Supplement safety: Experts Urge Caution as Usage Soars
PARIS – A growing number of individuals are turning to food supplements to boost energy, improve mood, and bolster immunity, but health professionals are issuing a stark warning: “natural” doesn’t equate to “harmless.” Misuse, improper dosage, and poor product quality can lead to serious health risks, ranging from liver damage to digestive disruption.
While supplements can address documented deficiencies - impacting as many as 60% of Europeans with Vitamin D shortages, 40% lacking magnesium, and a third of women of childbearing age experiencing iron or B9 deficiencies – experts emphasize the potential for harm when taken without guidance. A 2020 study by German researchers revealed that excessive supplementation can overwhelm the digestive system and negatively impact the gut microbiota. Moreover, a recent investigation by UFC-Que Choisir found that one-third of tested supplements contained inaccurate dosages or questionable additives.
Certain nutrients, like Vitamin A, zinc, and iron, can become toxic in high doses, causing internal imbalances and potentially damaging organs like the liver and pancreas. The effectiveness of supplements also hinges on quality; poorly absorbed magnesium or improperly formulated Vitamin D may offer little to no benefit.To mitigate risks, health officials recommend choosing reputable brands, undertaking targeted supplementation “cures” with appropriate breaks, and consulting with a healthcare professional. Supplements should be treated with the same respect as potent herbal remedies or nutrient-rich foods, prioritizing informed choices and professional support to ensure they work with yoru body, not against it.
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