Walk into any pharmacy or scroll through social media, and supplements are everywhere—promising better immunity, stronger bones, sharper memory. Because they’re easy to buy and widely marketed as “natural,” many people assume they’re automatically safe. That assumption isn’t always true.
The human body needs nutrients in the right amounts, not in unlimited supply. When supplements are taken without real need or in excessive doses, they can start doing more harm than good. Fat-soluble vitamins such as A and D can build up in the body over time. Too much vitamin D, for instance, may push calcium levels too high and strain the kidneys. High vitamin A intake has been linked with liver issues and headaches. Even minerals like iron and calcium—often taken for general wellness—can cause stomach upset or contribute to kidney stone formation when used unnecessarily.
There’s another layer people often overlook: interactions. Some herbal products can interfere with prescription medicines, either weakening their effect or increasing side effects. Because supplements are available over the counter, many users never mention them during medical visits, which increases the risk.
None of this means supplements are useless—they can be very helpful when a real deficiency exists. The key is mindful use.
Testing, proper dosing, and professional guidance matter far more than following trends. When it comes to supplements, more is not healthier—just riskier.
MBH/PS