MINISTRY: EXCESSIVE INTAKE OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS COULD AFFECT ORGANS
Excessive intake could damage organs, says expert
IT is not necessary for healthy individuals to take dietary supplements, said Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital’s Dietetics and Food Service Department head Khairul Nizam Mat Nayan.
He said healthy individuals should not take supplements without seeking advice from an expert.
Khairul said excessive intake of supplements could damage a person’s internal organs in the long run.
“Excessive fat-soluble vitamins, such as A, D, E and K can affect the liver. Although the body needs these vitamins, they are sufficiently available from food.
“If we take too much vitamin supplements, they will accumulate and become toxins that affect the liver,” he said recently.
Khairul was commenting on the effects of online sale of supplements, with their effectiveness based solely on the testimonies of buyers and without solid scientific evidence.
Bernama quoted a Facebook post by consultant physician and nephrologist from Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Hospital in Temerloh, Dr Rafidah Abdullah, who said: “Lying in the wards are many whose kidneys have been damaged because of various products. For chronic patients, please do not touch any product.”
Sharing the same opinion, Khairul said excessive intake of supplements could strain kidneys, which could damage them.
“Excessive consumption of water-soluble supplements, such as vitamins B and C, do not have any effect as they will be disposed of through urine. However, in the long run, there will be side effects as they strain the kidneys in processing them for disposal.”
He said patients with kidney disease should not take supplements unless they were taking them under their physician’s supervision.
“Do not easily believe the testimonies of others on the effectiveness of a product.
“For kidney patients, it is important to note the adverse effects of supplements to avoid worsening their condition.