Prof. Dr. Ahmet Aydın warns against consuming supplements without proper guidance, underlining that all vitamins and minerals in the body work in harmony. He stresses the importance of identifying deficiencies or excesses through tests and addressing them under the recommendation of a health professional. "Unconscious consumption of vitamins and minerals can also mask significant illnesses. Supplements might interact with medications, potentially causing adverse effects and harming health."
Prof. Dr. Aydın, Vice Rector of Yeditepe University and Head of the Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology at the Faculty of Pharmacy, outlines necessary precautions when consuming vitamin and mineral supplements. "Supplements generally include vitamins like A, B, C, and D, and mineral complexes such as calcium, magnesium, and selenium," he says, stressing that individuals should not decide to take supplements on their own. Dr. Aydın adds:
"Health professionals, such as doctors or pharmacists, should guide these decisions. These supplements are present in our daily diet; if a person maintains a balanced diet, they usually do not need additional vitamins. However, those with serious or chronic conditions or of advanced age might require supplements. Even in these cases, consulting a doctor before starting supplements is essential."
"Start and End Dates for Vitamins Should Be Determined with a Doctor"
Prof. Dr. Aydın highlights that individuals who know they are not eating sufficiently and balanced should not start taking supplements on their own. "Balanced nutrition means consuming all food groups adequately to get the necessary amounts of vitamins, minerals, protein, and carbohydrates. One-sided diets, vegetarian and vegan diets, or certain illnesses can create a need for vitamins and minerals. If someone feels such a need, they should decide with a health professional," he advises.
Dr. Aydın explains that the doses can be safely administered if a doctor determines the start and end dates for vitamin intake. "Various tests can easily measure vitamin and mineral levels in the blood or body," he notes. Prof. Dr. Aydın continued his words:
"Tests can diagnose vitamin and mineral deficiencies. For example, someone needing magnesium can have their blood magnesium level measured. If a deficiency is found, supplementation is necessary. These supplements often contain high levels of vitamins and minerals, but with a defined start and end date recommended by a health professional, they can be taken safely."
"May Prevent Detection of Other Illnesses"
Prof. Dr. Aydın warns that unconscious supplement consumption could prevent the detection of other serious illnesses. He also notes potential adverse interactions with other vitamins and minerals in the body. "When someone feels unwell, it is a signal from the body. Therefore, I recommend visiting a health center when feeling unwell or needing support. Taking these supplements within the healthcare system and after necessary blood tests is crucial. Otherwise, they might prevent the detection of existing illnesses," Dr. Aydın cautions.
"Supplements Do Not Show Immediate Effects"
Prof. Dr. Aydın explains that supplements do not show immediate effects, and long-term unconscious consumption can be misleading. "We do not know the long-term effects, and no one can definitively say whether negative outcomes years later are caused by supplements. Thus, determining the start and end dates for supplements is essential. For instance, zinc is vital for the immune system but should not be taken daily. Establishing these periods without a health professional is not easy. Our food sources already contain these elements, and the benefits or harms of additional supplements may not be immediately apparent, so caution is needed."
"Can Interact with Medications and Harm Your Health"
Prof. Dr. Ahmet Aydın, Vice Rector of Yeditepe University and Head of the Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology at the Faculty of Pharmacy, reminded us that vitamins and minerals in the bodywork in harmony and that taking supplements without testing can disrupt this balance. He stated:
"Any supplement used may interact with a person's medications and cause unwanted results. For example, if someone taking magnesium is also a hypertension patient using medication for blood pressure, the blood pressure-lowering effect of magnesium could cause their blood pressure to drop further. These vitamins and minerals work in an organized manner within the body. Focusing solely on the role of a single element or vitamin is not an accurate approach, as they all work in harmony. Increasing one can alter the effects of another element on the body. Minerals and vitamins are cofactors in hundreds of chemical reactions in the body. We can alter the body's metabolism if we increase them incorrectly or unnecessarily. Therefore, conscious consumption is crucial."