The Truth About Popular Supplements: Risks of Beta-Carotene, Vitamin E, Selenium, and Ephedrine

2026-04-10

Selenium: Until recently, selenium was considered a mineral that could be taken as a supplement.

Not only because selenium is an antioxidant that can prevent cell oxidation, but also because it is believed to improve...

A high level of efficiency in processing sugar in the body can help prevent complications such as diabetes. However, in a study...

In a large study testing whether selenium (200 micrograms daily) could prevent skin cancer, people found that it...

It appears to increase the risk of developing diabetes. The number of people who took selenium was higher than those who took a placebo.

Facts

Multivitamins: If men take large amounts of multivitamins to improve their health, that is, each

People who take multivitamins more than seven times a week have a higher chance of developing late-stage prostate cancer.

The increase is 30%. This is especially true for men with a family history of the disease. A large study analyzed 295,344...

A study was conducted to track 100 men and explore the relationship between taking multivitamins and prostate cancer.

The study found no link between the general male population and an increased risk of prostate cancer, but excessive use of multivitamins was found.

However, these substances can increase the risk of developing metastatic prostate cancer or other fatal cancers.

Ephedra: This herb was banned in 2004 (after a long legal battle) because of its weight-loss properties.

The medication increases the risk of heart disease and stroke in its users. I remember reading this the year before.

One such death: Steve Bechler, a 23-year-old pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles baseball team, was...

It is believed that his death was at least related to his use of ephedra.

Other supplements: 2004, Consumer Union – Consumer Reports

A non-profit independent publisher warned Americans to stay away from more than a dozen "unclean" publications.

These supplements can cause cancer, heart disease, kidney or liver damage, and even death.

Facts

Before you swallow large amounts of antioxidant supplements, consider this: what are the effects of these supplements on your body?

It may be of no benefit. A report analyzing 47 research reports involving 180,000 participants suggests that...

Ingesting beta-carotene, vitamin E, and vitamin A not only fails to improve health, but may actually increase susceptibility to certain health problems.

Increased mortality rate. This report, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, was compiled by the Cokoran Collaboration.

This was compiled by researchers from the Cochrane Collaboration. The Cochrane Collaboration is a network of specialized...

An international network of experts systematically studies published research reports to determine...

Are the current treatment methods scientifically based?

This research report also covered vitamin C and selenium, but found no evidence that taking them increased mortality.

The chances of death. However, people who take vitamin C do not necessarily live longer than those who do not.

Although antioxidant supplements are not recommended, antioxidants from food, especially those from [unclear - possibly a specific source], are beneficial.

Plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and vegetable oils are all beneficial to health.

Your best choice.

I know that when you read this far you're thinking, "Oh my god, why is this so complicated?" For us...

The best way to deal with this complex situation is to eat truly healthy foods, such as kale, cauliflower, and others.

He eats foods that are good for health. Our bodies need nutrients for development, digestion, and other functions.

Nothing can replace the nutrients we get directly from food. If you want to obtain nutrients through eating...

Don't count on supplements to provide nutrients that junk food doesn't have, because that's impossible.

Doing so could have even more serious consequences for your health than junk food.

10 Most Popular Supplements

For/Oppose of Supplements

1. Multivitamins/Minerals: Most people can supplement a certain nutrient that their body lacks by taking a multivitamin tablet daily, but these supplements cannot cure diseases.

2. Sports nutrition powders/complexes: These supplements provide athletes participating in endurance sports with a quick nutritional boost. While these supplements are economical and convenient, they are not essential for athletes' training. Training effects, such as muscle recovery, can be achieved through consuming real food.

3. Calcium: It is recommended that menopausal women supplement with calcium to prevent osteoporosis. Calcium can also help prevent colon cancer.

4. Vitamin B: Most folic acid/vitamin B supplements have been tested and shown not to prevent heart disease, stroke, and cognitive decline.

5. Vitamin C: According to recent studies on antioxidants, vitamin C supplementation does not extend lifespan or prevent colds. In fact, consuming more vitamin C than recommended can impair the immune system.

6. Glucosamine/Chondroitin: Glucosamine and chondroitin are natural substances found in healthy joint cartilage. These two supplements can be helpful in treating arthritis. Studies on various subjects have shown that these supplements are effective for moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis. However, a 2008 study published in the *Annals of Internal Medicine* found that even taking 1500 mg of glucosamine daily for two years did not reduce joint pain, improve joint function, or reduce joint space in patients with hip osteoarthritis. Taking more than the recommended dose of glucosamine may also cause stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, indigestion, and heartburn.

7. Homeopathy: One principle of homeopathy is "like cures like" (meaning treating symptoms with a small dose of the same kind of medicine that causes them; this is similar to the principle of most vaccines). Proponents say homeopathy is safe and often effective, so there's no need for conclusive evidence to prove its efficacy. Others are less convinced. Large-scale systematic studies have not found homeopathy to be effective for any particular ailment.

8. Other Vitamins: If you've been taking vitamin supplements to prevent cancer, save your money. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that taking synthetic vitamins alone did not have any cancer-preventive effect in test subjects.

While some observational studies suggest that people taking vitamins have a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease, it's unclear whether this is a result of taking the supplement. For example, people taking supplements might focus on health in other ways; they might be less overweight and more active.

