May 8, 2003 – The British government may soon ban chromium picolinate, a dietary supplement believed to be carcinogenic, on its territory.
The substance is found in several products, including weight loss products. The warning was issued by a British government agency, the Food Standards Agency (FSA), which also warns consumers of the dangers associated with overconsumption of vitamins and dietary supplements.
Thus, large doses of vitamin C (1000 mg per day), calcium (1500 mg per day) and iron (17 mg per day) can cause abdominal pain and diarrhea. However, the symptoms disappear when you stop taking these supplements.
Other food supplements could have irreversible effects. This would be the case with beta-carotene, a widespread antioxidant, which taken in large doses over a long period could have irreversible harmful effects for smokers. A daily dose of vitamin B6 greater than 10 mg, unless taken under medical supervision, could lead to loss of sensation in the arms and legs. The FSA also mentions vitamin B3, zinc, manganese and phosphorus.
The New York Times recently reported similar concerns within the American medical community about the overuse of vitamins by some. (See the PasseportSanté.net article on this subject, dated April 29, 2003).
Also, infants who are given vitamin supplements are more likely to develop asthma or food allergies later. This is what researchers said at a pediatric conference in the United States, after studying more than 8,000 children. Toddlers of African descent would be particularly at risk.
The results of this study have not been published.
Jean-Benoit Legault – PasseportSanté.net
According to sky.com and CNN, May 8, 2003.
