Clipping Board » Dangerous Medicinal Tonics ─ Nutrients should be moderate in the body—excessive supplementation only becomes a burden.
UHO Health Network Reporter Zhang Qiongzhi / Interview Report November 9, 2014
In recent years, with busy work schedules, changes in lifestyle, and dietary habits, more and more people are eating out for all three meals, making it difficult to achieve balanced nutrition. As a result, many have developed the habit of taking health supplements daily, hoping to compensate for nutritional imbalances. However, in reality, common supplements like vitamins often contain chemical additives during production. While these additives are legally permitted, some may negatively impact health with long-term use. Therefore, it is recommended that people prioritize obtaining nutrients from natural fruits and vegetables and reduce their intake of health supplements.
Five Common Chemical Additives in Vitamins—Excessive Intake May Pose Risks
Generally, health supplements are meant to regulate bodily functions and should not be used as medication—they fall somewhere between food and drugs. Dr. Yan Zonghai, a toxicologist at Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, noted that patients often bring health supplements purchased abroad for their children and ask for advice. However, he does not recommend their use for three reasons: first, they have no therapeutic effects; second, they contain many chemical additives; and third, taking unapproved health supplements may lead to side effects, posing significant risks, especially for those with poor liver or kidney function.
Using vitamins as an example, the doctor explained that they can be divided into natural and synthetic sources. Natural vitamins are obtained from fruits and vegetables, while synthetic vitamins are manufactured by pharmaceutical companies through chemical processes. These synthetic vitamins often contain five common chemical additives, and excessive intake may pose various health risks.
1) Artificial Colors—Most vitamins on the market contain artificial colors to make them appear more vibrant and appealing. However, Dr. Yan pointed out that artificial colors such as Yellow No. 4, No. 5, Red No. 6, and No. 40 have been linked to attention deficits, hyperactivity, and even impaired intellectual development. These artificial colors are not only added to vitamins but also commonly found in cakes, chocolates, and macarons.
2) Glazing Agents—Many vitamins have a smooth surface due to glazing agents applied to enhance their shine and visual appeal. However, these agents, which include shellac, petroleum wax, or synthetic petroleum wax, can trigger allergic reactions and hives.
3) White Pigment—Titanium dioxide is often added to vitamins to make the white portions more pronounced. Animal studies have shown that excessive inhalation of titanium dioxide can cause lung tissue inflammation, cellular damage, and even cancer. Consequently, the World Health Organization has classified inhaled titanium dioxide as a possible human carcinogen.
4) Lubricants—To prevent vitamins from sticking together, food-grade lubricants like magnesium stearate are often added. However, magnesium stearate is a chemical substance that may induce allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
5) Anti-Caking Agents—These are used to prevent clumping in food and supplements, with silicon dioxide being a common additive. Early research has found that long-term inhalation of silicon dioxide can lead to silicosis and lung cancer.
Additionally, vitamins can be categorized as water-soluble (e.g., C and B) or fat-soluble (e.g., A, D, E, and K). Excessive intake of water-soluble vitamins can usually be excreted through urine, but if not eliminated properly, they may accumulate and harm the liver. Fat-soluble vitamins, when consumed in excess, can remain in the body and pose risks such as neurotoxicity, liver damage, and kidney damage.Excessive Calcium Supplement Intake May Lead to Hypercalcemia
Yan Zonghai warns against treating health supplements as medication and advises against excessive consumption to avoid adverse effects. For instance, taking too many calcium tablets to prevent osteoporosis can lead to hypercalcemia, causing dehydration, kidney failure, and constipation. Similarly, parents giving children excessive vitamin A to prevent myopia may inadvertently trigger vision deterioration, neuropathy, and kidney failure. Unless individuals suffer from severe malnutrition, are elderly, or require total parenteral nutrition, most people only need a balanced diet and do not require additional supplementation.
