Experts warn not to start a supplement plan without seeking medical advice first

Contact: Todd Harper 
Phone: 317-630-7808 
Pager: 317-310-5972

Indianapolis, February 16, 2009 – Popping vitamins might seem like a good bet for healthy living, but doctors caution not to self experiment and to seek medical advice before starting any vitamin plan.
Vitamins are essential for normal growth and development.  Doctors warn that insufficient vitamin intake could lead to a number of vitamin deficiency diseases.  However, high doses of vitamins should be regarded as drugs rather than supplements, which can pose potential health risks if taken in excess. 
A common question many people have when it comes to vitamins is "how much or what kind of vitamins should I take?"  Doctors suggest that each person is different and you should always seek medical advice before starting any sort of vitamin or supplement program.
"In general we don’t need vitamin supplementation. There are some diseases such as celiac disease and avitaminosis that make absorption of certain vitamins difficult.  Women who are pregnant and persons having undergone bariatric surgery may need to have vitamin supplementation," said Dr. Daniel Rusyniak, a medical toxicologist with the Indiana University School of Medicine and an emergency medicine physician at Wishard Health Services.
Vitamins and minerals have no calories and are not an energy source, but assist in metabolizing nutrients in food and are invaluable in keeping your body running smoothly.  Vitamins make it possible for other nutrients to be digested, absorbed and metabolized by the body. 
 Doctors suggest that people who eat a well-balanced, healthy diet likely get enough vitamins from food intake and probably don’t need supplements.   A doctor can determine what vitamins you may be lacking and whether or not you need a supplement.  If you want to find ways to boost your energy there are several ways this can be done without starting a vitamin program.  Tips include the right amount of sleep, exercise and eating a healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables.
Wishard has established a primary care network consisting of its Primary Care Center and eight Community Health Centers, conveniently located throughout Indianapolis.  To access these services, the public is encouraged to call Health Connection at Wishard, a telephone call center that operates 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.  The call center is also available to assist and provide helpful information to people with questions.  Registered nurses who have access to a wide variety of up-to-date healthcare information evaluate people over the phone and connect them to the most appropriate level of care. 
For more information on the services Wishard provides or to find a primary care physician, please call Health Connection at (317) 655-2255.