Are vitamins worth it? Does it really strengthen the immune system? Does Vitamin C can cause kidney stone?

[Anonymous]

Im admin at hospital night shift and I dont take vitamins and they advise me to take vitamins everyday to strengthen my immune system. I have ascorbic acid at home 500 mg and I always take it everyday. But I read on internet that taking ascorbic acid can cause kidney stone? Like possible side effects? So do you think its better to just eat fruits and vegetables to get natural vitamins or take vitamins supplements?

[Massageman]

While several times the MDR for Vit C, a 500mg dose is not an outrageous amount. Mega doses of 2g+ are largely wasted, since the body will excrete the excess Vit C, IF there is enough water in the body to do so. Kidney stones are made of calcium and oxalates. Let's turn to the web for info on oxalates - - - - - -

"Oxalates, also known as oxalic acid, are naturally occurring compounds in plants. We eat them in food and our bodies make them as well.

Leafy greens, legumes, and other foods high in oxalates are rich in beneficial nutrients. However, because oxalates bind to calcium as they leave the body, they can increase the risk of kidney stones in some people.

If you’re prone to kidney stones or have kidney disease, your doctor may recommend you follow a low-oxalate diet. But for most people, the benefits of nutrient-dense, high-oxalate foods can outweigh their risks. "

Spinach is the worst "offender" when it comes to oxalates. But, spinach makes you strong like Popeye, no? It is generally considered healthy to include leafy greens in your diet, and every food you eat can be a trade-off.

Milk, cheese, and pizza contains calcium, so I guess we can't eat any of those either. (yes- I'm being a bit sarcastic).

In checking those studies, it turned out that identically run studies had totally divergent results, so you can't trust all that stuff either.

What we DO know- Genetics can change the whole ball game for some. Eating a variety of foods is generally the best plan for most people. Males get stones more than females. Overweight people get stones more than those who weight less. Vitamin C is water soluble. Many people don't get enough water.

A reasonable plan. Have a 500mg Vit C on alternate days. Drink plenty of water. BUT FIRST- Check with your doc who can pull a comprehensive blood panel for you. Do what he/she tells you. And- If you take a magnesium supplement (to relax/sleep), do NOT take it with calcium, milk, cheese, pizza. Your body has a preference for calcium, so consume them at least 2 hours apart from each other.

[Astarlessnightsky]

Vitamins are essential for your health.

You want to know what happens when you don't get enough Vitamin C, google Scurvy a vitamin c defincency caused desease mainly affecting sailors who hadn't access to fresh fruits and vegetables on their long journey.

If you need to take supplements, thats a different topic, ask your doctor for a bloodtest to see if you got enough and what vitamin you are lacking specifically.

[Booklover_90]

They work for me. When I had routine blood work done back in 2018, it showed that I was vitamin D deficient. Since I’m African American, it’s harder for me to absorb vitamin D from the sun. Anyway, I’ve been taking a Vitamin D ever since. Through subsequent blood work in the years since, my vitamin D levels are normal. Therefore, to answer your question, it depends on the person.

[CupcakeTheDestroyer]

If you drink enough water, you probably won’t have a kidney stone. Those are much more common for men than women.


But yes, multi-vitamins help your health a lot. I have a vitamin B deficiency from just living my normal life, and I can tell my body is much, much worse without it

[sunflower00]

It’s absolutely better to get vitamins through your diet and naturally if possible but if this isn’t possible or doesn’t work for you I would definitely recommend supplements.


Vitamin deficiencies can cause so many problems. I feel so much better when I do take my vitamins, especially vitamin D as I live in a place where we barely get any sun. So important! But also, it is important not to take too much of them.

[Fireguy17]

I take a daily one , centrum silver for old farts.
Sometimes my dietary choices are not very healthy so I figure it can't hurt.
Vitamins like most other thing are fine in moderation.
Your body can only absorb so much and the rest has to be processed as waste and you expel it.
Over the long term that can cause health issues.

[dustybiker2]

Its safer to get tested and supplement those things you are lacking, with guidance from a doctor. I know many people who have done damage taking multi vitamins

[TommyMountainFigure]

Spot on DB. Too many people think they should be taking ALL the vitamins, were you should only target those you are deficient in. And like you say.. The only way to know is by being tested!

