Everything that happens to your body if you stop taking supplements
With wellness culture on the rise, it feels like there's a vitamin or supplement for literally everything you can think of,
A BBC report from last August highlights how the market is estimated to be worth a whopping $32.7bn (£24.2bn), with over 74% of Americans and two-thirds of Brits using supplements as a way to improve their health.
Vitamin D, iron, green powders, and probiotics are among some of the most popular that people are reaching for, but it's important to be aware that it is possible to overdo it.
Although they're a great way to fill specific nutritional gaps and are effective for correcting deficiencies, warnings have been issued about going over the recommended dosages, as well as taking certain supplements together.
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There's also something called a 'rebound effect' that takes place if you suddenly go from taking a slew of supplements and vitamins to going cold turkey.
As reported by Clinikally, the term refers to 'the return, or worsening, of symptoms or health difficulties after discontinuing a nutrient or dietary intervention, particularly if the body had become dependent on it or accustomed to it over time'.
However, this isn't the case for everyone - it's just something to be aware of before implementing a series of different vitamins into your diet.
As per Vitacost, depending on factors like how long you’ve been taking them and how you stop using them, side effects may include:
- Low energy, fatigue, and lethargy
- Muscle weakness
- Poor concentration
- Mood changes
- Sleep-related issues
- Digestive issues such as constipation
- Weakened immune system
To explain, our bodies are always seeking balance, so when we follow a specific diet or take a supplement every day, that becomes the norm for us.
In response, the body adjusts its 'metabolism, enzyme levels, hormone activity, and absorption processes'.
So, if a factor like a supplement or vitamin is suddenly removed, it can cause an imbalance, and we might not immediately adjust to the change, causing temporary symptoms.
It can be especially noticeable in nutrients that have a direct impact on mood, energy, and metabolism.
For example, if you take an 'energy' supplement that might contain caffeine, you could experience brain fog and tiredness if you suddenly stop taking it.
Experts at Clinikally also warn that while most vitamins and supplements are completely safe to withdraw, some should not be abruptly stopped, especially if you've been prescribed them or your body has grown accustomed to them.
According to the publication, these include melatonin, iron, vitamin D, magnesium, vitamin D12, and probiotics.
It can sometimes be better to gradually wean yourself off, or you can always speak to a GP or health professional if you're concerned.
Madison Burgess