Dietary supplements can be toxic

By Stephen Ssenkaaba

One time or another, you might need some food supplementation. It happens in instances when we cannot normally access foods that our bodies need. Food supplements have been around for some time and are usually used by people. But how much do we know about these supplements?

Dietary supplements are products which we take by mouth to supplement our diet.

According to Fahad Sekamanya, a nutritionist with Lyantonde District Hospital, supplements can be in form of pills, capsules, powders and liquids and other dietary ingredients such as vitamins, minerals and herbs.

People take supplements for different reasons. “The main reason we take supplements is for our general health and wellbeing,” says Sekamanya.

“Some people take supplements to boost their vitality, reduce the signs of ageing, prolong their life and minimise the risks of chronic disease such as cancer, or even as treatment for certain ailments such as arthritis.”

According to research by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) in 2008 nearly a third of people in the UK take some vitamin, mineral or dietary supplement on most days, and about 15% of us report having taken a “high dose” supplement in the last 12 months.

According to Muniirah Mbabazi, a nutritionist at NUTRISAT Uganda, a nutrition education agency, supplements are often taken by a number of people, including the terminally ill, the elderly and expectant mothers

“Those that are terminally ill take supplements because they are too sick to feed normally. Such people may  use supplements to keep their bodies well supplied with the required nutrients. The elderly are also more likely to take dietary supplements, especially because of weakening digestive systems. Expectant mothers also take supplements of iron folic acid (ffa)and calcium to boost deficiency of such nutrients.

In some cases, some types of people, for instance, those suffering from diabetes have been said to use more supplements than anyone else. But some experts negate that assertion.

“So far, there is not enough research to support specific recommendations for diabetes and dietary supplements. Ongoing studies point to three minerals that may be helpful to people with diabetes: Chromium (may help control blood glucose levels and aid weight loss), magnesium and vanadium (which may increase the body’s sensitivity to insulin),” says Sekamanya.

He warns that if not handled with caution, diabetes and dietary supplements can be a dangerous mix. It is advisable that people talk to their doctor before trying it out. “That is the first step in deciding whether or not to mix diabetes and dietary supplements. Discuss the possible benefits and risks of dietary supplements.

People are advised to eat healthy natural foods to boost nutrient intake.

“If one consumes a diet that is well balanced (a diet rich in vegetables and fruits, carbohydrates, proteins and fats used sparingly), they should be in position to get all the desired nutrients from their diet. This is only true if one is free of infections and infestations,” says Sekamanya.

Caution

As a precaution, supplements should not be purchased over the counter. “It is dangerous,” says Mbabazi, “because one is unable to know the proper use of the supplement. This can result in overuse of a certain supplement which then leads to nutrient toxicity.”

Mbabazi advises that people consult a doctor for the right instructions concerning proper use and dosage.

But also, supplements should carry clear information on labels for users. This includes: product name and name of the manufacturer, packer, or distributor; ingredients; and other contents of the product. It is also advisable that supplements state the nutritional content of a particular product.