Approx. half of the Americans are taking supplements to get an adequate amount of minerals for their body. We know supplements can improve your health, but taking them in large doses can lead to potential side-effects if not taken as recommended by your doctor.

Here are four supplements that you must take carefully.

#1. Vitamin D: Too Much Of It Can Harm Your Kidneys 

Vitamin D is required in the body to absorb calcium from the blood i.e., it is required for the good health and to prevent bone diseases like osteoporosis. But taking vitamin D more than the required amount can harm kidneys. Vitamin D is necessary for women who are more than 65 years and have vitamin D deficiency or have a risk of osteoporosis. The recommended amount of vitamin D for an adult is 600 IU per day and 800 IU per day for individuals who are above 70 years. Taking vitamin D more than as recommended by your doctor can affect your health. So make sure to take vitamin D supplements as recommended by your doctor.

#2. Calcium: The Excess Settles in Your Arteries

Calcium is one of the essential nutrients for strong bones and a healthy heart but too much of it is not a good thing. Make sure that you get enough calcium from your diet. The recommended amount of calcium for an adult is 1,000 mg in a day and 1,200 mg in a day for women 71 and above.  If you’ve low levels of calcium in your body then your doctor may recommend you calcium supplements. But adults of ages 19-50 years taking calcium more than 2,500 mg in a day and individuals of age 51 and above taking calcium more than 2,000 mg in a day can experience several health problems. If individuals don’t have sufficient amount of vitamin D in their body then extra calcium may settle down in the arteries instead of the bones. So make sure to take calcium supplements as recommended by your doctor.

#3. Vitamin B: Results In Increase In Anxiety Levels

Vitamin B is necessary for energy production, digestion and the formation of red blood cells, among other key functions. However, there are some consumers that have reported higher levels of anxiety after taking certain B vitamins, including vitamins B6 and B12.  Some of the other side effects that one can experience after taking B-complex supplements are increased restlessness, irritation, worry, even outright panic.

If your vitamin B levels are low, consult with your doctor. Moreover, don’t forget to eat a healthy diet that includes eggs, cottage cheese, grass-fed beef, salmon and feta cheese to fulfill the requirement of vitamin B in your body.

#4. Magnesium: Can Cause Diarrhea

Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in the human body. It is necessary for normal bone structure in the body. The recommended amount of magnesium for men is 400-420 mg and for women 320-360 mg per day. Many people take magnesium supplements to meet the recommended amount. Magnesium supplements are considered safe, however, some people experience some gut related issues such as nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.

If your magnesium levels are low, you may need a higher dose of magnesium, but make sure to consult with your healthcare provider if magnesium doses exceed the RDI.

What You Should Avoid?

If you’re taking supplements, one thing you should avoid is a drug interaction. Drug interaction can lead to potential side-effects. Avoid mixing of drugs and make sure to take them as recommended by your doctor. Don’t take your supplements along with alcohol, grapefruit juice and other drugs to avoid various possible drug interactions. Make sure to read drug label carefully to know about the warnings and side-effects of your drug. Consult with your doctor immediately in case of any doubt or signs of side-effects.