A balanced diet is often presented as the best source of nutrients, reducing the need to rely on nutritional supplements. This perspective comes from experts like gastroenterologist Ekaterina Kashukh, who works with patients through the Hemotest laboratory network. Her observations emphasize that most people can meet their daily nutritional needs through real foods rather than pills, especially when meals are varied and nutrient-dense.
For prevention, many clinicians advise against routine use of vitamins or dietary supplements. Taking supplements without a diagnosed deficiency may contribute to an excessive intake of certain vitamins, sometimes referred to as hypervitaminosis, and could provoke adverse allergic reactions in some individuals. In addition, the regulatory pathway for dietary supplements is not as rigorous as the process used for prescription medications, meaning these products can differ in quality and accuracy of labeling. Clinical testing for supplements typically involves fewer rigorous trials than studies conducted for pharmaceutical drugs, which means some products may carry unexpected risks or interact with other medications in ways that are not fully understood upfront.
When there is concern about a possible nutrient deficiency, the appropriate course is to consult a healthcare professional. A doctor can assess symptoms, order the necessary laboratory tests, and interpret the results. If a deficiency is confirmed, they can guide the correct dosage and duration of vitamin and mineral supplementation, ensuring safe and effective treatment based on individual needs and health status. This personalized approach helps prevent both unnecessary supplementation and the risks of untreated deficiencies.
In recent years there has been heightened attention to products containing red yeast rice, a common ingredient in some dietary supplements. Reports from Japan indicate that more than a hundred people were hospitalized after consuming products that included red yeast rice. It is noteworthy that red yeast rice appears in many different products, including dietary supplements, food items, and beverages across the country, with some reports linking its use to severe outcomes, including fatalities in a limited number of cases. This information underscores the importance of careful product selection and close monitoring of any supplement used, particularly when it contains active ingredients that can affect liver function or interact with other medications. The broader takeaway is that consumers should be cautious about relying on such supplements without professional guidance and should seek medical advice if there are any concerns about liver health or overall well-being. (Kyodo News)
Former medical practitioners have also cautioned that some dietary supplements formulated with red yeast rice may pose liver-related risks. This caveat highlights the need for comprehensive safety evaluation and ongoing research to better understand how these products influence organ function, especially in vulnerable populations or when taken with other drugs. For individuals living in Canada and the United States, it remains prudent to prioritize nutrient intake from diverse foods and to use supplements only under medical supervision, after a proper clinical assessment. The goal is to support health with reliable information, clear guidance, and personalized care rather than relying on broad, one-size-fits-all recommendations.