A cell’s sensitive DNA, vital for normal function, can be
damaged by consuming as little as 500 mg of synthetic
vitamin C (ascorbic acid), which may be an early trigger
for cancer development.
Doses as low as 200 mg of synthetic vitamin C can act as
a pro-oxidant, causing oxidative stress.
Popular doses of vitamin C supplements can be toxic
when they react with the iron in the body or iron in
dietary supplements. This is because of the powerful free
radicals produced by iron.
Consuming popular doses of iron can result in excess fer-
ritin (the body’s storage form of iron), which has been
associated with an increased risk of heart disease and
liver stress. High iron intake can also produce damaging
excess free radicals.
Common preparations of copper, zinc or selenium sup-
plements can be toxic and can even cause disease.
Popular doses of vitamin K and B6 can be toxic.
Consuming popular high doses of vitamin A can result in
bone loss and may increase the risk of hip fracture in the
elderly.
Many popular HSAIDS can adversely interact with over-
the-counter and prescription medications.
In smokers, supplementation with alpha-tocopherol has
been shown to increase the incidence of lung cancer.
Consuming popular doses of beta-carotene has been
shown to increase lung cancer.
Consuming popular doses of vitamin E could increase
the risk of death.
In addition to the possible side effects, there’s another potential
problem with taking dietary supplements — a false sense of security
against the illnesses and diseases they are purported to prevent and
