Gastroenterologist ruled out replacing vitamins with spices

Spices cannot replace vitamin and mineral complexes and do not have a significant effect on the body due to their small amount in the diet. Ekaterina Kashukh, an expert doctor at the Hemotest Laboratory and a gastroenterologist, told Izvestia about this on April 6.

"The concentration of vitamins, macro- and microelements in spices is low, and they cannot replace pharmacy vitamin and mineral complexes as a preventive measure for deficiencies," she noted.

According to the expert, seasonings are primarily a taste addition to food and do not significantly affect the body's biochemistry or emotional state.

The expert stressed that some categories of people should use spices with caution. In diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, spicy seasonings can provoke an exacerbation, and in cardiovascular diseases, they can affect blood pressure levels. Kashukh added that people taking medications require special attention.

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"Turmeric can enhance the effects of antidiabetic drugs, causing a dangerous decrease in sugar. Ginger and cloves can reduce blood viscosity, so their combination with anticoagulants (warfarin, aspirin) it increases the risk of bleeding," she explained.

Also, as the doctor noted, pregnant, lactating women and children under three years of age are advised to consult with a specialist before using spices.

At the same time, seasonings can be useful for healthy people as an element of a varied diet. Kashukh explained that, for example, capsaicin contained in hot peppers stimulates digestion and increases blood flow.

According to the expert, the right combination of spices with products allows you to reveal their properties, but the main role in providing the body with the necessary substances is played by a balanced diet.

Varvara Veretyuk, a gastroenterologist and therapist at Invitro, said the day before that taking large doses of vitamin C is not always justified and may not have the expected effect. She noted that with moderate intake (30-180 mg per day), 70-90% of the vitamin is absorbed, and doses over 100 mg lead to tissue saturation.

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