Source: https:/ / tw. news. yahoo. com/ % E……2% A0% E6% 93% 94- 070000459. html
5 Terrifying Vitamin Dangers You Didn't Know! May Harm Liver & Kidneys
In recent years, with busy work schedules, changes in lifestyle, and dietary habits, more and more people are eating out for all three meals, making it difficult to achieve balanced nutrition. As a result, many have developed the habit of taking health supplements daily, hoping to compensate for nutritional imbalances. However, in reality, common supplements like vitamins often contain chemical additives during production. While these additives are legally permitted, some may negatively impact health with long-term use. Therefore, it is recommended that people prioritize obtaining nutrients from natural fruits and vegetables and reduce their intake of health supplements.
Five Common Chemical Additives in Vitamins—Excessive Intake May Pose Risks
Generally, health supplements are meant to regulate bodily functions and should not be used as medication—they fall somewhere between food and drugs. Dr. Yan Zonghai, a toxicologist at Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, noted that patients often bring health supplements purchased abroad for their children and ask for advice. However, he does not recommend their use for three reasons: first, they have no therapeutic effects; second, they contain many chemical additives; and third, taking unapproved health supplements may lead to side effects, posing significant risks, especially for those with poor liver or kidney function.
Using vitamins as an example, the doctor explained that they can be divided into natural and synthetic sources. Natural vitamins are obtained from fruits and vegetables, while synthetic vitamins are manufactured by pharmaceutical companies through chemical processes. These synthetic vitamins often contain five common chemical additives, and excessive intake may pose various health risks.
1) Artificial Colors—Most vitamins on the market contain artificial colors to make them appear more vibrant and appealing. However, Dr. Yan pointed out that artificial colors such as Yellow No. 4, No. 5, Red No. 6, and No. 40 have been linked to attention deficits, hyperactivity, and even impaired intellectual development. These artificial colors are not only added to vitamins but also commonly found in cakes, chocolates, and macarons.
2) Glazing Agents—Many vitamins have a smooth surface due to glazing agents applied to enhance their shine and visual appeal. However, these agents, which include shellac, petroleum wax, or synthetic petroleum wax, can trigger allergic reactions and hives.
3) White Pigment—Titanium dioxide is often added to vitamins to make the white portions more pronounced. Animal studies have shown that excessive inhalation of titanium dioxide can cause lung tissue inflammation, cellular damage, and even cancer. Consequently, the World Health Organization has classified inhaled titanium dioxide as a possible human carcinogen.
4) Lubricants—To prevent vitamins from sticking together, food-grade lubricants like magnesium stearate are often added. However, magnesium stearate is a chemical substance that may induce allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
5) Anti-Caking Agents—These are used to prevent clumping in food and supplements, with silicon dioxide being a common additive. Early research has found that long-term inhalation of silicon dioxide can lead to silicosis and lung cancer.
Additionally, vitamins can be categorized as water-soluble (e.g., C and B) or fat-soluble (e.g., A, D, E, and K). Excessive intake of water-soluble vitamins can usually be excreted through urine, but if not eliminated properly, they may accumulate and harm the liver. Fat-soluble vitamins, when consumed in excess, can remain in the body and pose risks such as neurotoxicity, liver damage, and kidney damage.Excessive Calcium Supplement Intake May Lead to Hypercalcemia
Yan Zonghai warns against treating health supplements as medication and advises against excessive consumption to avoid adverse effects. For instance, taking too many calcium tablets to prevent osteoporosis can lead to hypercalcemia, causing dehydration, kidney failure, and constipation. Similarly, parents giving children excessive vitamin A to prevent myopia may inadvertently trigger vision deterioration, neuropathy, and kidney failure. Unless individuals suffer from severe malnutrition, are elderly, or require total parenteral nutrition, most people only need a balanced diet and do not require additional supplementation.
Source: https:/ / tw. news. yahoo. com/ % E……2% A0% E6% 93% 94- 070000459. html