The Hidden Dangers of Vitamin Supplements
Updated: November 8, 2026
Vitamins control an essential part of our bodily functions, making vitamin supplements some of the most salable products in drugstores today. We are constantly bombarded by advertisements on TV, radio, magazines, and even on soft drink bottles, making us feel as though we all lack vitamins.
Today, young parents often give a lot of vitamin supplements to their children, thinking it will aid their health and growth. However, we strongly encourage our friends and readers to get their vitamins and minerals from fresh fruits and vegetables, rather than from tablets or liquid supplements.
Most of us don't really need extra vitamin supplements if we are eating a variety of foods regularly. In fact, relying too heavily on them might actually be doing your body more harm than good.
The Danger of Relying on Vitamin Supplements
Please bear in mind that your digestive organs might forget how to absorb minerals from the fresh fruits and vegetables you eat if you constantly depend on ready-made vitamin supplements. This happens because your digestive system learns the easiest way to absorb nutrients—from ready-made pills rather than breaking down whole, fresh foods.
Yes, it is true that the life expectancy for the Japanese is the longest in the world (about 86 years or more for females and 79 years for males). But are these figures solely due to vitamins and modern medicine? That is exactly what worries me.
During the time of our old folks, they ate traditional foods such as fish, rice, vegetables, and seasonal fruits. They were healthy and lived happy, long lives. Today, the number of senior citizens is increasing, but sadly, many are not healthy at all; some look just like the living dead. Their bodies have adapted to accept only soft foods from fast-food chains, instant noodles, and an uncountable number of vitamins and medicines prescribed by doctors under governmental Medicare.
If these seniors try to eat fresh foods, stomach troubles often occur because the food cannot be digested properly. Their bodies have forgotten how to absorb nutrients naturally. Do not let your babies and children take too many vitamin supplements, or it may destroy their natural digestive abilities as they grow up.
I am glad there were no vitamin supplements during my childhood, especially between 1930 and 1946 in Japan. My brothers and our entire family clan grew up on breast milk and natural, fresh foods. We are now old enough, but we are all healthy and bright. The only sickness my brother and I suffered during childhood was tuberculosis. Now, our children are grown, and we have grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Thanks to God, we are all fine and healthy.
Understanding How Vitamins Actually Work
Everybody knows about vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K, but their definite functions in the body are often shrouded in mystery. There are many misunderstandings about how these supplements actually work.
For instance, there are vitamins that are easily discharged from the body, such as the Vitamin B group (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9) and Vitamin C. Because they are water-soluble and not stored in significant amounts, they must be replenished regularly. On the other hand, fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K are stored in the body. Consuming too much of these can actually cause harm. (Vitamin B12 is an exception; though water-soluble, it is stored longer in the body and can sometimes cause physical problems if over-consumed).
The Vitamin C and Collagen Myth
One of the most popular vitamins is Vitamin C. We know it is essential for making collagen—a connective protein found in skin, bones, cartilage, and tendons that makes up almost 30% of the human body's total protein content. Lack of Vitamin C weakens the skin and mucous membranes, leading to a loss of elasticity, freckles, and a lowered resistance to bacteria and ultraviolet rays.
We are often taught that taking massive amounts of Vitamin C will produce more collagen and prevent aging. However, we conducted an experiment where subjects took large quantities of Vitamin C supplements for 2 to 4 weeks. The result? Collagen density in the skin did not increase at all.
This proves that Vitamin C alone is not enough to make collagen. Vitamin C simply works as an "instrument" or a cofactor (a helper molecule required to speed up chemical reactions). Amino acids and enzymes are the actual materials needed for the process. Even if you take large quantities of Vitamin C, without the proper enzymes, there will be no change in collagen density. The excessive Vitamin C will just be discharged through your urine. The Vitamin C you get from your daily food is more than enough.
Vitamin C: From Fruits or Vegetables?
