Many times, multivitamins are considered beneficial. You can find them in school bags, homes, and even gyms. Daily users think they are enhancing their health. What if the very tablets meant to protect you are slowly degrading your body?
Unexpected yet accurate, ingested incorrectly, multivitamins may harm your kidneys and liver. We will go over in this essay how, why, and what you may do to stay safe.
What Vitamins Are in Multivitamin Supplements?
Pills, capsules, or powders that include a combination of vitamins and minerals are considered multivitamins. They typically provide:
- Vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K
- Iron, magnesium, calcium, and zinc, among other minerals
Promoted as “health boosters” or “everyday energy support,” people take these for:
- Closing dietary deficiencies
- Enhancement of skin or hair
- Promoting the defence system
- Developing endurance
Most people, however, don’t need them if they eat a well-balanced diet. Taking them without need or instruction could cause significant medical problems.
Your Liver’s Task
The liver removes toxins, including supplements and drugs. It may become inflamed or harmed when overloaded with large doses of vitamins.
Role of Your Kidneys
The kidneys help remove waste from the bloodstream. Too many vitamins, especially fat-soluble ones like A, D, E, and K, can build up and put pressure on the kidneys, causing long-term damage.
Vitamins That May Hurt You in High Doses
1. Vitamin A
- Too much of it causes headaches, dry skin, and liver enlargement.
- Long-term heavy intake might cause liver failure.
2. Vitamin D
- An excess of vitamin D causes blood calcium levels to rise.
- This can harm the kidneys, potentially leading to the formation of stones or kidney failure.
3. Iron
Many multivitamins contain iron.
- Particularly in men or postmenopausal women, extra iron damages the liver and leads to constipation or stomach discomfort.
4. Calcium
- Extra calcium adds tension to the kidneys.
- It could result in lower kidney function and an increased risk of kidney stones.
Real-Life Indicators of Vitamin Overload
Beware of these signs:
- Continued tiredness
- Skin or eye yellowing (liver warning)
- Vomiting or nausea
- Abdominal cramps
- Itchy skin
- Back pain reduction
- Passing less or feeling swollen
If you have these and are taking multivitamins, it’s time to consult a doctor.
Why Do People Overconsume Multivitamins?
1. They Consider More to Be Preferable
Two or three tablets are preferable if one is good. Vitamins are not like this.
2. Online Impact
Social media is overflowing with fitness suggestions. Many influencers, however, are not certified. Following a supplement schedule without understanding your own needs is dangerous.
3. Without Doctor’s Advice
Many individuals take multivitamins without first determining their actual vitamin and mineral deficiencies. This may lead to unnecessary and harmful intake.
Who Should Be Extra Cautious?
For some people, multivitamins could be more dangerous:
- Individuals with kidney or liver illness
- Old (slowed metabolism)
- Children (less body weight)
- Pregnant women: an overdose might hurt the infant
- People are already using other drugs
Natural Food vs. Supplements: Which Is Superior?
Natural food always triumphs.
- Safer
- Balanced:
Take supplements only when:
- Your doctor sees a certain lack
- You have absorption problems (as in some gut disorders)
- You are recuperating from a sickness or surgery
Internal Medicine Specialist Dr. Sheila Ramani
Many patients come to us with liver issues brought on by inappropriate supplements. Most believe they are healthy, but in fact, they are slowly poisoning their body.
Dr. Karan Mehta, Nephrologist (Kidney Specialist)
Rising instances of kidney problems in young adults connected to large doses of vitamins, particularly D and calcium from over-the-counter multivitamins, are being observed.
Alternatives and Advice That Are Safer
First, Get a Blood Test
Only use supplements for vitamins or minerals that your body is deficient in.
Talk With Your Doctor
Never unthinkingly follow fashions. Your doctor may advise you on what your body needs.
1. Read the Label
Check the amounts of every vitamin. Do not cross the daily safe limit.
2. Eat Whole Foods
Include foods like:
- Citrus fruits (Vitamin C)
- Carrots and spinach (Vitamin A)
- Dairy and eggs (vitamin D)
- Nuts and seeds: Vitamin E
3. Take a Pause
Stop and consider if you have been on multivitamins for two to three months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Should multivitamins be taken daily?
A: Only if your doctor advises you that they are necessary. Daily use otherwise could impair your liver and kidneys.
Q2: How should supplements be consumed safely?
A: Get tested, speak with your doctor, and adhere to the dose. Steer clear of strong-dose combinations.
Q3: Should I take multivitamins daily if I already do?
A: Get your doctor to do a liver and kidney test. Blood tests can identify any damage early on.
Q4: Are “herbal” or “natural” vitamins less hazardous?
A: Not always; herbal supplements can be dangerous in high doses or combined with other medications as well.
Q5: Children may use multivitamins.
A: FOR THE USE OF CHILDREN ONLY when advised by a paediatrician. Those who overdose face grave consequences, including hepatic and renal damage.
Multivitamins are helpful, but only when needed. Taking them without cause or medical direction does more harm than good. Your kidneys and liver constantly strive to maintain your health; hence, let’s not overload them.
Eat a nutritious diet, keep active, get sunlight, and only take supplements if your physician advises you to.
