10 Myths and Little Known Facts About Vitamins
While we are surrounded by an ever-increasing number of nutritional supplements and health products, we often know surprisingly little about them. In this blog post, we want to take a closer look at some surprising facts about vitamins and common vitamin misconceptions, including the potential dangers of over supplementation.
5 Surprising Facts About Vitamins
1. The Origin of the Word "Vitamin"
Have you ever wondered where the word “vitamin” comes from?
Originally, the word “vitamine” was coined by a Polish biochemist named Casimir Funk in 1920. He called the substances 'vital amines', combining 'vita', from the Latin word for life, with 'amines' because vitamins were originally thought to contain amino acids. Later, the 'e' was dropped to form the word we use today: vitamins.
2. Most Popular Vitamins and Supplements Worldwide
In the western world, the most popular vitamins and supplements include multivitamins, vitamin C, and magnesium. Other frequently used products are vitamin D, B vitamins, and fish oil.
Interestingly, the situation is quite different in Asia. In countries like Vietnam and Korea, Ginseng is one of the most popular herbal dietary supplements.
3. Iron Deficiency: The Most Common Nutritional Deficiency
The most widespread nutritional deficiency worldwide is iron deficiency, which can lead to anaemia. Iron deficiency is particularly prevalent in developing nations in Africa and Asia, often due to poor diets and certain health conditions. Women are the largest at-risk group for iron deficiency.
Another very common nutrient deficiency is vitamin D deficiency. People in all geographical locations can be affected. While there is a lack of sunlight in higher latitudes, people in sunny countries might not get sufficient vitamin D due to cultural habits and changes in lifestyle.
4. The Dangers of Over Supplementation
Taking too many supplements and vitamins can lead to unwanted side effects, such as nausea, diarrhoea, and stomach cramps. Other side effects include hair loss or even liver damage.
As a general rule of thumb, remember: Fat-soluble vitamins are more likely to cause toxicity, although water-soluble vitamins can do so as well. This is because water-soluble vitamins are easily excreted from the body.
To avoid “mega-dosing,” choose supplements carefully based on your personal requirements, talk to your physician, always stick to the dosage on the package, and don’t randomly mix various supplements and fortified foods. Like Paracelsus famously said: “The dose makes the poison.”
5 Myths About Vitamins and Supplements
1. Myth: Taking a Multivitamin Can Make Up for a Poor Diet and Prevent Disease
This is false. There's no magic pill that can replace a healthy diet and prevent all disease. Supplements simply can't replicate all the nutrients and benefits of whole foods, such as fruits and vegetables.
2. Myth: Supplements Don’t Interact with Medications
A common vitamin and supplement myth is that they are all-natural and thus the same as any other food. While supplements often contain natural ingredients, they can interact with medications. Certain supplements may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medications. You should always share the list of supplements you’re taking with your physician and pharmacist to avoid unwanted effects.
3. Myth: Supplements Are Always Natural
This is not true. In fact, the majority of supplements available on the market today are made artificially in a laboratory setting or through industrial processes. When choosing supplements, it is important to read the product description carefully and not blindly trust pretty images or marketing messages.
4. Myth: Supplements Are Always Safe
While vitamins sold in pharmacies and supermarkets are generally safe in Europe, it doesn't mean you should blindly take supplements, especially if they are bought from foreign countries. A 2018 study found that there were unapproved and even dangerous ingredients in 776 dietary supplements, most of which were marketed for sexual enhancement, weight loss, or muscle building.
You should always be cautious when manufacturers make claims about miraculous effects. We recommend sticking to trusted brands and products that are approved in the EU and reading product labels carefully. Be especially careful with products bought online.
5. Myth: All Supplements Are Pretty Much the Same
A common vitamin misconception is that all vitamins and supplements are created equal. This is not the case. There are big differences in the quality and purity of the ingredients used, between synthetic and natural components, manufacturing standards, and testing. For example, vitamin D supplements come as either vitamin D2 or vitamin D3. Most vitamin C supplements on the market use synthetic vitamin C (ascorbic acid) instead of natural vitamin C.
How to Find Accurate Information?
Finding the right information on the internet can be confusing. Even leading doctors and health experts may have very different views on certain topics related to vitamins and supplements.
If you are looking for reliable sources of information, we recommend checking the official websites and recommendations of health authorities in your country and talking to medically trained professionals to determine the most appropriate product for you.
Here at AAVALABS, we believe in maximum transparency. That's why we provide certifications for our products upon request. You can also find comprehensive product information on our website.
