Doc: ‘Easier than you think to take too much’ vitamins
Government surveys show that one in two Americans - half the population - takes vitamins and supplements.
Some of these products have proven benefits. But there are other popular supplements that can actually do more harm than good.
Like many women, Kellie Norrgard takes a calcium supplement with vitamin D every day.
"I know that it's going to help with my bone density, and that's one of the things that i'm most concerned about," she said.
Calcium combined with vitamin D is known to benefit bones, and it's among the supplements worth considering, according to Consumer Reports ShopSmart magazine.
Other beneficial supplements include fish oil, with omega-3 fatty acids and folic acid, for women who are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant.
But ShopSmart says there are other vitamins and supplements that anyone who's healthy should skip, including vitamin A and even multivitamins.
"Research shows that multivitamins don't benefit most people's health. They don't for example decrease the risk of heart
disease or cancer," said Dr. Orly Avitzur of Consumer Reports.
Another vitamin warning: don't take more than your doctor says you need. Megadoses can be dangerous.
Too much vitamin E has been linked to a small but increased risk of lung cancer over time. And even very high doses of vitamin D could damage kidneys.
"It's easier than you think to take too much," said Avitzur. "Pay attention to the dosage of each vitamin or supplement that you take, and go over it with your doctor."
And don't forget to factor in food and drinks that are vitamin-enriched. Also, don't substitute supplements for the real thing.
Centrum has a new Pronutrients Fruit and Veggie Supplement, but on the back it says it's "not intended to replace your daily intake of fruit and vegetables."
And as Norrgard knows, the best way to benefit from fruits and vegetables is to eat them.
Some of these products have proven benefits. But there are other popular supplements that can actually do more harm than good.
Like many women, Kellie Norrgard takes a calcium supplement with vitamin D every day.
"I know that it's going to help with my bone density, and that's one of the things that i'm most concerned about," she said.
Calcium combined with vitamin D is known to benefit bones, and it's among the supplements worth considering, according to Consumer Reports ShopSmart magazine.
Other beneficial supplements include fish oil, with omega-3 fatty acids and folic acid, for women who are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant.
But ShopSmart says there are other vitamins and supplements that anyone who's healthy should skip, including vitamin A and even multivitamins.
"Research shows that multivitamins don't benefit most people's health. They don't for example decrease the risk of heart
disease or cancer," said Dr. Orly Avitzur of Consumer Reports.
Another vitamin warning: don't take more than your doctor says you need. Megadoses can be dangerous.
Too much vitamin E has been linked to a small but increased risk of lung cancer over time. And even very high doses of vitamin D could damage kidneys.
"It's easier than you think to take too much," said Avitzur. "Pay attention to the dosage of each vitamin or supplement that you take, and go over it with your doctor."
And don't forget to factor in food and drinks that are vitamin-enriched. Also, don't substitute supplements for the real thing.
Centrum has a new Pronutrients Fruit and Veggie Supplement, but on the back it says it's "not intended to replace your daily intake of fruit and vegetables."
And as Norrgard knows, the best way to benefit from fruits and vegetables is to eat them.
