Dietary supplements: this is how dangerous overdoses can be

Dietary supplements are supposed to have a positive effect on the human body.

But experts warn against an overdose.

The shelves in drugstores are full of it: Dietary supplements * promise to contain important vitamins and minerals that we would otherwise not get in sufficient quantities through our food.

As a rule, people who have a balanced diet should not need additional funds.

But many people probably think: it can't do any harm.

But this assumption is wrong.

Indeed, dietary supplement overdoses can have health consequences.

Overdosing on nutritional supplements: These side effects can arise

According to nutrition experts, there is a

with many substances

.

The NDR reports.

In the worst case,

can occur.

The following dietary supplements can therefore have

effects:

• Vitamin A

  : The bone structure in particular suffers from a permanent overdose.

  In addition, a study has shown that the preparation increases the risk of lung cancer and cardiovascular diseases in smokers from 20 milligrams daily.

• Vitamin D

  : Overdosing can lead to

  calcium

  deposits in the vessels and organs.

  Kidney damage can also occur and the risk of pancreatic cancer increases.

  In addition, an overdose can lead to diarrhea, headaches and vomiting.

• Vitamin E

  : Excessive intake can increase the risk of prostate cancer.

  According to studies, this is also said to be related to increased premature mortality.

• Folic acid

  : Folic acid can also make men more likely to develop prostate cancer.

• Potassium

  : An overdose of potassium can promote cardiac arrhythmias and in worse cases even lead to circulatory collapse.

  People who already have kidney disease need to be extra careful, as their kidneys are less able to break down potassium.

• Copper

  : Food supplements containing copper increase the risk of premature death by up to 18 percent, according to a study.

• Selenium

  : A study that was carried out over seven years in the USA has shown that a dose of 200 micrograms per day can increase the risk of diabetes by 50 percent.

• Omega-3 fatty acids

  : The positive effect has been confirmed by doctors: Omega-3 fatty acids are said to reduce the risk of heart attacks and have an anti-inflammatory effect.

  However, you should use foods that naturally contain fatty acids - such as fish, linseed oil, walnuts or chia seeds.

  Food supplements with omega-3 fatty acids are generally unhealthy.

Also read

"Health Claims" regulations are ignored by manufacturers

As the Pharmazeutische Zeitung also reports, there are

.

"

"

- the health-related information on packaging - which

.

There are no studies to prove the health promises.

Since July 2007, however, the "Nutrition and Health Claims Regulation" has provided that the information on the packaging of foods and dietary supplements is scientifically checked by the European Food Safety Authority.

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