Thinking of taking vitamin supplements for added health—and even avoid a cancer diagnosis? Well, research presented at a recent American Association for Cancer Research Annual meeting suggested that taking supplements doesn’t curb cancer. In fact, taking more than needed may actually up your cancer risk.
So, before loading up on those vitamins and supplements, here’s some important information you should know.
Taking more isn’t always a good idea. It may seem like taking increased doses of vitamins such as vitamin C would be good for your body, but it can actually cause more health risks than benefits. Large doses of vitamin C can cause cramps and diarrhea and can even cause DNA damage under certain circumstances. Always balance your supplemental intake.
Supplements aren’t a quick fix for bad dieting. It may sound simple, but you can just go eat fast food everyday, come home to take a bunch of vitamins, and then expect your diet to suffice. A good diet involves getting the right balance and amounts of protein, good fats, healthy carbs, fiber, fluid, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Natural isn’t always best. This can’t be true, right? Wrong—natural substances can also carry risks even in moderate doses. One example is yohimbe. Touted as an aphrodisiac, it has been tied to high blood pressure, anxiety, dizziness, nervousness, and sleeplessness.
