The last few years have seen a huge spike in health and wellness. The pandemic forced people to grapple with their own wellbeing, leading to a dramatic rise in interest in vitamins and supplements. Dietary supplement sales in the U.S. increased by 50% between 2018 and 2020, amounting to more than $220 billion, according to a 2023 study published in the journal Nutrients.
However, wellness influencers often promote supplements as a quick fix for various ailments. Caroline Thomason, R.D., highlights that “social media has significantly influenced people’s interest in taking various vitamins, often prioritizing trends over scientific evidence.” This can lead to misinformation and unnecessary supplementation.
What vitamins should I take?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It’s best to consult a primary care physician who can check your levels with a blood test. A licensed dietitian can then provide personalized recommendations if deficiencies are found. Thomason warns, “If someone makes it seem like there’s a one-size-fits-all approach to vitamins, that’s a big red flag.”
Unless you’re deficient, it’s advisable to obtain vital nutrients through food rather than supplements, as noted by the National Institutes of Health’s Office of Dietary Supplements.
What vitamins should not be taken daily?
Health experts caution against regularly taking certain vitamins without consulting a dietitian or doctor. Fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, K, as well as minerals like iron and electrolytes like potassium and calcium can pose risks of toxicity if taken unnecessarily.
Thomason states, “Depending on the vitamin and the dose, excessive intake can lead to serious health issues,” including liver damage and kidney stones. Always confirm with a doctor that any supplements you take do not negatively interact with medications.
Comments are closed