The Supplements Doctors Say to Stop Taking Now — Eat This Not That

By Ghuman

Introduction

The Supplements Doctors Say to Stop Taking Now — Eat This Not That is an article that provides readers with information on the supplements that doctors recommend avoiding. It outlines the potential risks associated with taking certain supplements and provides alternative options for those looking to improve their health. The article also provides advice on how to make sure you are taking the right supplements for your individual needs. With this article, readers can make informed decisions about their health and supplement use.

The Supplements Doctors Say to Stop Taking Now

If you’re taking supplements, you may want to reconsider. According to a recent report from the American College of Physicians, there are certain supplements that doctors are now recommending people stop taking. Here’s a look at the supplements doctors say to stop taking now.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a popular supplement that many people take for its antioxidant properties. However, recent studies have shown that taking vitamin E supplements can increase the risk of prostate cancer in men. For this reason, doctors are now recommending that people stop taking vitamin E supplements.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is another popular supplement that many people take for its antioxidant properties. However, recent studies have shown that taking vitamin A supplements can increase the risk of lung cancer in smokers. For this reason, doctors are now recommending that people stop taking vitamin A supplements.

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 is a popular supplement that many people take for its energy-boosting properties. However, recent studies have shown that taking vitamin B6 supplements can increase the risk of nerve damage. For this reason, doctors are now recommending that people stop taking vitamin B6 supplements.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a popular supplement that many people take for its immune-boosting properties. However, recent studies have shown that taking vitamin C supplements can increase the risk of kidney stones. For this reason, doctors are now recommending that people stop taking vitamin C supplements.

Calcium

Calcium is a popular supplement that many people take for its bone-strengthening properties. However, recent studies have shown that taking calcium supplements can increase the risk of heart attack. For this reason, doctors are now recommending that people stop taking calcium supplements.

Conclusion

If you’re taking any of the supplements mentioned above, it’s important to talk to your doctor about whether or not you should continue taking them. While supplements can be beneficial, they can also be dangerous if taken in excess or without proper medical advice. Be sure to talk to your doctor before making any changes to your supplement regimen.

There’s no shortage of supplements on the shelves promising miracle cures and instant weight loss, but not all work. In fact, some are not as safe as you think and can actually cause harmful side effects and pose hidden health dangers. Eat This, Not That! Health talked with experts who explain what to be aware of before taking supplements and which ones to stay away from. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.

Smiling woman taking a pill.
iStock

Reda Elmardi, a Registered Dietician, Certified Nutritionist, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist Trainer and owner of thegymgoat.com explains, “Supplements are not regulated by the FDA. This means that they are not tested for safety before being sold to consumers. If something goes wrong, there is no way to know if it was caused by the supplement or the manufacturer. In addition, many manufacturers do not disclose what exactly is in their products. Many supplements contain ingredients that have been proven to cause harm. Some examples include caffeine, ephedra, and other stimulants. Others may contain harmful amounts of iron, zinc, magnesium, or vitamins A, D, E, K, and B12. Supplements can interact with medications. This is especially true for those who use prescription drugs. Taking certain supplements at the same time as your medication could lead to serious side effects. Supplements can interfere with your body’s natural processes. When taken without medical supervision, supplements can cause unwanted reactions in the body. They can affect how your body metabolizes food, hormones, and even medications.”

Smiling young lady looking at her vitamins
Shutterstock

Elmardi explains, “Glucosamine sulfate is a natural product derived from shellfish. It is often included in dietary supplements marketed to help people with joint pain associated with osteoarthritis. But glucosamine isn’t helpful for everyone; some research suggests it might even cause problems like stomach ulcers and kidney stones.”

woman taking vitamin D3
Shutterstock

Dr. Seema Bonney, the founder and medical director of the Anti-Aging & Longevity Center of Philadelphia says, “Vitamin A  high intakes of some forms of vitamin A can be harmful. Taking more than 10,000 IU vit A daily long term increases risk of osteoporosis. Getting too much preformed vitamin A (usually from supplements or certain medicines) can cause dizziness, nausea, headaches, coma, and even death. High intake of preformed vitamin A in pregnant women can also cause birth defects in their babies.”

Elmardi adds, “Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that is necessary for vision, reproduction, bone formation, immune function, and skin health. However, too much can cause toxicity, especially in children. In fact, 1/3 of the world’s population has some degree of vitamin A deficiency.”

Woman holding a pill in her hand.
Shutterstock

“Creatine is a naturally occurring substance that occurs in meat and fish,” Elmardi shares. “It has been used by athletes for years due to its ability to increase muscle mass. However, creatine can be dangerous if taken in large doses. This supplement is not regulated by the FDA and contains ingredients that have not been proven safe. Some of these include L-carnitine, beta-alanine, and taurine. These substances may cause serious health problems.”

young woman taking pill
Shutterstock / New Africa

Vitamin B6 is important for brain development and keeping the immune system healthy, but  Dr. Booney states, “Excessive amounts of vitamin B6 can produce peripheral neuropathy.”

Middle-aged businesswoman standing holding the frame of her glasses to her mouth as she stares pensively into the distance.
Shutterstock

Vitamin E is important for helping maintain good vision and the health of your blood and skin, but according to Dr. Bonney, ” Vitamin E in doses greater than 400 units daily has been associated with a higher risk of all causes of death.”

RELATED: These Factors Are Secretly Increasing Your Lung Cancer Risk

woman holds medications
Shutterstock

Garlic and ginger can provide anti-inflammatory benefits, but Dr. Booney says, “Garlic, ginger or ginkgo extracts can potentially interact with blood thinners and increase the risk of bleeding.”

Thoughtful girl sitting on sill embracing knees looking at window, sad depressed teenager spending time alone at home, young upset pensive woman feeling lonely or frustrated thinking about problems
Shutterstock

According to Dr. Booney, “St. John’s Wort is often taken for depression, but it can interact with other antidepressants being taken at the same time.”