Vitamin supplementation: Too little – not as much after infection

Vitamins are often seen as indispensable “hard helpers” on the path to the rehabilitation of infected diseases. As a result, a large number of people have taken vitamins in a desperate manner, in line with the notion that “the more vitamins become available after infection”. It is, however, a profound mistake.

Vitamins do play a significant role in the normal physiological functioning of the human body. They are involved in critical processes such as metabolism, immunisation regulation and antioxidation defence of humans. Vitamin C, for example, enhances the activity of white cells and helps to increase the body ‘ s resistance; vitamin D is of great significance for calcium absorption and bone health, and also plays a role in immunisation regulation. During the infection, the metabolic of the body is accelerated and the demand for vitamins increases accordingly. Appropriate vitamin supplementation can help the body to better respond to the infection and promote rehabilitation.

However, this does not mean that vitamin supplementation can be uncontrolled. The demand for vitamins in the human body is quantitative, and oversupply can cause many hazards. In the case of lipid-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins A, D, E and K, they can be stored in the body and, if heavily replenished over a long period of time, they can easily accumulate in the body and cause symptoms of poisoning. Vitamin A overdoses can cause headaches, nausea, vomiting, skin itching, blurred vision, etc., and even liver damage and bone development abnormalities when severe, while vitamin D overdoses can cause high calciumemia, with serious consequences such as kidney damage and heart disorders.

Although water soluble vitamins are relatively difficult to accumulate in the body, overingestion can cause problems as well. For example, large vitamin C supplements can cause gastrointestinal discomfort, with symptoms such as diarrhoea, abdominal pain and excess stomach acid, and can increase the risk of urinary system stones. For Vitamin B, overdose of certain members, such as Vitamin B6, can lead to neurotoxicity and neurotic symptoms such as numbness of hands and feet and unstable pace.

After infection, we should follow the scientifically sound principle of vitamin supplementation. First, priority is given to obtaining vitamins from a balanced diet. Fresh fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamin C, vitamin K and many B vitamins; dairy products, fish, eggs, etc. are a good source of soluble vitamin D and vitamin A. Through a reasonable diet, it is generally possible to meet the basic needs of the body for vitamins during the recovery of the infection.

If additional vitamin supplements are required, they should be done under the guidance of a doctor or a nutritionist. They will determine the appropriate vitamin supplementation dose and type, based on a comprehensive assessment of the individual ‘ s physical condition, type and severity of infection and diet. For example, for some vegetarians, appropriate vitamin B12 may be required, and for long-term households with inadequate sunlight, vitamin D may be appropriately replenished during the infection.

The more vitamins are refilled after infection, the better. We need to properly understand the role of vitamins in the process of infection recovery, avoid the health risks associated with blind oversupply and use the force of vitamins in a scientifically sound way to restore health. Only in this way will we be able to move more steadily and further along the path of health and to regenerate the body with moderate and appropriate nutritional support.