Turkish physician Professor Galip Ekuklu warned that taking vitamins and dietary supplements without medical consultation can lead to health problems.
In an interview with Anadolu Agency, Ekuklu, head of the Public Health Department at Trakya University's Faculty of Medicine in Edirne, Turkey, stated that a balanced diet and regular sleep are sufficient to maintain a strong immune system.
Ekuklu added that individuals without any specific illness or vitamin absorption disorder can obtain all the vitamins they need from food while following a healthy diet.
Regarding combating infectious diseases during the winter months, he said, one can focus on foods rich in Vitamin C.
He continued, "In addition, it is important to consume sufficient fluids and maintain a balanced diet."
He emphasized that we should not use any vitamin whose contents we do not know, or which we buy online and which is marketed as boosting the immune system.
Ekuklu pointed out that the uncontrolled use of vitamins for health support can cause more harm than good.
He stressed the necessity of using vitamins under the supervision of a doctor, just like taking medications.
Buying Dietary Supplements Online
Ecoklo added that the most dangerous thing is buying dietary supplements online based on rumors, without any medical advice.
He continued, “This has become a global problem, with everything being sold online.”
He questioned, “If chewing a plant or using a product were beneficial for every ailment, why do so many people get sick, and why is medicine striving to advance so much? If that were the case, these products would be given to people, and we wouldn’t have COVID, cancer, or other diseases.”
He noted that these products are promoted with glowing praise, claiming to be a cure-all, adding, “Such a thing is inexplicable.”
The Difference Between Medicine and Poison is the Dose
Ecoklo stated that scientifically proven supplements can be used under medical supervision.
He explained, “After each product is absorbed in the stomach, it goes to the liver and kidneys and is then eliminated. It must be expelled. If it isn’t, it accumulates in the body, and that’s a problem.”
He pointed out that these substances are mostly broken down by the liver to eliminate them.
He added that the liver and kidneys are therefore directly exposed to these products, which harm the body's organs, especially these two.
Regarding some of the potential harms, he said they can include high blood pressure and blood thinning, making even minor bleeding difficult to stop.
As for the justification some people give by saying that plants are used in medicine, he explained that these plants are used in a controlled manner and in specific doses in the pharmaceutical industry.
What distinguishes medicine from poison is the dosage. Substances used in medicine are given in specific doses to avoid toxic effects, the Turkish doctor added.
He concluded by saying that even the simplest medications will have negative effects if taken in excessive doses, which is why every medication has a dosage according to age groups.