Do you ever wonder if everything you hear about vitamins is true? There’s a lot of “fake news” out there. Let’s debunk some common vitamin myths and get to the facts.
1. Myth: I don’t need to tell my doctor if I’m taking vitamins.
Fact: Vitamins can interact with other drugs, so you need to tell your doctor about any supplements you take.
2. Myth: All supplements are safe because they’re natural.
Fact: Natural doesn’t always mean safe. For instance, high doses of Vitamin E can increase the risk of bleeding.
3. Myth: More vitamins mean better health.
Fact: Taking too many vitamins can be harmful. Overdoing Vitamin A can cause liver damage, while too much Vitamin B6 can lead to nerve damage. Even water-soluble vitamins like Vitamin C can cause stomach upset in large amounts.
4. Myth: Vitamins can cure diseases.
Fact: Vitamins support overall health but are not cures. We know that Vitamin C can help support the immune system but won’t cure the common cold. Zinc can also help reduce the duration of colds but isn’t a cure.
5. Myth: Supplements can replace a healthy diet.
Fact: Supplements are meant to complement your diet, not replace it. Eating a variety of foods provides nutrients that supplements alone can’t offer.
6. Myth: You don’t need a supplement for pregnancy.
Fact: Women need extra nutrients during pregnancy. Prenatal vitamins help support the baby’s development and the mother’s health. Folic acid specifically, is needed to prevent birth defects.
7. Myth: Taking vitamins at any time of day is the same.
Fact: Some vitamins are better absorbed with food, while others are best taken on an empty stomach. For example, fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K should be taken with a meal containing fat for better absorption.
In a nutshell, getting the facts about vitamins can help you make smarter health choices. Keep it simple: focus on a balanced diet first, and use supplements to fill in the gaps. Your health journey is all about balance and making informed decisions that work best for you!
References
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/video/myths-facts-vitamins-supplements
https://ods.od.nih.gov/pubs/The_Scoop_July_2023.pdf https://www.webmd.com/men/features/vitamins-separating-fact-from-fiction
https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/why-take-vitamin-and-mineral-supplements
