This Incredibly Popular Supplement DAMAGES Your Blood Vessels

Summary

In this video, a health professional warns against the dangers of several popular supplements, including calcium, iron, vitamin E, and resveratrol. Calcium, while essential for bone health, can increase heart disease risk when taken in supplement form. Iron supplementation can cause harmful side effects, especially in excess. Vitamin E and A, both commonly taken for antioxidant benefits, may actually increase mortality and have other health risks. Resveratrol, initially thought to extend lifespan, has shown disappointing results in trials and may even interfere with exercise benefits. The video emphasizes the importance of getting nutrients through diet rather than supplements to minimize these health risks.

Takeaways

• 😀 Calcium supplements may not reduce bone fractures as expected and can increase the risk of heart disease.
• 😀 Research on calcium supplements has shown mixed results, with some studies suggesting no benefit and others indicating potential harm.
• 😀 High calcium intake from supplements, especially without vitamin D, can significantly increase the risk of heart attacks, as observed in some studies.
• 😀 Calcium from food sources is safer than supplements, as dietary calcium does not spike blood calcium levels the way supplements do.
• 😀 Studies suggest that calcium supplements might cause arterial calcification, especially for individuals with existing coronary artery disease.
• 😀 Iron supplements can lead to harmful side effects, including digestive issues, zinc deficiencies, and even organ damage if taken in excess.
• 😀 It's safer to get iron from dietary sources, such as animal-based foods, rather than relying on supplements, unless prescribed by a doctor.
• 😀 Vitamin E supplements, despite claims of health benefits, may actually increase the risk of mortality and interfere with exercise benefits.
• 😀 There is no strong evidence to support that vitamin E supplements extend lifespan; in fact, they may increase the risk of death in some cases.
• 😀 Resveratrol, despite early excitement, has shown disappointing results in trials, and may not have any significant benefits for health, including lifespan extension or type 2 diabetes improvement.

Q & A

What are the potential risks associated with calcium supplements?

Calcium supplements may increase the risk of heart attacks and blood vessel calcification, particularly if taken without vitamin D. Some studies suggest a 30% higher risk of heart attacks and, in some cases, up to a 90% increase in heart attack risks, especially in individuals with osteoporosis and without sufficient vitamin D.

Why is it better to get calcium from food rather than supplements?

Calcium obtained from food doesn't cause the same spike in blood calcium levels as supplements. Studies have shown that dietary calcium is linked to a lower risk of blood vessel calcification, while supplements are associated with higher risks, including heart disease and vascular calcification.

What role does vitamin D play in the body's calcium regulation?

Vitamin D helps regulate calcium absorption in the body. Without adequate vitamin D, calcium supplementation may exacerbate health issues, such as heart disease, due to its impact on calcium metabolism.

What is the recommended daily intake of calcium for adults?

The recommended daily intake of calcium for adults is around 1,000 milligrams per day. However, individuals who are at higher risk of bone density loss, such as post-menopausal women, may need more calcium from their diet.

How do iron supplements pose risks to health?

While iron is essential for oxygen transport in the blood, excessive iron supplementation can lead to adverse effects, such as organ damage. Iron can also interfere with the absorption of other essential minerals like zinc and upset the digestive system.

Who might need to take iron supplements?

Iron supplements may be necessary for individuals with iron deficiency, such as pregnant women, those with heavy periods, or people with certain digestive issues. However, they should only be taken under medical supervision.

What are the concerns with vitamin E supplementation?

Vitamin E supplementation may interfere with the benefits of exercise, reduce lifespan, and increase the risk of prostate cancer. Despite its antioxidant properties, studies show no evidence of lifespan extension, and excessive vitamin E has been linked to increased mortality.

Why is vitamin E supplementation not recommended for most people?

Most individuals receive enough vitamin E through their diet, and supplementation could potentially interfere with exercise benefits and increase the risk of certain health issues, such as prostate cancer. Long-term studies have even suggested that excessive vitamin E could lead to higher mortality rates.

What is the issue with resveratrol supplements?

Resveratrol supplements, initially thought to extend lifespan by activating a key enzyme (SIRT1), have shown disappointing results in clinical studies. Research suggests that it does not provide the expected benefits and may even interfere with exercise benefits, reducing positive effects on blood pressure, cholesterol, and oxygen usage.

What are the possible harmful effects of resveratrol supplementation?

Resveratrol supplementation can stress cells, impair DNA replication during cell division, and interfere with exercise-related benefits. It has also been linked to lowered testosterone levels in some studies. Overall, there is insufficient evidence supporting its health benefits.