In the modern world, vitamins are an integral part of health care. However, there are several common myths about taking vitamins that can lead to unwanted effects. Let’s figure out how to avoid mistakes and get the maximum benefit from vitamins.

Myth: It doesn’t matter how you take your vitamins

The habit of taking vitamins “just in case” can be not only useless, but also harmful. Fat-soluble vitamins (A, E, D, K) are better absorbed by the body when combined with fatty foods, while water-soluble vitamins (C and B) are best taken on an empty stomach. Details like these can significantly affect the absorption of vitamins.

Taking vitamins before bed also requires attention. Some studies indicate a possible decrease in sleep quality with evening doses of vitamins D and B6. This, of course, is not an absolute rule, but it is worth paying attention to the individual reactions of the body.

Myth: Everyone can take vitamins

Taking vitamins incorrectly can lead to problems. The dosage and need for vitamins varies among different populations. For example, women preparing for pregnancy are advised to take folic acid several months before conception.

Treatment of vitamin deficiency also requires medical supervision. Deficiency symptoms can be similar to other diseases, and taking vitamins on your own without consulting a doctor may be ineffective and even harmful.

Myth: You don’t need to consult a doctor to take vitamins

The combination of vitamins with each other and with medications also requires medical supervision. Some vitamins interact with each other, making the absorption of some less effective than others. In addition, some medications can impair the absorption of vitamins or even reduce their effectiveness.

It is also important to remember that taking vitamins in large doses can lead to an overdose. Symptoms of overdose may include rash, diarrhea, vomiting, and paying careful attention to them will help you avoid problems.

Conclusion: proper use of vitamins is not only a concern for health, but also a responsibility to your body. Consultation with a doctor and a conscious attitude towards taking vitamins will help avoid unwanted consequences.

Myth: You can’t get too many vitamins

It is widely known that vitamin deficiency is unfavorable, but the question of the possibility of vitamin overdose often remains in the shadows.

Every year, poison control centers in the United States receive about 60 thousand reports of cases of vitamin overdose.

Common symptoms of vitamin overdose include rash, diarrhea, vomiting and nausea.

Excessive intake of vitamin A supplements (more than 20 mg per day) may increase the risk of lung and stomach cancer. Postmenopausal women who consume too much vitamin B6 and B12 double their risk of hip fracture.

The exact content of dietary supplements is unknown because they are not regulated as drugs. Therefore, there is a risk of overdose and side effects.

The best source of vitamins is food. The more varied your diet, the more different vitamins and minerals you will get. Take vitamins only after consulting your doctor and undergoing appropriate tests.