This is not the first time that food supplements, supposed to re-balance our intake of vitamins and trace elements, have been responsible for health problems. Recently, ANSES warned about thehe risks of using turmeric supplements. This time, the British Medical Journal reports the case of a Briton who had to be hospitalized because of dietary supplements taken in too large quantities.
The man arrives at the hospital because he has lost a lot of weight (12 kilos), he is vomiting, he has been suffering from diarrhea and stomach pain for 3 months. But x-rays and bacteriological tests showed no results. On the other hand, blood tests showed elevated calcemia (the level of calcium in the blood) as well as acute renal dysfunction.
In fact, it turned out that this man was taking 400 times the recommended daily dose of vitamin D, as well as exaggerated doses of vitamin K2, vitamin C, vitamin B9 (folate), omega-3, not to mention selenium and zinc. Placed under surveillance in the hospital for 8 days and rehydrated by intravenous fluid therapy, then followed for two months in an endocrinology clinic, the man was able to get out of it.
The problem with these food supplements is not necessarily related to their composition, but rather to their use. If vitamin D is good for the body, it is essential not to exceed certain doses… And it can become complicated to calculate between the “natural” intake via food for example, and the secondary intake with supplements.
The case of this British patient reminds us that food supplements are not without danger and that if they sometimes seem harmless, they can be responsible for overdoses… To be used sparingly, therefore!
Source : Vitamin D intoxication and severe hypercalcaemia complicating nutritional supplements misuseBritish medical journal, July 2022
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