Handful of health

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: They are available over the counter and people pop them in by the dozen. Multivitamins, minerals, anti oxidant supplements… “I am not sure if they work, but they definitely make me feel good… I think they help me stay in control of my health,” says advertising professional Prachi Vaishya.

People like Vaishya, with the few strips of multi vitamins that they consume every week, are fuelling the $400 million food supplement and health food market in India. And she is spoilt for choice. Amway, Himalaya, Dabur, Organic India… most pharma companies offer health supplements.

“The health sector in India is growing at 20% per annum and the biggest factor contributing to this is the rapidly increasing awareness about preventive healthcare. Today most people work long hours. It results in unhealthy eating habits — often the consumption of fast food — and stressful lifestyles. Most fast food items lack in essential vitamins and nutrients and so people feel the need to supplement their diets with vitamins and minerals,” says Bill Pinckney, CEO, Amway India.

Ranging from the more common mineral and calcium supplements to the traditional remedies, now a host of dietary supplements are available in India. Others, with a healthy lifestyle, may also need supplements. “Certain essential amino acids are not formed in the body and therefore need to be taken in the form of supplements. Also, at times the body doesn’t adequately synthesise certain minerals,” explains Dr Mukesh Mehra, Sr Consultant, Internal Medicine, Max Healthcare, Delhi.

However, if you’re generally healthy and eat a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean meats, you are unlikely to need supplements. But don’t forget to consult your physician before starting on any supplements. Wrong dosage and wrong combination can be harmful. Combined with over-the-counter and prescription drugs, supplements can be harmful.

“Megadoses of certain minerals and vitamins can cause toxicity. Over dose of niacin can lead to itching and headache; excess of iron can get stored in the body and result in breakdown of red blood cells; of vitamin C may result in abdominal pain and even renal stones; in high doses vitamin B 6 can cause neuro problems...,” says Dr Mehra.