[dustybiker2]

Multi vits are a dangerous sales gimmick people buy into. Vitamins are powerful in high doses.

[TommyMountainFigure]

Yep.

[onedarkcloud]

You cannot take vitamins willy nilly Vitamins A and D can be toxic at above recommended levels. Under normal conditions the body can handle a vitamin C overload because it is expelled through your urine BUT some people will make stones with just little vitamin C chances are you won't make stones if you have not made them yet Might be helpful to get a book on vitamins second hand on amazon for a few bucks and read it. Can be most helpful

[In_Trance]

Yes they definitely do but unfortunately most people go about it the wrong way. For example any vitamin will benefit any person but not in the same capacity.
You absolutely have to have blood work done to figure out which supplements in which quantities are right for you.
This is the vital step that pretty much everyone bypasses.
Then they spend hundreds of dollars on vitamins and supplements and get no real results

[Dinklex3]

I mean.. depends. Not everyone gets the nutrients they need from their diet. I fast a lot and definitely don’t get all the nutrients needed. I also have iron deficiency anemia so I’m prescribed iron supplements.

[jennifer_bloom]

I believe your lying cause no doctor on earth will tell you to take vitamin c. 100% will tell you to eat fruits and vegetables. It’s obvious to everyone you have never worked at a hospital or taken a single biology or nutrition class.

[Paris13]

I swear by Them. Been on Vitamins since Age6. Thanks to Mom. They not only Do That, Dear, They also Give you Energy and Make for a Nice Part of Your Body's "Make up."xxoo

[electromagnetic]

I think if you do your best to eat healthier and more fruits and vegetables, naturally your immune system well work to your benefit. However, when a day multivitamin has never heard anybody before

[XXblack88]

In today's world where a lot of our food is so processed yes, I think it's worth it. however, I don't think all brands of vitamins work the same a lot of them are nothing but snake oil

[molonski2]

For the most part they are useless , all you part with is your money and health , useless for the most part.

[jahaims]

Plenty of supplements are safe and effective. It isn't possible to get optimal nutrition from diet alone. You work at a hospital and don't know all of this is crazy.

[Asker]

Lol I dont really take vitamins not until I work there. Well I believe fasting can stregthen my immune system as well as taking natural vitamins from sunlight when Im not fasting I eat fruits and vegetables so I get natural nutrients from it.

[Asker]

Vitamin D from sunlight.

[DreamLife7]

Why are you asking us instead of seeing a doctor? How are you an administrator in health but know nothing?

[Asker]

I can't see a doctor. Too busy in my line of work. I just see them but I can't talk to them.

[Asker]

I work at office part of hospital but away from ward where doctors work.

[DreamLife7]

So you come on gag and ask us medical questions, you don't sound like u should be working in health care. How are u in health care but lack basic knowledge?

[Asker]

Yeah I shouldn't be asking it here. Maybe I should ask real doctors instead of people on gag

[Asker]

And I shouldn't be working in health care either.

[JHNS98]

Supplements are generally a scam, unless you need them due to defficiencies.

[exitseven]

I take vitamin D and Vitamin C. Sometimes I do not eat right.

[OtterMan68]

consult your doctor. If you are not getting enough through your daily diet, they may be helpful. I take Vitamin B complex before I work out.

[shortster]

It is always best to take vitamins from their natural sources than through pills. Orange juice is a good source of Vitamin C.

[Iron_Man]

Yes, it’s worth it. You need to take your vitamins.

[RetroReviews]

And say your prayers like the Hulkster said... I am a real American... 😎

[Iron_Man]

@RetroReviews great

[Anonymous]

Of course it strengthens your immune system, why would it not? Even kindergardeners would know that vitamins are good for you, you're not very smart are you?

[Asker]

I meant isn't it better if we take it from food rather than supplements?

[Asker]

What I mean is supplements

[Asker]

Also rude*

[Anonymous]

I take vitamin c and b complex because I get tired and fatigue easily when I’m stressed of life n work

[DrPepper12]

No. A balanced diet is all you need.

[TeraGER]

No it's a hoax