Supplements are sold through stores, the internet, infomercials and through network marketing channels. Many claim to cure every ailment from the common cold to even cancer. Just how many supplements do we actually need? Most people think supplements are as safe as water and some take as many as 20 supplements per day! Is this all necessary?

Are we absorbing and utilizing all these tablets and capsules in our body or are they just sitting there and being eliminated with no use, and maybe causing some harm to our body?

The Truth

Most people don’t realize there can be a toxic side to supplements. In recent years, taking supplements has become almost a fad. Some people think if a little helps, more is even better. What they don’t realize is that there can be toxic effects from too much of a good thing. For example, according to the National Institute of Health, Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet:

Vitamin A – has been reported to be toxic to pregnant women who take 10,000 IU or higher amounts per day. There is an increase risk of birth defects and osteoporosis with high intake of Vitamin A. For adults 2000 to 5000 IU is sufficient.

Vitamin C – in high doses can cause diarrhea and gastrointestinal problems. The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for a nonsmoking adult is 90 – 120mg in order to prevent chronic illness.

Niacin – high doses can result in liver toxicity, worsening of stomach ulcers and altered blood sugar or insulin levels. Physicians may prescribe it as treatment for high cholesterol. The RDA ranges from 16 to 18 milligrams daily for adults, with a maximum intake of 35 milligrams daily.

Selenium – this popular antioxidant does have an ugly side. Take too much and you can experience the toxic effects which include skin and nail changes and nervous system problems. The U.S. RDA for adults is 80 to 200 micrograms taken by mouth.

Comfrey – works well for helping with wound healing as a poultice, or as tea to sooth the stomach. Ingestion of the herb itself can result in liver damage.

Echinacea – is a potent immune system stimulant. It should not be taken during pregnancy. If taken for more than 8 consecutive weeks, may be toxic to the liver.

Feverfew – should not be taken while pregnant or breastfeeding. MAY CAUSE MISCARRIAGE.

Kava – useful as a sleep aid, but it has been associated with liver damage.

Licorice – contains a chemical called glycyrrhizic acid. Taken in high amounts, can cause headache, fatigue, high blood pressure, heart problems, imbalance of certain hormones (low testosterone and high estrogen) and sodium and fluid retention. Should not be taken by infants or children. Licorice is found in many brands of popular toothpaste and other personal care products.

Sassafras – marketed as a dietary supplement for treatment of skin diseases, as a stimulant, and many other uses. It is banned by the FDA as a food additive, since studies reported cancer in rats and mice.

Senna – sold as tea, capsules, tablets or syrup and promoted as a laxative. Long term use can result in dehydration due to excessive loss of potassium.

Since most herbs have medicinal properties, they should be taken only if recommended by a physician or trained professional.

What we really need:

Let’s keep it simple. A good multi vitamin/mineral supplement will help establish whatever is lacking in our food.

Omega 3,6,9 is helpful for a healthy heart along with coenzyme Q 10, which studies show is suggested for the heart and possibly gum disease.

Women need a calcium (preferably in the citrate form) supplement with magnesium, zinc and vitamin D.

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