Think twice before taking vitamins pills casually – a cautionary note by Dr Amita Jain
In an ever-growing health-conscious world, vitamin supplements are often seen as a quick fix for various ailments. People often assume that taking vitamins can only improve their health, but Dr Amita Jain, a renowned Senior General and Laparoscopic Surgeon in Delhi, emphasizes that supplements are not risk-free. Consulting a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen is essential to avoid potential harm.
What are the Risks of Self-Prescribing Supplements?
While vitamins are essential for maintaining bodily functions, excessive intake can lead to serious health issues. Fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K can accumulate in the body over time, leading to toxicity. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, liver damage, nerve problems, and digestive disturbances. Even water-soluble vitamins like B6 and C, which are generally considered safer, can pose health risks if taken in very high doses.
Certain supplements can also interfere with routine medical tests. For example, biotin, commonly taken to improve hair and skin health, can disrupt laboratory assays and lead to inaccurate readings related to hormone levels or other important health markers. Such interference may result in misdiagnosis or unnecessary treatments.
Potential Interactions with Medications
Taking supplements without medical guidance can also create dangerous interactions with prescription medications. Some over-the-counter vitamins and herbal supplements may reduce the effectiveness of medications or increase the risk of serious side effects.
For instance, supplements that affect blood clotting can interfere with blood thinners, leading to increased bleeding risk. Therefore, it is crucial to inform your doctor about all supplements you are taking to prevent harmful interactions.
The Importance of Professional Guidance
Dr Jain advises that before introducing any supplement, especially during post-surgery recovery or chronic illness management, consulting a doctor is essential. A healthcare professional can evaluate your individual nutritional needs, determine if supplementation is necessary, and monitor for any adverse effects.
While vitamin supplements can be beneficial when used correctly, they are not without risks. Self-prescribing supplements can lead to toxicity, interfere with medical tests, and interact harmfully with other medications. For safe and effective use, always seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Being informed and cautious ensures that your efforts to improve health do not inadvertently cause harm.
Dr Amita Jain is one of India’s most distinguished and experienced female surgeons, known for her unmatched expertise in general and laparoscopic surgery. With over 29 years of surgical excellence, Dr Amita Jain has built a reputation for precision, compassionate care, and advanced surgical techniques.
Dr Amita Jain has successfully performed a wide range of complex general surgeries, including both open and minimally invasive procedures, with a strong focus on trauma care, onco-surgical techniques, and reconstructive surgeries. Her areas of specialisation include (including Gallbladder stone removal, appendix removal, hernia repair surgery, piles and fissure surgeries). She was the Professor of Surgery at the Army College of Medical Sciences and Base Hospital, Delhi Cantt. In 1994, she was commissioned asa Surgeon under the United Nations Mission in Congo. From 2020 to 2022, she worked with Bansals Hospital. Currently, Dr Amita Jain is the Senior General and Laparoscopic Surgeon at Rainbow Children Hospitals (Malviya Nagar, Delhi), Artemis Lite: Multi-Speciality Care Hospital (New Friends Colony, New Delhi) and at Rosewalk – Luxury Maternity Hospital in Delhi (Panchsheel Park, Delhi)
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