POLOKWANE – Be cautious when taking dietary supplements or giving supplements to children, unless these were recommended by a medical doctor.
This is the advice from Kulani Mtileni, senior consulting dietitian at Dietitians24 as he noted the dangers and precautions when taking dietary supplements.
He said it is not uncommon in South Africa for adults and children to take one or more vitamins or other dietary supplements.
“In addition to vitamins, dietary supplements can contain minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, and enzymes. Dietary supplements come in a variety of forms, including tablets, capsules, gummies, and powders as well as drinks and energy bars.”
Mtileni explained that popular supplements include vitamin D and B12, and minerals such as calcium and iron.
Some dietary supplements, can of course supplement a person’s diet, but supplements alone cannot take the place of the various food types that are important as part of a healthy meal routine, Mtileni advises.
“Some dietary supplements can improve overall health and help manage some health conditions, for example, calcium and vitamin D keep bones strong and reduce bone loss. Folic acid decreases the risk of certain birth defects, while omega 3 fatty acids from fish oils can curg heart disease.”
He noted that many supplements contain active ingredients that can have strong side effects in the body, and that you are more likely to have side effects from dietary supplements if you take them in high doses rather than the prescribed dosages.
“Supplements can interact with some medicines in ways that might cause problems. For example, vitamin K can reduce the ability of blood thinners. Antioxidant supplements such as vitamin C and E might reduce the effectiveness of some types of cancer chemotherapy. Manufactures may add vitamins, minerals, and ingredients in foods you eat, especially breakfast cereals and beverages and as a result you may consume more of these ingredients than you need,” he added.
Mtileni added that many supplements have not been well tested for safety in children, pregnant or breastfeeding women and it is thus important to consult your doctor before taking any supplements to treat a health condition, or just for general health.
