficiency is a cause and can be corrected by iodine supplements. However excess iodine can also cause reduced thyroid functions. So do check with your physician if you need iodine supplements.