Multivitamins lining pharmacy shelves might look appealing, often appearing as colourful gummies, sweet syrups, or simple tablets, but Pharm. Tokonila Helga Thomas delivers a crucial message during an interview with Health Pulse Magazine for the Health Community of West Africa Association(HCOWAA) : they are medicines, not mere supplements. Speaking on responsible use, Pharm. Thomas emphasized that these products, while containing essential vitamins, demand the same caution as any other medication.
“People who are deficient or weak are those that usually take them, before anyone takes them, they would have to consult a healthcare professional. Self-medicating with multivitamins, carries significant health risks.” She warned, stressing on a fundamental rule.
The dangers of bypassing professional advice are real. She illustrated with a common scenario: someone taking an iron-rich “blood tonic” without being anemic, can lead to “iron clog issues”, where the mineral forms harmful complex compounds within the body, potentially causing damage without providing any benefit.
“Abusing multivitamins can trigger adverse effects like hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), dehydration, diarrhea, and noticeable changes in urine colour or frequency. Everything is a potential poison, but how you take it determines if it is harmful to you or not.” She cautioned.
This principle extends to products marketed for body enhancement, which often contain concentrated vitamins falling under the multivitamin category. Pharm. Thomas advised against following trends for body goals, urging people to do it the right way with professional guidance.
She also tackled prevalent myths. A major misconception is believing “I don’t need my breakfast because I’ve taken my multivitamins.” She pointed out that Multivitamins are not a substitute for breakfast or food. You need food as well.” She highlighted another dangerous error, like a pregnant woman with malaria neglecting her prenatal multivitamins (like folic acid) while taking anti-malarial, stressing both are essential.
Pharm. Thomas issued critical advice for consumers:
1. Never Share: “Please do not share multivitamins because every prescription was prescribed specifically for you.”
2. Verify Legitimacy: Always ensure the product is endorsed by the Food and Drugs Board Authority.
3. Seek Professional Counsel: Avoid self-medication. Discuss your needs with a doctor or pharmacist.
4. Check Details: Consider the form (soluble, gummy, tablet) and price, but let need, not preference alone, guide you.
5. Chronic Conditions Beware: Individuals with chronic diseases must be especially cautious, as ingredients like calcium in some multivitamins could worsen heart conditions. She strongly advised against buying from unregulated street vendors (“troskis”).
Finally, she directed a message to fellow pharmacists: “Do not be in a hurry to sell multivitamins to people —find out what is exactly wrong with the patient before selling them out.” Her core message remains clear: multivitamins are powerful tools for health, but should only be used wisely and under professional supervision.
