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Representative Image \/ Photo: Ridhin Damu<\/p>\nN Soumya<\/p>\n
26 September 2025, 09:49 AM IST<\/p>\n
Experts warn against self-medicating with vitamin supplements without doctor`s advice. Learn the risks of improper use and the importance of balanced diet.<\/p>\n
Representative Image \/ Photo: Ridhin Damu<\/p>\n
Kozhikode: An increasing number of people are visiting pharmacies to buy vitamin supplements when feeling tired, without seeking medical advice, experts say.<\/p>\n
Pharmacists warn that self-medicating with supplements is not a healthy practice. Experts say that buying pills in the form of supplements is not healthy. However, since there is no regulation in the case of antibiotics and other drugs, these can be obtained without a doctor’s prescription.<\/p>\n
Pharmacists say that buying pills in the form of supplements started after the COVID period. Vitamin C, D, E, B complex, and omega-3 fatty acids are all being bought.<\/p>\n
\u201cMany people request vitamin E for hair loss or mix different vitamins to apply on their faces, believing it will improve beauty,\u201d said a pharmacist in Kozhikode. \u201cThey are diagnosing themselves online and prescribing their own medicines.\u201d<\/p>\n
Vitamin products are sold as vitamins, drugs and dietary supplements. While dietary supplements require only a food safety licence, other vitamin products need approval from the Drugs Control Department. Many buyers are unaware of this distinction, according to Food Safety Assistant Commissioner A Zakir Hussain, who noted that no studies are being conducted on the widespread use of such supplements.<\/p>\n
Experts caution that overuse of antibiotics and painkillers can damage the kidneys and liver, while excessive intake of vitamins can also be harmful. Vitamins are either water-soluble, which are excreted through urine, or fat-soluble, which can accumulate in the body and lead to health problems such as fatigue, loss of appetite, and other complications.<\/p>\n
An unhealthy practice<\/p>\n
\u201cNutrition should come from a balanced diet,\u201d said Dr TP Mehroof Raj, senior consultant physician at VPS Lake Shore Hospital. \u201cTaking vitamin pills as a way to maintain health is unnecessary. Excessive intake can cause hypervitaminosis and physical problems. Supplements should be used only when recommended by a doctor or health expert.\u201d<\/p>\n