Food supplements to help you sleep better, reduce wrinkles, strengthen your nails and hair, and be less stressed… In today’s society of optimal performance, food supplements are all the rage, and many people tend to consume them like candy. However, experts regularly warn about the potential harmful consequences of certain supplements. For example, iodine (whether due to a deficiency or overconsumption) is causing a lot of talk at the moment. Today, Dr. Robert Love, a neuroscientist specializing in Alzheimer’s prevention, spoke on the subject in a TikTok video. He warns against three specific supplements that can harm brain health if not consumed correctly.
1/ Manganese
Manganese is a trace mineral that is essential for the body to function properly. It plays a vital role in energy metabolism and is involved in normal connective tissue formation, the maintenance of normal bones, and the protection of cells from oxidative stress. You can find it in pineapple, blueberries, nuts, ginger, tea, bran, whole grains, and green leafy vegetables. Although necessary in small amounts, manganese can cause serious neurological problems when consumed in excess. “High levels of manganese can actually lead to Parkinson’s-like symptoms, such as tremors (…) The upper limit of manganese is 11 mg per day for healthy adults, so make sure you stay well below this level,” explains Dr. Love.
2/ Iron
In France, health authorities recommend that women consume 2 mg of iron per day between puberty and menopause, due to menstruation. After that, the needs are less important. The latter can be covered by consuming liver, meat, fish and seafood, legumes, nuts, cereals, egg yolk and green leafy vegetables. But, « dHigh iron levels can lead to memory loss, as well as loss of cognition, and excess iron actually accelerates aging,” Dr. Love says iron supplements should only be taken if a blood test confirms a deficiency. While some people, such as vegans, may benefit from iron supplementation, most people do not need it.
3/ Copper
Copper is a mineral that is mainly present in certain products of animal origin, such as liver, offal, squid or horned squid, crab or crab, snails, oysters, shrimp, lobster, mussels, pâté or country terrine, cooked octopus, turkey or even whelks. High levels of copper actually increase free radicals, whichwhich can cause oxidative stress and brain damage”warns Dr. Love. To counteract the negative effects of copper, he recommends consuming enough zinc, either through supplements or through zinc-rich foods (seafood, whole-grain bread, chocolate, cheese, red meat, etc.). “Zinc actually neutralizes copper free radicals and that helps protect your brain,” explains the expert.
Source: www.topsante.com
