Do you take a multivitamin regularly? What do you think about the possibility that multivitamins may do more harm than good?
Naturopathic doctor Dr Janine Bowling shared a video on Instagram stating: “Here’s why fake vitamins make you fat. Most over-the-counter vitamins are It is a synthetic fakeThese are not real nutrients that nature provides, and fake B vitamins and multivitamins are a good example of this.”
G Sushma, clinical nutritionist at CARE Hospital Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, told indianexpress.com: “There is limited direct evidence to suggest that fake vitamins are specifically linked to weight gain. However, fake vitamins may lack essential nutrients or contain harmful additives, which indirectly affect metabolism and overall health, leading to weight gain. Research has shown that deficiency of essential nutrients can Disrupts metabolic processes and hormones Restrictions can lead to weight problems.”
The prevalence of fake vitamins on the market
The prevalence of counterfeit vitamins varies by region and market. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), low-quality and counterfeit medicines, including vitamins, are a major problem globally. Reports suggest that up to 10 percent of medicines in low- and middle-income countries are counterfeit, and the problem also occurs in high-income countries, Sushma said.
“The dietary supplement market, including vitamins, is particularly vulnerable as it is less regulated than pharmaceuticals,” Sushma said.
What are “fake” vitamins?
Sushma says “fake” vitamins can include:
*Counterfeit: An identical imitation of the real thing that uses fake branding or packaging.
*Defective Items: Does not meet quality standardsThis was probably due to poor manufacturing practices.
*Counterfeit: Genuine vitamins that have been tampered with by adding or substituting ingredients.
*Mislabeled products: Products that do not accurately list ingredients or dosages.
“These fake vitamins often don’t contain the active ingredients they claim to have or contain harmful substances,” she points out.
Potential health risks associated with taking fake vitamins
Sushma said the health risks associated with consuming fake vitamins are that deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals can lead to various health issues like weakened immunity, poor bone health, anemia, etc. “Harmful additives and contaminants can cause toxicity, leading to liver damage, kidney failure and other serious health issues.”
Unlisted ingredients may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Consuming ineffective products may delay proper treatment of nutritional deficiencies or other health conditions.
Identifying fake vitamins and distinguishing them from real ones
Sushma suggests that consumers take these steps to identify counterfeit vitamins:
*Check for certifications: Look for third-party certifications such as USP (United States Pharmacopeia) and NSF (National Sanitation Foundation).
*Inspect the package: Check the package for signs of tampering, printing defects, or discrepancies with known authentic products.
*Check the source: Where to buy vitamins A reputable and trustworthy retailer Or buy directly from the manufacturer’s website.
*Check the label: Make sure all ingredients and dosages are clearly listed on the label. Genuine products often have lot numbers and expiration dates.
*Research the manufacturer: Check the manufacturer’s reputation and see if they have had any past issues related to product reliability.
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First uploaded: 06 Feb 2024 18:34 IST
