Who hasn’t heard the recommendation to take a vitamin C pill when you have a cold? The micronutrient helps in the functioning of the immune system. But experts now warn that routine consumption of the supplement without medical advice could pose health risks.
Excess vitamin C can favor the formation of kidney stones
Research carried out by the Brazilian Association for Consumer Defense, Proteste, with brands of supplements on the market, points out that the pills have a high level of additives and sodium, and the intake of excess vitamin C can favor the formation of kidney stones, especially in who already has a predisposition. The study shows that the average amount of sodium in effervescent tablets on the market is 243mg, which corresponds to 12% of what is recommended by the World Health Organization.
– Considering that the World Health Organization recommends the consumption of up to 2,000 mg of sodium per day, this value represents 12% of the total intake of the nutrient, which is quite expressive – says Proteste specialist Adrielle Rodrigues.
The lots analyzed were from the brands Redoxon, Vit Care, Raia Vitamina, Benegripe and Vitaxon.
In the analysis of the label, it was verified that despite the BIO-C brand, for example, informing the presence of the sweetener aspartame – a food additive that gives a sweet taste and which is composed of the amino acid phenylalanine –, the alert “Contains phenylalanine” did not appear on the label. label, as required by legislation1. “The alert is very important. Patients with phenylketonuria are not able to metabolize this amino acid, and therefore they must restrict their intake of foods and products that contain phenylalanine”, explains Adrielle. Phenylketonuria is a congenital disease, which, according to the Ministry of Health, affects one between 15 or 25 thousand newborns in Brazil.
It is worth remembering that the same additive may be present in more than one food or supplement that the consumer regularly ingests, which may also increase the possibility of an allergic reaction – says the expert
How to analyze the label of dietary supplements
When buying a supplement at the pharmacy, it is recommended to check the recommendation for use to check the right amount and frequency for consumption, and be aware of the age group indicated on the label, since the recommended dose varies according to age.
Adrielle also warns of the importance of paying attention to the list of ingredients on the label, especially if you are allergic to dyes, which are often present in food supplements.
Dietary supplements and recommendation for use
Another essential data for the correct use of the food supplement is that the products bring the recommendation for use, including (in the same place on the label) the amount and frequency of consumption.o for population group. Benegrip, for example, does not inform the frequency to take the effervescent, which can make it difficult for the consumer to understand. And Vit Care and Vitaxon do not include the age indicated in the recommendation for use, but in other sections of the label.
The study analyzed five brands of vitamin C supplement on the market and found that the values of proteins, vitamins and minerals shown on the labels were in accordance with what was tested in the laboratory, and the products fulfill what they promise, which brings safety to the consumer. But that doesn’t negate the fact that sodium values and additives are high and bring health risks.
What is vitamin C used for?
Vitamin C assists in the absorption of iron from food and in the formation of collagen, has an antioxidant action and acts in the wound healing process, among other health benefits. The micronutrient is present in fruits such as acerola and lemon, and vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage and spinach. If there is no professional indication for the use of dietary supplements, a balanced diet rich in vitamin C is enough to keep your health up to date, says the report.
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Who hasn’t heard the recommendation to take a vitamin C pill when you have a cold? The micronutrient helps in the functioning of the immune system. But experts now warn that routine consumption of the supplement without medical advice could pose health risks.
Excess vitamin C can favor the formation of kidney stones
Research carried out by the Brazilian Association for Consumer Defense, Proteste, with brands of supplements on the market, points out that the pills have a high level of additives and sodium, and the intake of excess vitamin C can favor the formation of kidney stones, especially in who already has a predisposition. The study shows that the average amount of sodium in effervescent tablets on the market is 243mg, which corresponds to 12% of what is recommended by the World Health Organization.
– Considering that the World Health Organization recommends the consumption of up to 2,000 mg of sodium per day, this value represents 12% of the total intake of the nutrient, which is quite expressive – says Proteste specialist Adrielle Rodrigues.
The lots analyzed were from the brands Redoxon, Vit Care, Raia Vitamina, Benegripe and Vitaxon.
In the analysis of the label, it was verified that despite the BIO-C brand, for example, informing the presence of the sweetener aspartame – a food additive that gives a sweet taste and which is composed of the amino acid phenylalanine –, the alert “Contains phenylalanine” did not appear on the label. label, as required by legislation1. “The alert is very important. Patients with phenylketonuria are not able to metabolize this amino acid, and therefore they must restrict their intake of foods and products that contain phenylalanine”, explains Adrielle. Phenylketonuria is a congenital disease, which, according to the Ministry of Health, affects one between 15 or 25 thousand newborns in Brazil.
It is worth remembering that the same additive may be present in more than one food or supplement that the consumer regularly ingests, which may also increase the possibility of an allergic reaction – says the expert
How to analyze the label of dietary supplements
When buying a supplement at the pharmacy, it is recommended to check the recommendation for use to check the right amount and frequency for consumption, and be aware of the age group indicated on the label, since the recommended dose varies according to age.
Adrielle also warns of the importance of paying attention to the list of ingredients on the label, especially if you are allergic to dyes, which are often present in food supplements.
Dietary supplements and recommendation for use
Another essential data for the correct use of the food supplement is that the products bring the recommendation for use, including (in the same place on the label) the amount and frequency of consumption.o for population group. Benegrip, for example, does not inform the frequency to take the effervescent, which can make it difficult for the consumer to understand. And Vit Care and Vitaxon do not include the age indicated in the recommendation for use, but in other sections of the label.
The study analyzed five brands of vitamin C supplement on the market and found that the values of proteins, vitamins and minerals shown on the labels were in accordance with what was tested in the laboratory, and the products fulfill what they promise, which brings safety to the consumer. But that doesn’t negate the fact that sodium values and additives are high and bring health risks.
What is vitamin C used for?
Vitamin C assists in the absorption of iron from food and in the formation of collagen, has an antioxidant action and acts in the wound healing process, among other health benefits. The micronutrient is present in fruits such as acerola and lemon, and vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage and spinach. If there is no professional indication for the use of dietary supplements, a balanced diet rich in vitamin C is enough to keep your health up to date, says the report.
The globe