There are no benefits to taking too many vitamins
For a long time, we have had a serious misunderstanding about vitamins. Many people believe that the more vitamins they take, the more beneficial it is to their health. In fact, this is a serious misconception. In the past two years, there have been many reports on the harmful effects of vitamins on the body: for example, long-term intake of high-dose vitamin D can increase the fracture rate in elderly women; taking vitamin B12 and folic acid can increase the risk of lung cancer, etc. The idea that vitamins can prevent diseases has almost been overturned.
Regarding the pros and cons of vitamins, the academic community is still exploring. However, if we can follow the following four guidelines when it comes to vitamins, we don't have to wait for the final academic conclusion in a state of confusion.
Vitamins are more like a double-edged sword. Although most current research findings have revealed the disadvantages of taking vitamins, there are also many reports supporting the traditional theory that vitamins can prevent diseases. For example, supplementing with vitamin B6 can reduce the risk of lung cancer [7]. The results of many population studies are that taking vitamins is as useless as drinking boiled water. Therefore, looking at it comprehensively, we cannot completely dismiss oral vitamin supplements, nor can we blindly regard them as a panacea for longevity.
Whether vitamins are beneficial or harmful depends on your physical condition. For example, with folic acid, long-term use in the elderly may increase mortality, while use by young pregnant women is beneficial to both the mother and the baby [8].
Vitamins can be harmful to health—high dosage is a key factor. Many studies on vitamins have pointed out that those who suffer adverse effects from taking a certain vitamin usually consume much more of it than the average person. Unfortunately, there is still no consensus on how much vitamin we should take daily.
A natural diet is healthier. It is recommended that people should still focus on a balanced diet, using the natural nutrients in meat, eggs, vegetables, and fruits to meet the body's daily needs, and try not to take extra vitamin supplements for a long time. If there is a deficiency of a certain vitamin or special physical needs, one should also follow medical advice and be careful not to over-supplement.