No energy? Are you always tired? Are you sleep deprived? You may be suffering from vitamin D deficiency. Maybe vitamin B too. So says nutritionist Cynthia Boo Khalil. She has observed these symptoms in patients at Medcare Dr. Saeed Al Sheikh Gastro and Obesity Center on Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai.
Vitamin deficiencies are real, but they’re not as serious as we think. It’s hard to ignore the colorful boxes of health supplements that line the shelves of medical stores. Many products come with tags advertising deep discounts. We all would have bought at least a box of vitamin C. That’s the power of vitamins.
Do we really need vitamins? We think so, but Dr. Swati Prasad says otherwise. “Healthy people with a balanced diet do not need vitamin supplements. In most cases, whole foods will provide the body with all the nutrients it needs,” says the Department of Internal Medicine at Aster Royal Clinic in downtown Dubai. says the specialist.
Where do supplements fit into your diet?
These are the words of Carol Hagans, a registered dietitian and consultant to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ National Institutes of Health. “Eating a variety of healthy foods allows you to get all the nutrients you need, so you don’t necessarily have to ingest anything,” she says. “But supplements can help fill in the gaps in your diet.”
The key is a balanced diet. Not all of us eat a balanced diet or a variety of healthy foods. That’s where supplements come in to help compensate for our nutritional deficiencies. “A balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein, and healthy fats should contain all the vitamins and minerals you need for good health,” says Dr. Swati .
Vitamins are supplements. Vitamins supplement the food we eat. They can never replace food and we cannot be completely dependent on them for our nutritional requirements.
“Supplements are never a substitute for a balanced, healthy diet,” says Dr. Joan Manson, professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and professor of epidemiology at Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health. “And they can get in the way of practicing a healthy lifestyle that provides greater benefits.”
Although some vitamins play an important role in preventing disease, extra vitamin intake does not prevent disease in healthy people. Dr. Swati acknowledges their benefits, but says vitamin supplements do not promote health beyond what can be achieved through a proper diet.
Nutritionist Cynthia recommends her patients check their vitamin D levels as well as B vitamins, as vitamins such as B1, B2, B6, and B12 help release energy from the body. “When we consume carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, we need vitamin B to turn them into energy. Therefore, the vitamin B complex is important for providing energy. This is because patients are active throughout the day. It’s a supplement that I prescribe my patients to take in the morning so that they have the energy to do so,” says the Medcare dietitian.
Why do health professionals prescribe vitamins?
“Doctors may prescribe vitamins and minerals if a deficiency is detected or to manage certain medical conditions that require supplements,” Dr. Swati says. Vitamins and minerals are mainly prescribed to high-risk groups, that is, people who suffer from deficiencies. “People with certain medical conditions (such as anemia or osteoporosis), pregnant or breastfeeding women, the elderly, vegans or vegetarians, people with dietary restrictions, or digestive problems that interfere with the absorption of nutrients. This includes people who suffer from it, and in some cases even athletes,” says an internal medicine expert. At Aster Royal Clinic, we say this.
Priya Gopinadan benefits from additional vitamins recommended by her doctor as part of a treatment plan for several health issues. “The supplements were prescribed to address specific deficiencies and support my overall health. Since starting this therapy, I have seen a significant improvement in my energy levels and overall health. It has made a positive difference and I feel more balanced and healthier,” says the UAE resident.
UAE-based model Isabel Allan takes vitamins and supplements daily after years of research and trial and error to find what works for her. “My job requires me to look and feel my best. I’m always on the go for work and shoot long hours. Supplements keep me healthy and looking my best. I always want to be on top of my game and this is one way to achieve that.”
As with any self-medication, there are risks when used without supervision. People tend to take vitamins on the advice of colleagues and friends. Some people get swayed by Reels on TikTok, Instagram, and other social media channels. Therefore, the supplement may not actually be necessary and it may cause toxicity.
How vitamins can be harmful
Cynthia insists that you consult your doctor or nutritionist before taking any vitamins to avoid taking too many vitamins. “When we take supplements, we sometimes accidentally get the same vitamin from another supplement, so we end up taking too much. [the same] vitamins, causing toxicity.
Is it possible to take too many vitamins? Yes, says Dr. Swati. “Some vitamins, such as vitamins A, D, and iron, can be toxic if taken in large amounts. It is important to consult your health care provider before starting any supplements, especially if you have a health condition. Especially if you have a medical condition or are taking other medications,” says the Dubai-based doctor.
“The fat-soluble ones (A, D, E, K) are stored by the body as fat and can build up to toxic levels. Excessive intake can cause symptoms such as nausea, liver damage, kidney damage, and extreme Water-soluble vitamins (such as vitamin C) are normally excreted in the urine and have low toxicity,” Dr. Swati elaborates.
What is the nutritionist’s advice?
Cynthia prefers to take her vitamins naturally. “I try to maintain my vitamin D levels by doing physical activity outdoors and getting 15 to 20 minutes of direct sunlight a day. I also try to eat more variety to help me absorb all the vitamins better. Vitamins. [supplements] It should be taken if you have iron deficiency (which is very high in some women), vitamin D, and even vitamin B12.
Vitamins are certainly effective, but they should be used only under the supervision of a doctor. Otherwise, the pursuit of health may lead to poor health.
