How taking Vitamin A, B12, D or Biotin without doctor's advice may harm your liver, kidneys, cause birth defects, and more health issues
, B12, magnesium and
biotin
supplements have become very popular in recent times. But experts warn that taking them without a doctor's advice can cause more harm than good.
According to Dr Suranjit Chatterjee, senior consultant at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, not getting enough nutrients can lead to health problems like weak bones and anaemia. But taking too much, especially of
fat-soluble vitamins
like A and D, can also be dangerous.
'Optimal nutrient levels support immune function, energy production and mental health. For instance, adequate magnesium intake is linked to improved mood and reduced anxiety,' he told TOI.
Doctors say that before starting any supplement, people should
consult a healthcare professional
. A doctor can recommend the right supplement after checking the person's health, diet, and blood reports.
As per Dr Pankaj Soni, principal director, Internal Medicine at Fortis Escorts, Okhla, fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) should be taken after meals that contain some fat. Even a small amount of dairy will help absorption. 'Water-soluble vitamins like B-complex and C should be taken on an empty stomach with water,' he added. Most minerals can be taken at any time of the day.
Live Events
Dr Anurag Mahajan, vice-chairman and senior consultant at PSRI Hospital, said supplements are not necessary for everyone. 'Some people over 80 remain healthy without any supplements because they eat well and live healthily,' he told TOI. However, calcium and vitamin D3 may still be needed, especially for post-menopausal women.
Dr Meenakshi Jain, senior director at Max Hospital, Patparganj, added, 'Blood tests are very important in finding out what nutrients you are low on. And once a person starts taking supplements, they should stop only if a doctor says so.' She warned against stopping or continuing supplements without medical advice.
Taking too many supplements can also lead to toxicity. According to doctors:
Too much Vitamin A can cause liver problems, nausea, blurred vision and even birth defects.
Excess Vitamin D can lead to kidney damage, high calcium levels, and weak muscles.
Too much B12 is mostly safe, but may trigger acne or react with some medicines.
Excess folic acid can hide B12 deficiency and cause nerve issues.
Too much magnesium can cause diarrhoea, irregular heartbeat and breathing problems.
Biotin, if taken in large doses, may affect lab test results and cause confusion in diagnoses.
Zinc overdose can cause nausea, headaches, and lower the immune system's strength.
Dr Arjun Dang, CEO of Dr Dangs Lab, shared with TOI that tests for Vitamin D and B12 are the most commonly requested, especially by people aged 30–50 who face tiredness and lifestyle issues. 'We see many young adults in their 20s, especially vegetarians and vegans, getting tested for B12,' he said.
He added that the number of such tests has gone up over the last decade due to increased health awareness, easy access to health information online, and the post-pandemic focus on personal well-being.
Inputs from TOI
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Arunachal block reports rising dengue cases
Itanagar: Several dengue positive cases have been reported in the Chongkham block in Arunachal Pradesh's Namsai district by health department facilities, reports Joken Ete. In view of the rising cases, the Namsai district administration has declared the Chongkham as 'dengue outbreak block' to contain further spread of the disease, Namsai DC CR Khamp said in a public advisory. To contain and prevent the spread of dengue, the district administration has issued advisories in public interest. Residents have been advised timely cleaning of drainage system and filling up of potholes to avoid water stagnation in surrounding areas, among other steps. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Raksha Bandhan wishes , messages and quotes !
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Nagaland guv La Ganesan hospitalised in Chennai after fall
1 2 Dimapur: Nagaland governor La Ganesan suffered an injury after a fall at his Chennai residence. He was admitted to Apollo Hospitals in Chennai on Friday. He reportedly collapsed at his home and was taken to the emergency department of the hospital in an unconscious state. Ganesan, 80, has undergone a minor surgery. His condition is said to be stable and he is currently undergoing treatment in the hospital, according to reports. Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio extended prayers for his early recovery on behalf of the people of Nagaland. "We pray for renewed strength and a swift return to your duties, continuing to guide the State with wisdom," Rio wrote on X handle. Further updates on Ganesan's health will be known after he undergoes diagnostic tests. Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin also expressed concern over Ganesan's health and wished him a speedy recovery. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Raksha Bandhan wishes , messages and quotes !
