Stacking supplements without key test can do more harm than good, expert warns
LaValle noted that the number of biomarkers measured is less important than how well the results are interpreted.
After appropriate blood testing, the results can be used to identify “functional highs and lows” and help establish specific health goals, he said.
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“If you’re somebody who has a goal to get out there and get after it and do a Hyrox or an LT Games or a Tough Mudder, there could be supplements that would help improve your performance [or] reduce your risk of injury,” LaValle said.
“It doesn’t mean you [have to] take them all the time.”
After an annual blood test, the results can be used to identify “functional highs and lows” and help establish specific health goals, the expert said. (iStock)
The expert reiterated that it’s easy to “overdo it,” particularly with the influence of online health and wellness advice.
“When people are getting barraged with marketing between social media and friends telling them, ‘I did this and it worked,’ they’ll lean in and go, ‘Hey, if two is good, four is better, and why not do 10?'”
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In one example, having low levels of certain nutrients, such as zinc, can disrupt key functions in the body, as zinc plays an important role in immune health, cell growth and metabolism.
But supplementing with too much zinc can cause digestive distress and even copper deficiency, which can lead to anemia and other neurological problems, according to the NIH.
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“So having low zinc is not good, but you can overdo zinc,” LaValle said. “You can overdo vitamin A. You can overdo vitamin D easily, and that could be potentially toxic if you’re taking too much of it.”
People should talk with a doctor or pharmacist before starting or combining supplements, particularly if they take prescription medications or have underlying health conditions. Blood testing may also be appropriate before supplementing certain nutrients, experts advise.
Angelica Stabile is a lifestyle reporter for Fox News Digital.
Article source: https://www.foxnews.com/health/why-stacking-supplements-without-blood-test-first-can-do-more-harm-than-good