Is it true that dietary supplements lack potentially beneficial phytochemicals and fibers and may be dangerous when taken in excess?

Answer 1

All dietary supplements are not equal, but many, if not most, do lack phytonutrients and fiber, and depending on what supplements you take, some can be dangerous when taken in excess or even if they are not taken with other nutrients that work in conjunction with them. With that said, for the most part supplements are safer and are generally safe, but getting as many nutrients from food is always the best way to give the body the nutrients it needs.

As with anything that involves health, the more you learn about supplements, the better decisions you can make about them. For example, for a long time, I would take large doses Calcium without taking it with other nutrients that need to be taken with it. Turns out that if it is taken that way, you can harm your heart and the calcium is not as effective for anything it is supposed to do. There are many other examples, but the main point is that nutrients work in conjunction with each other, and those that take them should learn about that.

Something else that is not widely known is that man-made and even organic vitamins do not contain phytonutrients unless they are listed on the label. Because of this, vitamins made from whole foods are much better to use. Even these are not all the same, but you are much more likely to get the phytonutrients from vitamins that come from whole foods.

It is always better to get fiber from foods. Many vegetables are a very good source.

Though supplements can be dangerous if taken in excess, that would be a concern only if a person takes megadoses for most vitamins and other nutrients. Some sources say that FDA RDA limits are well within safe levels to take, and some even claim they are much lower than they should be. Doing your own research on this is recommended.

Another thing to keep in mind is that there are different forms of many nutrients and some are much better than others. Calcium is an example. Also, some vitamins, like Vitamin A, can be dangerous if too much is taken, but beta carotene and other carotenes can be taken safely in larger doses and will form Vitamin A in the body.