It is a general belief that vitamins are always good for health but according to recent researches excess vitamins can be harmful also.
It is usual practice to consume 400-1000 milligram of ‘ vitamin C’ during common cold and flu, according to US Food and drug audit as Vitamin C can lead to antihistamine which eases running nose. But many people don’t know that Vitamin C is also a reducing agent and it destroys the nutritional value of food. It also increase the amount of uric acid in blood which increases the chance of joint pain. FDA report also says that excess of Vitamin C can nullify the effect of Vitamin B from our daily food.
In recent times Multinational drug companies are advertising the benefits of Vitamin B complex and advertising as if everyone on earth lacks Vitamin B. However a prolong usage of Vitamin B complex can lead to intestinal infection, increase in uric acid in blood and low capacity to absorb glucose.
Vitamin E is recommended in Skin problems and heart diseases but excesses of it can lower the Vitamin K component from Blood….an element essential for blood Coagulation.
Vitamin A and D are most recommended of all vitamins, Young Kids are advised to take cod-liver oil to fulfill this requirement and it is sometimes topped with supplements. Vitamin D supplement is unnecessary if one spends at least 10-20 minutes in sunlight.
Good sources of Vitamin A are Carrots. Excess of both can lead to headache and nausea.
Calcium is also recommended highly for bone development but the necessity can be met with a glass of milk and eating leafy vegetables. Calcium supplements are recommended and should be take only at old age.
However there are some diseases and conditions where vitamin intake becomes important. For example in diseases like scurvy, night blindness, rickets etc. Similarly pregnant women need both vitamins and calcium supplements. Kids who do not have milk need calcium tablets.
Vitamins and tonic are not replacement but supplements for food. A Balanced diet of vegetables, grains, eggs, meat, fish and fruits can wither away this necessity.