A pharmacist is warning of the dangers of a new vitamin-maxxing trend as supplement consumption hits record highs in the UK. Vitamin-maxxing is a health trend around optimising nutrient intake to maximize physical appearance, energy, and immunity. It follows similar ‘protein and fibre-maxxing’ trends designed to boost intake.
While health supplements can offer a variety of benefits for general and specific health needs, high-dose supplementation or megadosing can be dangerous and potentially harmful, warns a leading pharmacist. Supplement consumption has been rising by an average of 13.1% annually since 2018 in the UK, reaching its current record levels.
With an estimated 75% of UK adults taking supplements, and two thirds of whom taking them at least once a day, vitamins are a significant part of daily life for many. Pharmacist Wendy Lee, of Well Pharmacy said: “Although there are unquestionably numerous health benefits associated with taking supplements, vitamin-maxxing or overdosing on supplements can be unsafe.
“And there is a wider risk that many others are taking pills they don’t need, either taking them incorrectly, or assuming that anything natural automatically means it is beneficial and is safe to take.”
Wendy said: “Choosing which supplement to take can be confusing and we would always advise speaking to your pharmacist for advice. They are experts in giving guidance on which would best suit your needs, plus correct dosage and any possible contraindications if you are already taking other medication.”
Wendy outlined the seven biggest vitamin myths and what you can expect to happen if you incorporate them in your diet
Myth 1: If a vitamin is good for you, taking more must be better
Wendy said: ”This is one of the most dangerous misconceptions surrounding supplements. Vitamins can become toxic when taken in high doses over time. I would never recommend vitamin-maxxing (otherwise known as mega-dosing) and would caution to only take the recommended dosage of any supplement.
“This is particularly true for fat-soluble vitamins, which are stored in the body rather than flushed out and include vitamins A, D, E and K. Excess vitamin D, for example, can lead to dangerously high calcium levels, potentially causing kidney stones, confusion and, in severe cases, kidney failure.
“Too much vitamin A has been linked to liver damage and bone problems, while high doses of vitamin E may increase bleeding risk. Recommended daily allowances exist for a reason, and vitamin-maxxing should never be attempted without medical supervision.”
Myth 2: You can get all the vitamins you need from supplements
Wendy said: ”Supplements are designed to supplement a diet and not to replace one. Whole foods provide a far more complex mix of nutrients, fibre and beneficial compounds that tablets cannot fully replicate. For example, citrus fruits provide vitamin C alongside fibre and antioxidants.
“In fact, a single piece of kiwi fruit or an orange can actually provide more vitamin C (70mg) than your recommended daily intake (40mg). And oily fish offers vitamin D together with healthy omega-3 fats.
“At Well Pharmacy, we believe a balanced diet remains the best foundation for good health. This does not mean supplements don’t have a place however, but as the name suggests, they should be taken in conjunction with a healthy diet, not instead of it.”
Continue reading by clicking the ( NEXT 》 ) button below!
