Watchdog warning on vitamin pills
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A new report from the UK's Food Standards Agency suggests that large doses of certain vitamins could pose a health risk. CNN's Paula Hancocks reports (May 8)
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LONDON, England (CNN) -- Taking high doses of some vitamin and mineral supplements can be harmful, Britain's food watchdog warned on Thursday.
The Food Standards Agency, which says most supplements are safe, has urged people not to take one product -- chromium picolinate -- because it may cause cancer.
It may ban the product used in the manufacture of some supplements, which some athletes and slimmers use to lose weight.
Three other common supplements, vitamin C, calcium and iron, may result in abdominal pain and diarrhea in large doses -- 1,000 milligrams, 1,500 mg and 17 mg respectively.
But the symptoms disappear if the supplements are no longer taken, the agency said.
"While in most cases you can get all the nutrients you need from a balanced diet, many people choose to take supplements. But taking some high-dose supplements over a long period of time could be harmful,'' said John Krebs, the chairman of the agency.
Taking more than 10 mg of vitamin B6 daily, unless under medical care, can an lead to a loss of feeling in the arms and legs, the agency said.
And beta-carotene, an antioxidant found in orange and yellow fruits and vegetables, could cause irreversible harmful effects to smokers if taken long term and in high doses, it added.
The FSA, which reviewed 34 vitamins and minerals, said the research was conducted by an independent group of 11 members from the scientific and medical community, consumer organizations and the health and food industry.
