Warning over vitamin doses

It is claimed some vitamins and minerals cause health concerns

A Jersey health expert is warning that taking some vitamin and mineral pills in large quantities may damage people's health.

Jill Fa, senior dietician at Jersey's General Hospital, made her comments following the release of a report by the UK's Food Standards Agency (FSA).

The new warning follows a report from a panel of experts which conducted the most comprehensive review ever of supplements on sale in the British Isles.

The report concludes certain vitamins and minerals may have long-term health implications.

Healthy diet

Too much vitamin C, calcium and iron in supplement form may be damaging, the report says.

Ms Fa said vitamin pills were no substitute for a healthy diet.

Most people could get all the nutrients they needed from a balanced diet, without resorting to dietary supplements.