Doctors warned about the consequences of excessive intake of chewable vitamins
Chewable vitamins have long ceased to be exclusively a children's supplement to the diet. Due to their taste and bright appearance, they are increasingly perceived almost as sweets. However, this, according to experts, is the reason for thousands of calls to poison control centers: children often eat several "marmalades" at once, and adults forget that even vitamins can be dangerous if consumed improperly. Is it really possible to get an overdose of chewable vitamins, which substances pose the greatest danger and why supplements are not able to replace proper nutrition — in the Izvestia article.
Candy or medicine: is it possible to get an overdose of vitamins
At first glance, chewable vitamins seem harmless: they are sweet, have a fruity taste and differ little from ordinary marmalade. However, experts from a study published in the journal Popular Science remind us that these are primarily biologically active supplements containing certain doses of vitamins and minerals. That is why they cannot be eaten without restrictions.
According to Dr. Kate Brown, clinical director of America's Poison Centers, more than 60,000 calls related to possible vitamin poisoning are received annually at U.S. poison control centers. In most cases, we are talking about young children who accidentally eat too many chewable vitamins, mistaking them for sweets. According to the expert, in most such situations, serious consequences can be avoided.
Kate Brown
Very rarely, children develop symptoms when they are referred to a poison control center for taking multivitamins. Most of these drugs have a certain safety margin.
She named iron-containing drugs as an exception. If consumed in too large doses, this element can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, and in severe cases, serious disorders of the internal organs. That is why experts recommend storing such supplements out of the reach of children.
Which vitamins are most dangerous in excess?
Not all vitamins behave the same way in the body. The main reason why some supplements may pose a risk is related to how the body metabolizes and excretes them. Vitamins are divided into two main groups: water-soluble and fat-soluble. The body is usually able to remove the former along with the liquid, so the probability of accumulating large reserves of such substances is lower. These include, for example, B vitamins and vitamin C.
Kate Brown
Some vitamins are better absorbed by the tissues and bones of our body, these are fat-soluble vitamins. Water-soluble vitamins are absorbed much worse and, most likely, are simply eliminated from the body.
Fat—soluble vitamins - A, D, E, and K. - are much more questionable. They can accumulate in the body because they are stored in adipose tissue and liver. With regular use of excessive doses, this can lead to undesirable consequences.
Experts pay special attention to vitamin A. In large quantities, it can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, and other disorders. Excess vitamin D can lead to an increase in blood calcium levels, which is also a health hazard. At the same time, experts note that problems often arise not because of the accidental intake of one extra serving, but because of the regular use of supplements in quantities exceeding the recommended norms.
Another difficulty of chewing vitamins is that their appearance can create a false sense of security. Manufacturers often make them look like sweets, but active substances remain inside, which require the same careful attention as any other additives.
Why chewable vitamins are not a substitute for a healthy diet
The popularity of chewable vitamins is largely related to convenience: they are easier to take than pills, and the pleasant taste makes the process more attractive. However, experts emphasize that supplements cannot replace a full-fledged diet.
Vitamins and minerals in the body do not work in isolation. They come together with other nutrients from food, and a balanced diet helps to get the necessary elements in their natural form.
According to experts, most people who follow a varied diet may not need additional vitamin complexes. Supplements are more often used in situations where there is a confirmed deficiency of certain substances or an increased need for the body.
At the same time, chewable vitamins can be a useful tool for those who find it really difficult to get the necessary substances from food. The main condition is to observe the dosage and perceive them as an additive, not as a kind of candy.
Experts recommend storing such products in the same way as medicines, especially if there are small children in the house. The bright packaging and sweet taste can make them attractive, but there are still active ingredients behind the usual marmalade shape that require careful handling.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