Hindustan Times
4 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Repeating your morning skincare at night? Dermatologist explains why it is not a good idea
Do you repeat your morning skincare routine at night? While some steps may look similar, should you really use the same routine twice a day? It's a common beginner-level doubt for those wanting to build dedicated morning and night skincare routines. Day and night skincare routines have different requirements.(Shutterstock) ALSO READ: Say goodbye to sticky skin this rainy season: Doctor shares 8 tips to monsoon-proof your skincare While it may seem similar, the goals are actually very different for your skin at nighttime. Dr Raina Nahar, Sr. Consultant, Dermatology, Nanavati Max Super Specialty Hospital, Mumbai, told HT Lifestyle that the morning skincare routine is different from night skincare, as the former focuses on protecting the skin while the latter is about repairing and nourishing the skin. Further highlighting the differences between the two routines, he said, "The morning and night routines are two different skin care rituals that people follow. What is the difference between the two is that during the day, you can incorporate a lot of antioxidants, toners, sunscreens to prepare your skin to deal with sun exposure, pollution, UV exposure, stress, all these and fight it off, in the morning.' Night routine is geared more towards anti-ageing, unlike the protective nature of morning care, which focuses on shielding from the various environmental stressors, like pollution and UV rays. The dermat further explained,'Your night routine should be such that it repairs the skin from all the stresses the skin has borne during the day, and also for anti-ageing and repair activities, that is why your night-time routine is a different routine compared to your day-care routine.' Now, because these goals change from morning to night, following a generic skincare routine won't help. The steps need to be customised as per the skin's requirements. Dr Raina Nahar shared a detailed guide, covering all the essentials of a night skincare routine, including steps, skin type-wise differences and tools: Night skincare steps: Double cleanse properly to remove all the dirt.(Shutterstock) 1. Double-cleansing routine: Oil-based cleanser: The first step will be an oil-based cleanser/ micellar water. Use an oil-based cleanser (or balm) or / micellar water to cleanse the pores nicely, give it a couple of minutes to cleanse the oil-based residue, all the makeup, sunscreen, grime and excess oil. The first step will be an oil-based cleanser/ micellar water. Use an oil-based cleanser (or balm) or / micellar water to cleanse the pores nicely, give it a couple of minutes to cleanse the oil-based residue, all the makeup, sunscreen, grime and excess oil. Pore-cleanser: Second, use a pore cleanser (water-based gentle cleanser.) It will cleanse the dust, sweat, and grime, but does not rip off essential oils. 2. Serums: Night-time serums are different, and they are very important. They are retinol, which is Vitamin A, it is the most powerful antioxidant, very powerful for antiaging, lines, and pore size, so this is specifically used in the nighttime routine. 3. Moisturiser Use collagen and peptide-based moisturisers which are thicker, creamier and help you in anti-ageing and reducing the fine lines. The collagen molecule size should be smaller than the pore size, so it can be more easily incorporated, and the skin can be hydrated. 4. Cream for spots and blemishes (for those who have acne) If people have acne, then after moisturising step, they can use their anti-acne ointments, as per the direction of the dermat. If one has acne-prone skin, they can also include salicylic glycolic acid, benzoyl peroxide in the night-time routine. Fine-tuning night routine as per skin type Align your skincare products as per your skin type.(Shutterstock) For an ageing skin: Incorporate collagen, hyaluronic acid, retinols For dry skin: Include peptide ceramide-based moisturisers. For oily skin: One can use mild, gentle moisturisers which don't clog the pores. Using Gua Sha Can also incorporate Gua Sha, which is a simple tool to promote the lymphatic drainage. It helps you to tone your skin, helps reduce water retention, and to nicely gives a nice massaging effect. It also helps in anti-ageing and contouring the face. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
