The hype about the benefits of supplements may blind you to the hidden dangers of inappropriate use.

It’s not uncommon for these pills, powders, and capsules to interact with over-the-counter or prescribed medication or even the other supplements you’re taking. Likewise, reviewing supplements for their safety and efficiency is beyond the scope and responsibilities of the Food and Drug Administration.

As such, manufacturers are left with ensuring that their products contain the healthiest and safest ingredients. Consequently, you must choose the ideal products, and we recommend doing it with the help of your health care provider.

Without further ado, let’s explore the supplements that supply generally be taken with caution:

1. Vitamin D

The body needs vitamin D for better calcium absorption. This is to improve bone health and protect it from conditions like osteoporosis.

And it’s near impossible to get this nutrient from food, so it’s not unusual to turn to supplements.

Although you can get vitamin D from spending time in the sun, radiation is also a risk, increasing your chances of sunburn. A top-notch sunscreen game can help you spend healthier periods in the sun, but what happens when you just don’t have enough time?

Essentially, the best bet is now vitamin D supplements, but taking too much is a threat to the kidneys. When this nutrient is in excessive amounts in the system, it causes an overabsorption of calcium, which works against the body by causing mood disorders, abdominal pain, and higher chances of stroke and heart disease.

Your healthcare provider should recommend the ideal daily quantity.

2. St. John’s Wort

St. John’s wort is a plant processed into a tea or capsule and used to treat sleep disorders, depression, and anxiety. And studies have shown that it’s an effective antidepressant.

However, the problem lies in the interaction of St. John’s Wort with other medications. When combined with prescribed or over-the-counter antidepressants, it may cause a life-threatening boost in serotonin.

Birth control pills, HIV/AIDS medications, and chemotherapy may also be less effective when using St. John’s wort.

3. Calcium

Calcium is excellent for maintaining the ideal bone density, but taking too much exposes you to a medical condition where the excess settles in the arteries. The recommended intake is a maximum of 2,500 mg for adults, and going above that makes the vitamin D insufficient to absorb the rest.

It’s best to get it from your diet; a maximum of 1,200 mg is recommended for women above fifty-one, while the same applies to men above seventy-one. Women between nineteen and fifty need 1,000 mg, while the same applies to men between nineteen and seventy-one.

But if you have a calcium deficiency, you may need calcium supplements.

4. Kava

Kava is great for treating generalized anxiety disorder, but when too much is consumed, it may cause liver damage. People with liver conditions should avoid taking this substance without consulting their healthcare providers.

Other signs that you’ve taken too much kava include heart problems and eye irritation.