The perils of popping Vitamin pills

New Delhi: We've all heard of the perils of self-medication, but did you know popping those multi-vitamins could be just as dangerous?

Becosule, or Chew-Cee to get rid of cold, Zevit, for feeling better if you're down and out, they are among the most common over-the-counter medicines available in India, but multi-vitamins and other supplements aren't as harmless as they seem.

"Vitamins are the most commonly used medicines without any prescription. We do not require supplements on a regular basis. You cannot go out there and have junk food and then pop a pill. That is what is wrong, people need to have a healthy lifestyle and try not to pop pills" Dr Suranjit Chatterjee, a doctor with Internal Medicine, says.

When writing prescriptions, doctors ask patients what medication they're on. But the humble multi-vitamin doesn't crop up as a probable candidate even though there could be reactions people are unaware of.

For example, iron supplements can interfere with antibiotics, making them less effective and too much Vitamin A can lead to partial hair loss, peeling skin and even bone and joint pain.

Pregnant women also need to watch out, as too much vitamin A can be harmful for unborn children. And though Vitamin B6 is often prescribed to ease pre-menstrual tension, too much of it can cause nerve damage

Excess Vitamin C can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea and excess of Vitamin D and calcium can lead to calcium deposits in the blood and cause kidney stones.

The all-good Vitamin E, too, is not as harmless as perceived. Excess Vitamin E can cause stomach upsets and abdominal pain.

"Vitamin pills have side-effects as well. When taken in large amounts they can cause toxicity. Sometimes two three pills from the same company, especially if self-prescribed, hyper-vitaminosis," Dr Chatterjee said.

So, if you like to get away by popping pills to avoid those green leafy veggies it's time to think again.

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