Since Vitamin C cannot be stored in the body, you need to supply it every day. It is highly effective in relieving insomnia and stress, and it protects your body from cold viruses. But should you get it from fruits or vegetables?
Fruits are excellent because they are rich in Vitamin C and can be eaten raw, meaning there is no nutritional loss from cooking. They also contain dietary fibers and water-soluble pectin, which offer numerous digestive benefits. However, keep in mind that sweet fruits are high in sugar. You must be careful not to overeat them, or you will gain weight.
Vegetables, on the other hand, contain important nutrients that cannot be found in fruits. To ensure the nutritional value of green vegetables is maintained during cooking, it is perfectly reasonable to use a microwave. This minimizes the loss of beta-carotene, Vitamin B2, Vitamin E, iron, and fiber. (In the past, I was bombarded with emails against using microwaves due to supposed health hazards. Today, people who do not use microwave ovens are just missing out!)
Vegetables May Keep Your Brain Young
Vegetables do more than just provide vitamins; they are associated with slowing down the aging process and preventing mental decline.
According to research by American scientists, senior citizens who ate more than two servings of vegetables daily appeared about 4 to 5 years younger than those who ate fewer vegetables. Spinach and cabbage are highly recommended. Eating them in salad form helps eradicate bad chemicals produced by the body that destroy good cells. Because vegetables contain healthy amounts of Vitamin E, they keep cholesterol low and arteries clear. When the blood is clean, the brain functions well.
Did you know? Senior citizens who eat more vegetables may also be more physically active and maintain better mobility compared to those whose diets contain more meat and fewer vegetables.
Remember: what's good for your heart is good for your brain!
Vitamin D: Are You Getting Enough Sun Exposure?
While Vitamin C is easily found in food, Vitamin D is a different story. 50% of women around the world are at risk of having weak and soft bones, which can lead to deformed legs. This condition is known as "rickets" in children and "osteomalacia" in adults, and its primary cause is Vitamin D deficiency.
Have you seen the classic animated series Heidi, Girl of the Alps? In the story, Heidi's friend Clara suffered from weak muscles and rickets. She eventually became stronger after spending time in the mountains, cured simply by getting exposed to sunshine and drinking goat's milk!
Is Your Baby at Risk?
Babies seldom need Vitamin D supplements unless they lack sun exposure. Three main factors put babies at risk for rickets:
- Breast-fed babies with sun-deprived mothers: The amount of Vitamin D in breast milk depends on the mother. If she lacks sunlight or Vitamin D-rich foods, the baby will suffer.
- Dark skin pigmentation: People with darker skin require up to five times more sun exposure than those with lighter skin to produce the same amount of Vitamin D.
- Living in northern latitudes: Solar radiation is often too weak throughout the year in far northern areas.
During winter, or to supplement your sun exposure, you should also eat Vitamin D-rich foods such as:
- Tuna fish and Mackerel
- Dried whitebait
- Dried mushrooms and Enokitake (golden needle mushrooms)
Conclusion
People who eat a varied diet are highly unlikely to develop vitamin deficiencies. Let your children eat fresh vegetables, fruits, meat, and seafood. Their bodies will never forget how to absorb nutrients from these fresh foods, and they will grow up healthy and strong.
Vitamin supplements are generally only necessary for sick or elderly people who cannot consume enough whole foods (and they should consult a doctor first). For the rest of us, getting adequate sunlight, eating a rich daily diet, and utilizing therapies like the PYRO-ENERGEN therapy will keep you free from various diseases and ensure a long, happy life. Don't be misled by the advertisements, nature has already provided everything your body needs!
Junji Takano is a Japanese health researcher involved in investigating the cause of many dreadful diseases. In 1968, he invented PYRO-ENERGEN, the first and only electrostatic therapy machine that effectively eradicates viral diseases, cancer, and diseases of unknown cause.
Click here to find out more: https://www.pyroenergen.com/
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