In my years of professional practice, I’ve had the privilege of meeting numerous patients daily, each with their unique routines that often include a variety of vitamins and supplements. Many believe these additions contribute to heart health and overall well-being.
Commonly, these supplements, such as fish oil, multivitamins, and more, are easily obtained over the counter without a doctor’s prescription.
However, I’ve observed a worrying lack of sufficient guidance for many patients in Sri Lanka which could potentially result in serious health risks.
It’s crucial to understand that an excess of vitamins or supplements can be harmful and lead to toxicity in the body.
This emphasizes the necessity of healthcare professionals prescribing vitamins or supplements. Ideally, a comprehensive assessment, possibly including a blood test to assess deficiency levels or other relevant factors, should precede the start of any supplement regimen.
I cannot stress enough the importance of refraining from taking nutritional supplements without the guidance of a medical professional.
Misinformation that is particularly rampant on the internet further complicates this already challenging issue.
For instance, excessive calcium intake can pose risks to heart health. The buildup of calcium deposits within artery walls can lead to narrowing and hardening, obstructing blood flow and raising the risk of cardiovascular complications.
While calcium is crucial for bone health, too much can have adverse effects. Interestingly, individuals with bone conditions like osteoporosis often do not lack calcium; rather, their struggle lies in improper supplement intake. Therefore, when considering calcium supplementation, it’s essential to ensure sufficient levels of Vitamin D3 and Vitamin K2 are included. However, to ensure the correct amount of Vitamin D is being taken, I strongly advise measuring your blood level first.
This is because while Vitamin D aids in calcium mobilization, there remains a risk of calcium adhering to tissues or accumulating.
Conversely, Vitamin K assists in directing calcium toward bones, promoting overall bone health.
Despite these essential points, individuals might still find themselves with excess calcium in their bodies. Therefore, patients must seek guidance from healthcare professionals well-versed in nutritional physiology for appropriate supplement recommendations.
Given the concerning dietary habits prevalent today, the use of supplements has become increasingly necessary. However, I strongly advocate for adherence to proper supplementation protocols to protect individual health and well-being.