Hi everyone. Welcome back to Ask a Nutritionist, our weekly mini episode of Dishing Up Nutrition,

where we answer questions from you, the listeners. I'm Alyssa, registered dietitian with nutritional weight and wellness.

Today's listener asked, can you take too many vitamins or supplements? As a dietitian, I frequently

get asked about supplements. Supplements can be beneficial to help correct nutrient deficiencies.

First and foremost, I promote getting nutrients from real food.

Supplements can serve as a tool, helping to improve a person's nutritional status when their diet may be low in some areas,

or they may be on a medication that deplete certain nutrients.

For instance, according to the FDA, proton pump inhibitors such as

omeprosol used to treat reflux can deplete magnesium from the body, causing magnesium in supplement form to possibly be a benefit.

Some other nutrients people frequently benefit from supplementing include calcium, vitamin D, and omega-3 fats.

The short answer to today's question, can you take too many vitamins or supplements?

Is yes. Dose matters. Taking more or something is not always better. Also, as a side note, before starting any supplement or considered starting

multiple supplements, please consult with a qualified health care provider who is part of your team

who knows your health history, concerns, and current medications. Keep a list of all your supplements and doses with you to share

with your health care providers because supplements may have negative interactions with certain

medications or health conditions. Individual needs and responses to supplements vary. What is safe

and effective for one person might not be right

for another. The ideal way to get all of our nutrients that you need is by consuming a well-rounded

balanced diet. A person's age, genetics, medical conditions, medications, and diet are all

factors we consider when determining if a supplement is beneficial.

Typically, vitamin supplements are safe to take when used responsibly. Today's talk is not meant to scare

you. Most people do not develop toxicity. It is, however, intended to help you supplement

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