Tag: Vitamins

Danger of Supplements

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Dr. BCW, Dr. Curry-Winchell’s, health series Beyond Clinical Walls, talks about the danger of supplements after a recent study that found dangerously high levels of Melatonin in some gummy supplements.

In this episode of Beyond Clinical Walls, Dr. Curry-Winchell M.D., aka Dr. BCW, talks about a recent study that found dangerously high levels of Melatonin in some gummy supplements that were reviewed.  With some gummies having over 300% the recorded amount of Melatonin and some having zero Melatonin.  And some had substances that were not even recorded on the label at all.  It is important to be very mindful about vitamin and hormonal supplements you take.  Some can have negative impacts on your health.  Since there are no regulations regarding the manufacturing, distribution or marketing of supplements you also never know what you are actually getting.  To learn more about the danger of supplements, check out this video to learn more.  Make sure and check out this episode to learn more.

Remember, to subscribe to Beyond Clinical Walls.  It really helps the channel.  It also helps Dr. BCW continue to provide helpful informations on health topics, health literacy and health inequity .  Thank you so much for your support – Dr. Curry-Winchell

Risks of Vitamins and Supplements

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Hi, it’s Dr. Curry-Winchell, aka Dr. BCW, I want to discuss the risks of Vitamins and Supplements.  An important topic that has gained recent attention due to a study on Melatonin gummies: vitamins and supplements.  With more people buying these products, it’s crucial to be aware of the risks associated with their use.

Overuse of Vitamins and Supplements:

According to the CDC, more than half of American adults use dietary supplements.  Of course we see similar trends with kids as well, with a third of children using supplements.  However, recent findings from a study have raised concerns. The study examined Melatonin gummies, which are a type of product containing a hormone called Melatonin. The body naturally produces Melatonin to regulate sleep.  The study had a shocking discovery: Some gummies contained melatonin levels as high as 347% the label’s indication.  Moreover, some gummies contained no melatonin at all, while others even contained CBD oil.

Considerations and Tips:

If you choose to take over-the-counter vitamins or supplements, it’s important to consider the following tips:

  1. Natural Sources of Vitamins: Your body naturally produces vitamins D and K.  You receive vitamins A, C, D, E, and K from the food you consume every day.
  2. Risks of Vitamin Overdose: Excessive Vitamin-A intake has been associated with ailments such as nausea, changes in vision, headaches, and coordination difficulties. Pregnant women should be particularly cautious, as high Vitamin-A intake has been linked to birth defects.  Vitamin-A can also interact negatively with certain medications.  Similarly, a large dose of Vitamin-C can result in adverse effects like headaches, vomiting, and stomach cramps.  And related to the above referenced study, the overconsumption of Melatonin can lead to symptoms such as headaches, fluctuating blood pressure, vomiting, or excessive drowsiness.

The Importance of Regulation:

It’s vital you understand, vitamins and supplements are not regulated by the FDA for their safety, effectiveness, or marketing practices.  This means that manufacturers can misrepresent the contents and effectiveness of the vitamins they sell.  So always approach these products with caution and some skepticism.

Staying Informed:

To learn more about this topic, I encourage you to read my article with Yahoo and Eat This, Not That.  I included a link to the Melatonin study below, so you can access the research directly.

Conclusion:

While vitamins and supplements can play a role in supporting our health, it’s important to approach them with caution.  Understanding the risks of vitamins and supplements, and consequences of overusing or misusing these products can have adverse effects on our well-being.  Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplements.  Remember that often a balanced diet provides all the essential nutrients your body needs naturally.  Stay informed and make well-informed decisions about your health and well-being.

 

-Dr. BCW

Dangerous Effects of Too Many Vitamins, Says MD

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Dr. BCW, Dr. Curry-Winchell, talks with Eat This, Not That about the dangerous effects of too many vitamins.

Read the full Eat This Not That article here

Article Snippet:

We’ve all been told that taking vitamins is a good thing, but is it really? That depends on who you talk to. While many people can get the nutrients they need from eating a balanced diet, vitamin deficiency is a real issue for others and supplements can be a solution. That said, there’s harmful side effects to be aware of that Dr. Bayo Curry-Winchell, Urgent Care Medical Director and Physician, Carbon Health and Saint Mary’s Hospital explains to us and before taking any vitamin, please consult with your physician first. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.

What Should People Know About Vitamins Before Taking Them?

Dr. Curry-Winchell emphasizes “First and foremost, make sure you discuss the vitamins you are taking with your healthcare provider. There is a myth that vitamins cannot cause harm. However, they can if taken in high quantities or with specific medications or health conditions including pregnancy. So be careful!”…

See what else Dr. BCW has to share as she answers questions for Eat This, Not That as they discuss the dangerous effects of too many vitamins.

Can antibiotics, ivermectin and supplements help fight COVID-19?

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Dr. BCW, Dr. Curry-Winchell, talks antibiotics, ivermectin and supplements and weather or not they help fight COVID-19.

Read the full Nevada Independent article here

Dr. BCW,

As the junior year of the pandemic continues, many are still reluctant to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Frustrated, fearful and distrusting, some have turned to the use of unauthorized or unregulated drugs in hopes of preventing and treating the virus – despite an abundance of research and science-based data that supports the effectiveness of the vaccine.

When considering the use of drugs such as antibiotics, supplements and the now trending antiparasitic drug ivermectin, it’s important to note that COVID-19 is a virus, not a bacterial infection. The components of a virus and a bacterial infection are completely different. I often tell my patients that I can prescribe the strongest antibiotic in the world, but if they have a viral infection, it’s not going to help. In fact, taking an antibiotic to treat a virus will not have any benefits — and could cause adverse side effects or, unfortunately, cause a person to build up a resistance to antibiotics altogether.

Ivermectin

According to the Federal Drug Administration (FDA), antiparasitic drugs such as Ivermectin should not be used to treat COVID-19. Antiparasitic medications–much like antibiotics–are not appropriate or effective treatments for the virus as these medications have yet to be proven to respond to viral infections. The FDA also says taking large doses of Ivermectin is “not ok” and that overdose on Ivermectin can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hypotension (low blood pressure), allergic reactions (itching and hives), dizziness, ataxia (problems with balance), seizures, coma and even death.

Though supplements and vitamins can help the immune system, they do not treat or prevent COVID-19. Supplements are not regulated, and we do not truly know the effects they have…

Dr. BCW continues on The Nevada Independent