Why do doctors say not to take vitamins?

Asked by: Prof. Norval Kris  |  Last update: September 20, 2023
Score: 4.2/5 (49 votes)

Supplements aren't always safe.
Dr. Millstein explains, “Supplements may interact with other medications you're taking or pose risks if you have certain medical conditions, such as liver disease, or are going to have surgery.

Why do doctors not want you to take vitamins?

The researchers concluded that multivitamins don't reduce the risk for heart disease, cancer, cognitive decline (such as memory loss and slowed-down thinking) or an early death. They also noted that in prior studies, vitamin E and beta-carotene supplements appear to be harmful, especially at high doses.

Is there any reason not to take vitamins?

Supplements can also cause problems if you have certain health conditions. And the effects of many supplements haven't been tested in children, pregnant women and other groups. So talk with your health care provider if you're thinking about taking dietary supplements.

Why do doctors not recommend supplements?

They may be toxic, ineffective, or contaminated (all of which are not uncommon). In other words: Most people who eat a healthy diet are unlikely to benefit from nutritional supplements.

Who should not take vitamins?

If you're a smoker or a former smoker, you should avoid a multivitamin with a large amount of beta-carotene and vitamin A, as those ingredients may increase the risk of lung cancer. You also want to watch the amount of vitamin A if you're pregnant, as it can lead to an increased risk of birth defects.

10 Vitamins You Should Never Take Together | Dr. Janine

19 related questions found

Which vitamin is not good to take too much?

Poisonous Ingredient. Any ingredient in a multiple vitamin supplement can be toxic in large amounts, but the most serious risk comes from iron or calcium. Additional risks are associated with large or toxic doses of calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin A.

Is it good to take a multivitamin everyday?

But there is still limited evidence that a daily cocktail of essential vitamins and minerals actually delivers what you expect. Most studies find no benefit from multivitamins in protecting the brain or heart. But There are potential benefits and no risks from a one daily standard multivitamin.

What happens to your body when you start taking vitamins?

When you start taking vitamins, you should expect to experience the following benefits - your energy levels will increase, more food will be converted into energy, your short-term memory will improve, your immune system will become stronger, your muscles will become stronger, and your skin will look healthier.

Which supplements do doctors recommend?

Here's Dr Goodman's advice on what to take and how to take it, along with supplement recommendations from us.
  • Take vitamin C supplements for your immune system.
  • Take vitamin D supplements for your bones and brain.
  • Take zinc supplements for healing.
  • Take vitamin B complex supplements for energy.
  • How to pick your supplements.

What vitamins do you not need daily?

The Top Five Vitamins You Should Not Take
  • Vitamin C. Perhaps the most popular single vitamin supplement, vitamin C occurs in plentiful amounts in many fresh fruits and vegetables. ...
  • Vitamin A and beta carotene. ...
  • Vitamin E. ...
  • Vitamin B6. ...
  • Multi-vitamins.

What vitamins should a woman be taking daily?

7 Essential Supplements for Women
  • Calcium: The Bone Builder. ...
  • Vitamin D: ...
  • Fish Oil: The Heart Protector. ...
  • Folate: The Cell Generator. ...
  • Iron: The Blood Builder. ...
  • Magnesium: The Body Regulator. ...
  • Lutein: The Eye Protector.

Do doctors ever prescribe vitamins?

Some doctors "prescribe" vitamin and mineral add-ons based on a patient's age, diet, and individual health issues and risks. If your doctor isn't well-versed about supplements, consider consulting a dietitian to work with him or her. (Find one at Eatright.org.)

How do I know if I should start taking vitamins?

5 Signs you should start taking Multivitamins
  • Signs of a Deficiency. ...
  • Often Feeling Sick. ...
  • Being Tired More Often Than Not. ...
  • Having a Poor Diet. ...
  • Having a Chronic Illness Diagnosed.

What happens if you take vitamins for too long?

But routinely getting an overload of vitamins and minerals can hurt you. Too much vitamin C or zinc could cause nausea, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. Too much selenium could lead to hair loss, gastrointestinal upset, fatigue, and mild nerve damage.

What vitamins do I need to take?

Which vitamins should I take daily?
  • Vitamin A.
  • Vitamin B6.
  • 3 Vitamin B9 (folate)
  • Vitamin B12.
  • Vitamin C.
  • Vitamin D.
  • Vitamin E.
  • Iron.

Should I take vitamins in the morning or at night?

Neil Levin, a clinical nutritionist at NOW Foods, agrees that morning is best for multivitamins and any B vitamins. “Multivitamins tend to do best when taken earlier in the day, as the B vitamins in them might stimulate metabolism and brain function too much for a relaxing evening or before bed,” Levin says.

Is One A Day vitamin good for you?

While the research on multivitamins continues, daily multivitamins may not benefit everyone. The truth is that multivitamins may offer little benefit if you're a healthy eater. Eating a wide variety of healthy foods is the first-line approach to supplying your body with the nutrition essentials.

What vitamins can I take together daily?

Vitamin C and iron (C helps the body absorb more iron, from both foods and supplements) Vitamin K and calcium (both support skeletal and heart health) Vitamin D and calcium (together support absorption, bone health and healthy immune system function) Vitamin E and C (antioxidants that together promote healthy cells)

Which two vitamins pose the greatest risk of toxicity?

Taking too much of any vitamin can produce a toxic effect. Vitamin A and vitamin D are the most likely to produce hypervitaminosis in large doses, while riboflavin, pantothenic acid, biotin, and vitamin C appear to be the least likely to cause problems.

Do vitamins actually work?

Keep in mind: Most studies suggest that multivitamins won't make you live longer, slow cognitive decline or lower your chances of disease, such as heart disease, cancer or diabetes. “In fact, it's illegal for companies to make claims that supplements will treat, diagnose, prevent or cure diseases,” says Dr. Millstein.

Can I take 5 different vitamins at once?

Combining multiple supplements or taking higher-than-recommended doses can increase the risk that they can cause harm, said Kitchin. "You really can't get toxic doses of nutrients through food, but you can absolutely get toxic doses through supplements," Kitchin said.

Which of the following is the most potentially toxic of all vitamins?

Vitamin D is the most potentially toxic of all vitamins.

What happens if your vitamin D is too high?

Can vitamin D be harmful? Yes, getting too much vitamin D can be harmful. Very high levels of vitamin D in your blood (greater than 375 nmol/L or 150 ng/mL) can cause nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, confusion, pain, loss of appetite, dehydration, excessive urination and thirst, and kidney stones.

What supplements should not be taken together?

What supplements should you not take together?
  • Iron + Calcium. ...
  • Vitamin C + B12. ...
  • Potassium, Calcium, Zinc, and Magnesium. ...
  • Multivitamin/mineral (MVM) + Calcium, Zinc, Magnesium, or Potassium. ...
  • Vitamins D, E + K. ...
  • Copper + Zinc. ...
  • Green tea extract + Iron. ...
  • Multivitamins.