Endocrinologist Dr. Ambrish Mithal said that taking calcium supplements without professional guidance can cause more harm than benefit [1].
This warning highlights a growing concern over the indiscriminate prescription and consumption of supplements in India, where dietary habits often clash with medical over-prescription.
Dr. Mithal said that calcium tablets are frequently prescribed irrationally [1]. He said that taking supplements can be detrimental if they are misused, taken in excess, or consumed without proper medical oversight [1].
According to the physician, food should remain the primary source of calcium for the population [1]. While many Indians may have low dietary calcium intake, he said that unnecessary supplementation does not solve the underlying nutritional issue and may introduce new health risks [1].
Medical reports emphasize that daily supplement use without a diagnosed deficiency can be dangerous [1]. The risk increases when individuals self-prescribe based on general health trends rather than clinical needs [1].
Dr. Mithal said that the goal should be to improve dietary intake rather than relying on pills. This approach ensures the body absorbs nutrients in a natural balance, reducing the risk of complications associated with synthetic supplements [1].
“Taking supplements can sometimes do more harm than good, especially if they are misused.”
The shift toward a 'food-first' approach reflects a broader medical effort to combat the over-medicalization of nutrition. By emphasizing dietary sources over supplements, health professionals aim to reduce the incidence of toxicity and organ stress caused by excessive mineral intake, urging patients to seek diagnostic blood tests before starting any supplement regimen.
