Most people fall for dietary supplements because they think that they are “not getting adequate amount of nutrients,” which might be true in some cases but not always. And once people get into the habit of supplements they don’t pay attention to their diet because they think that their pill is taking care of the required nutrient. The office of dietary claims that “in 2002,calcium supplements were the number one selling mineral supplement and the 3rd highest selling supplement overall in the U.S. nutrition industry totaling approximately $877 million in sales.” Calcium is readily available in dairy products and other foods such as cabbage and broccoli. Eating variety and healthy food can meet the daily required nutrient but no, we look for easier way to get out of the way hence most of us end up taking calcium pills rather than adding a yogurt in our diet. Also, there are people who believe in “more is better.” Is more always better???---I don’t think so. We know that there is a normal range for every thing in our body. It is true that calcium is good for bones and teeth but what if take it more than required? Toxicity, which results in hypocalcaemia, impaired kidney function, and decreased absorption of other minerals.
Majority of the supplements are self-prescribed and work on referral basis. Every individual has different body chemistry so the drug that worked for A may not always work for B. and to take medication without a physician’s advice is not always a good idea. The drug may not always have the therapeutic effect and may have side effects. One should be more concerned if taking two or more drugs for that might cause drug-to-drug interaction.
I have seen many athletes overdosing themselves with protein supplements. As college students we all know that it’s the carbohydrates that actually fuel our body with energy. So, we should actually look into our carbs if we need extra energy, not proteins. A research document by Prof. Linda B. Bobroff (Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida) states that “Even if you are an active person, you don't need protein or amino acid supplements. These supplements are unnecessary and can be dangerous!” she further explains that following the food pyramid and eating variety of food rich in different nutrients is a key factor for being fit and healthy.
Source:www.fda.org
www.edis.ifas.ufl.edu/FY470
http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Calcium_pf.asp
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4 comments:
That was very interesting, i didn't realize i needed to consult with my doctor on every drug I'm taking. I should have thought about drug to drug interactions and how they would mix, so now i have to make an appointment with my doctor...thanks!
I agree, a very interesting article. With everything that people can eat or use to supplement eating there can be serious risks if overused. People want to be healthier and by taking supplements they are thinking they can just forget the real food. The most natural way to be healthy is by consulting a doctor and getting on a good diet filled with vitamins and minerals. Besides, food tastes good.
Indeed an intersting article and being calcium toxic, I do agree with whatever you said about overdose and toxicity. we all should be very careful about the drugs that we take and neverthless should always consult before taking any kind of medication.
True!a lot of people are so unaware of these facts. They keep taking these supplements thinking they are doing the right thing.It's not like it might be positive or neutral, it actually has negative effects which can be a real big issue. I really admire this article. great job!! keep people informed...
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