The widespread availability of multivitamins, now found not just in pharmacies but also in grocery stores and even fast-food chains, is raising significant concerns among doctors. They warn that excessive consumption of these supplements can lead to serious health issues, including iron poisoning, nerve damage, and kidney stones.
Dr. Vikas Vashisth, an MD in Internal Medicine at SilverStreak Multispeciality Hospital in Delhi, emphasized the risks involved. “Taking multivitamins in incorrect dosages can trigger digestive problems, interfere with other medications, and even result in toxicity from fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K, which accumulate in the body,” he explained. Specific concerns include iron poisoning from too much iron, nerve damage from excessive Vitamin B6, and kidney stones due to overconsumption of Vitamin C or Vitamin D. Dr. Vashisth stressed the critical importance of consulting a healthcare professional before starting any multivitamin regimen, particularly for individuals with existing health conditions or those already on other medications.
Experts clarify that while multivitamins are designed to be dietary supplements that fill nutritional gaps, they are never a substitute for a balanced diet. Their utility is primarily limited to specific situations where supplementation is genuinely needed.
In India, multivitamin supplements are regulated under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), classifying them as health supplements or nutraceuticals. However, if a supplement exceeds the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) or makes claims related to disease treatment, it transitions into the category of a drug, falling under the stringent Drugs and Cosmetics Act and the Drug Controller General of India’s purview.
Fueled by increasing health awareness, rising disposable incomes, rapid urbanization, an aging population, and a growing embrace of preventive health solutions, India’s dietary supplements market is experiencing rapid expansion. This growth, however, comes with concerning implications.
Recently, Mankind Consumer Products partnered with a vegetarian fast-food chain for a promotional campaign during the Navratri festival, distributing its ‘HealthOK’ multivitamins. Joy Chatterjee, Vice President and Head of Sales and Marketing for Mankind Pharma’s consumer division, stated that this collaboration aimed to make their “pure vegetarian” multivitamins more accessible to those following a vegetarian lifestyle. He noted that ‘HealthOK’ and similar FSSAI-approved supplements do not require a prescription and are available over-the-counter (OTC).
While multivitamins are widely available OTC in India, Mr. Chatterjee highlighted a crucial distinction: “When therapeutic doses are needed for specific deficiencies or medical conditions, a prescription becomes essential.” He cautioned that the indiscriminate use of these supplements, without proper medical guidance, can mask underlying health issues and even lead to adverse effects.
Doctors are particularly wary of selling multivitamins in non-healthcare settings like fast-food centers. A medical professional, who preferred to remain anonymous, emphasized, “Supplements are not snacks. They are intended to address genuine dietary deficiencies and must be consumed thoughtfully. Unregulated and easy access could easily lead to misuse and potentially harmful overconsumption.”