9. Fish Oil: The American Heart Association recommends that people with a history of heart disease take about 1 gram of EPA and DHA (two Omega-3 fatty acids) daily, but it is best to obtain these fatty acids by eating fish. Although you can also consider taking EPA+DHA supplements to supplement these fatty acids, it is best to consult a doctor first. We recommend that people with high triglycerides (blood lipids) take 2-4 grams of EPA+DHA capsules daily under the guidance of a doctor.

10. Coenzyme Q10: Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a popular antioxidant widely used to treat heart failure, cancer, migraines, and for anti-aging purposes. Most researchers believe that further research is needed before this antioxidant can be recommended as a drug to patients.

*Excerpted from: Nutrition Business Journal 2007 Survey

I'm not saying all supplements are entirely useless or harmful to health. They all have their own...

The value of existence. Although a very balanced and varied diet is the long-term solution, even if your

Even with a perfectly balanced diet, you still can't get enough of a certain nutrient from your food, such as vitamin D.

One example is that our food supply is different from what it used to be, and most people no longer rely on local farmers.

They sell fresh produce there. The vegetables you buy from the supermarket may have already gone bad before they even reach the store.

It's been a week. Moreover, even in the best growing conditions, the vitamin and mineral content in food...

It also depends on its ever-changing growing conditions. Besides, who can say they've always eaten perfectly healthy food?

What about diet? For dietary safety and to simplify things, I recommend taking a daily vitamin/mineral supplement.

Supplement with vitamins and minerals, and eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. As for what type of vitamin/mineral you choose...

To ensure quality, I believe you should choose products formulated by pharmaceutical companies. Also, don't forget...

Look for the USP mark on the label. If the label shows USP, it means that this supplement meets the requirements.

It conforms to the standards of the United States Pharmacopeia (USP). The United States Pharmacopeia Commission sets standards for various drugs.

Standards are established for the composition, quality, purity, and safety performance of substances. You should consume the best diet and take...

Use multivitamin tablets to supplement a nutrient that the body may be lacking.

One point to add is that at certain stages of your life, you may have a specific need for certain nutrients.

The need for quality may increase, and your diet may not be able to meet this need, for example, the need for quality of life for women of childbearing age.

The need for folic acid, and the calcium needs of pregnant and breastfeeding women. The following recommendations are based on scientific evidence.

This information is provided for your reference.

◆Strengthening bones: Calcium

Calcium's primary function is maintaining bone strength, but it also plays a role in blood clotting and muscle/nerve function.

It plays a vital role. Every cell in your body needs calcium to function properly. Throughout your life,

Maintaining adequate calcium intake is crucial for bone health. Fortunately, many foods contain calcium.

It contains calcium. The best foods for calcium are milk, yogurt, and cheese, but you can also get it from spinach, etc.

Soy milk, tofu, cauliflower, oranges, bread, calcium-fortified instant cereals, calcium-fortified fruit juice, and

Calcium can be obtained from canned salmon with bones.

Our bodies' calcium needs vary at different stages of life. Below is based on...

Recommended calcium intake for different age groups:

• 1-3 years old: Supplement with 500 mg daily

●4-8 years old: Supplement with 800 mg daily

• Ages 9–18: Supplement with 1300 mg daily

• Ages 19-50: Supplement with 1000 mg daily

• Ages 51 and up: Supplement with 1200 mg daily

What type of calcium supplement should you take? Calcium carbonate and calcium citrate are the easiest for the body to absorb.

Absorbable complex calcium. You must take calcium supplements with vitamin D, which will help your body absorb them.

To better absorb this mineral. Men shouldn't take calcium supplements because some studies suggest that excessive calcium intake...

The dosage may increase the risk of prostate disease. Although the extent of the effects of supplements remains controversial.

However, if you are a woman, then there is no dispute that calcium supplementation is important.

You May Also Like

A comprehensive examination of obesity: from impaired digestion and respiratory problems to damage to appearance and self-confidence.

This article analyzes the life problems caused by obesity from multiple dimensions. It not only covers the stress of overeating on gastrointestinal function and constipation, but also reveals how abdominal fat compresses the diaphragm, impairs lung function, and can cause sleep apnea. Furthermore, the article explores the negative impact of obesity on appearance (such as acne) and...

2026-04-14

Calorie Quality and Food Choices: Modular Measurement and Food Label Reading Techniques

All calories have the same effect on weight loss, but food quality is crucial. Using the "modular" measurement method, which estimates food portions at 100 calories each, makes calorie control easy. Divide your plate into four portions: lean meat, complex carbohydrates, and vegetables in reasonable proportions. Note that "low-fat" on food labels does not equal low-calorie. Choosing smaller...

2026-04-15

The 100-calorie module method and food plate partitioning: Easily control calorie intake

Don't want to precisely count calories? You can use the "modular" measurement method, estimating food portions in 100-calorie increments. This article lists common food portions in 100-calorie quantities. Divide your plate into four parts: lean meat, complex carbohydrates, and vegetables in reasonable proportions. Note that "low-fat" on food labels does not mean low-calorie. Choosing smaller...

2026-04-15