Common misconceptions about vitamins exist, apart from their curative effects. They are not drugs and fail to cure any condition or disorder. Supplements are used as an alternative to combat stress and treat minor complications such as the common cold. Vitamins are organic compounds and as coenzymes, play a vital role in the body's metabolic process. Vitamins are recommended from their original source, the food.
Vitamins fail to possess any magical effect on any kind of illnesses.
In the case of fat-soluble vitamins, such as Vitamin A, D, E and Vitamins B and C. Increased intake of vitamins results in their elimination through the urine, thereby causing toxicity, as excess results in accumulation, as recommended levels are advised, as they are water soluble.
Excessive supplements affect the body. Large doses of Pyridoxine cause nervous degeneration. Water-soluble vitamins are stored for a very short period of time, due to their solubility, while fat-soluble vitamins can be stored in adipose tissue and liver.
The deposition of symptoms in case of deficiency takes a longer time. A variety of foods with all major and minor nutrients help to prevent deficiency. Supplements are necessary in special cases.
Vegetarians deprived of animal food face cobalamine deficiency. Neural tube defects are common in infants of mothers with folate deficiency. 400 mcg of folate is recommended during pregnancy.
Low-fat diets result in deficiency of fat-soluble vitamins, as fat is essential for their solubility. Smokers require double the amount of ascorbic acid, compared to non-smokers. Health gain calls for increased needs of the vitamin. Obese people on weight loss programs, people suffering from pancreatitis, diarrhea and celiac disease, also require supplements. Surgical procedures have to be followed with supplements.
Misconceptions exist regarding the prevention of colds infections by taking excessive intake of vitamin C. Excessive intake of vitamin C results in kidney stones, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps, fatigue and headaches. Vitamin intake fails to have any effect on depression or stress. Vitamin E plays an important role in anti-aging creams and maintaining a youthful look. Research reveals lack of correlation between these two.
Excessive vitamin A fails to cure cancer and may be life threatening. Long term supplementation of beta carotene shows increased incidence of cancer. The ultimate ingredient responsible for any cure is not favorable. Intestinal polyps are more in subjects supplemented with beta carotene supplements. Long term supplementation is life threatening.
