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Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: thedoc on 07/07/2016 13:50:01

Title: What is the point in vitamin pills that exceed the recommended daily amount?
Post by: thedoc on 07/07/2016 13:50:01

Cynthia Ho asked the Naked Scientists:
   Why do many vitamin and supplement pills exceed the recommended dietary allowance (RDA), with in certain cases the doses can be 3000% of the RDA? Isn't this a waste of vitamins and minerals as the excess isn't store in the body, but gets excreted?
Many thanks.
What do you think?

Title: Re: What is the point in vitamin pills that exceed the recommended daily amount?
Post by: Bored chemist on 09/07/2016 12:28:49

Their point is to make money for the manufacturer, seller etc.
There might be a case for some vitamins which are stored if you had a tablet with 7 times the RDA and took it weekly.
But, of course, the best plan is to eat a diet that provides the vitamins you need in a steady supply.

Title: Re: What is the point in vitamin pills that exceed the recommended daily amount?
Post by: alancalverd on 09/07/2016 13:15:35

There was a suggestion that excess vitamin C would stave off the common cold, but it doesn't.

Excess vitamin A will kill you but will be very difficult to detect.

Excess of other vitamins makes money for the manufacturer.

Title: Re: What is the point in vitamin pills that exceed the recommended daily amount?
Post by: Bored chemist on 10/07/2016 10:47:56

One of the D vitamins is used as a rat poison; does that count?

Title: Re: What is the point in vitamin pills that exceed the recommended daily amount?
Post by: Monox D. I-Fly on 17/01/2019 02:23:23

Quote from: Bored chemist on 10/07/2016 10:47:56

One of the D vitamins is used as a rat poison; does that count?

Which part of it?

Oh wait, maybe I know the answer: The sunlight. Almost never seen a wild rat in broad daylight.

Title: Re: What is the point in vitamin pills that exceed the recommended daily amount?
Post by: Bored chemist on 17/01/2019 19:46:32

Quote from: Monox D. I-Fly on 17/01/2019 02:23:23

Quote from: Bored chemist on 10/07/2016 10:47:56

One of the D vitamins is used as a rat poison; does that count?

Which part of it?

Oh wait, maybe I know the answer: The sunlight. Almost never seen a wild rat in broad daylight.

It's not "part of it"
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cholecalciferol#Use_as_rodenticide
The stuff is seriously toxic if taken in excess.
So, as was pointed out, is vitamin A

Title: Re: What is the point in vitamin pills that exceed the recommended daily amount?
Post by: Monox D. I-Fly on 18/01/2019 02:27:58

Speaking of rodents, what counts as them? I know mouses and rats count, but do rabbits and hares count? What about squirrels, beavers, hedgehogs, urchins, and porcupines? Also, do hamsters and marmots count?

Title: Re: What is the point in vitamin pills that exceed the recommended daily amount?
Post by: Bored chemist on 18/01/2019 07:33:58

Quote from: Monox D. I-Fly on 18/01/2019 02:27:58

Speaking of rodents, what counts as them?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rodent