Dietary supplements are still regularly labelled as ‘dangerous’ by various media, doctors and institutions. Yet America’s largest database once again records no deaths from vitamins.
Zero deaths from vitamins and minerals
The 35th annual report of the American Association of Poison Control Centers shows zero deaths from vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin B3, vitamin B6 or from any other B vitamin. There were no deaths from multi-vitamins, neither in adults nor in children. The AAPCC report also counts zero deaths from a mineral dietary supplement. This means that there are no fatalities from calcium, magnesium, chromium, zinc, colloidal silver, selenium, iron or multimineral supplements.
There is one allegation of death from a chronic overdose of vitamin D. It is described in the report as ‘AR-D’ (Adverse Reaction, Drug), which stands for a side effect of a medicine. The RCF, the relative contribution to fatality, is 3 on a 6-point scale (where 1 is the highest), which means ‘contributory’. Although details are not provided, it appears that the individual took vitamin D long-term and died but the cause of death could not be established.
No deaths from amino acids or herbs
The AAPCC report shows no deaths from amino acids, creatine, blue-green algae, glucosamine or chondroitin. There were no deaths from herbs. This means no deaths at all from blue cohosh, echinacea, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, kava kava, St. John’s wort, valerian, yohimbe, ma huang/ephedrine, guaraná, kola nut or yerba mate. Finally, there are no deaths from any homeopathic remedy, Asian medicine or Ayurvedic medicine. None.
Only a few unsubstantiated deaths
The report mentions only a few unsubstantiated deaths: a fatality from some ‘Unknown Single Ingredient Botanical’ and a single death from an ‘Unknown Energy Drink’. The obvious uncertainty diminishes any claim to validity. One unsubstantiated death attributed to melatonin is reported. However, melatonin toxicity is low. You would have to consume about ten or more whole bottles of melatonin in one go for melatonin to be fatal.
In short, when you stick to the recommended daily amount and take a natural and pure supplement, nutritional supplements are healthy and safe.