Taking excess dietary supplements can be harmful

A Ndong

Many people take cocktails of vitamins and minerals to improve their health, prevent diseases and slow aging, a fad that started in the US and Europe but has caught on locally.

According the Centre for Nutrition Education and Research one in five woman in Nairobi take supplements with the most common mineral among those aged above 45 being calcium combined with magnesium.

But few know that taking excess supplements could speed up aging. Magnesium is an antioxidant. Antioxidants occur naturally in foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and minerals such as selenium. The mineral plays a crucial role in preventing damage of cells. Studies show that antioxidant deficiencies often result in cell damage or increased risk of certain diseases. A Mississippi State University study found that when animals were fed a diet deficient in magnesium, cell damage was more pronounced than in the ones who given a diet rich in the mineral. This is not to suggest that the more magnesium you take the better. The same study found that excessive amounts of magnesium did not provide any added protection from cell damage. "More is not always better when it comes to dietary supplements.

More Not Better

Taking drugs or supplements without eating properly is like washing your hands and drying them in the dirt. Eating healthy food is always the best option.

According to Mr Dan Buettner the author of Blue Zones, the healthiest people regularly take plant-based diets, are active, regularly exercise, have adequate sleep and are deeply spiritual. If you want to defy aging, eat well, be active, sleep well and do not ignore your spiritual needs. You can be healthy and happy despite the pressures of the world. If you do not take care of your health, the pressures of the world, will take youdown.

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