Myth 44: “Supplements Are Never Enough, Never Too Much”

This myth is not just misleading — it's dangerous. The idea that supplements can be given freely, without limits, is a catastrophic misunderstanding of chameleon biology. Chameleons are not dogs, cats, or even general reptiles. They are extremely sensitive microdosers, and their tolerance for vitamins is thousands of times lower than that of humans.

The tragic case of a chameleon euthanized at just 14 months due to chronic overdosing with Reptivite with D3 is a sobering reminder. Despite receiving "care," the animal suffered renal failure, gout, and complete systemic collapse. This wasn't neglect — it was overcare, and it was lethal.

Supplements are not inherently safe. Even harmless substances become poisons when thresholds are crossed:

• Salt: Safe for humans at ~2,300 mg/day. For chameleons, toxicity begins at just 0.5–1 mg.

• Vitamin A: Human upper limit is 3,000 µg/day. Chameleons react negatively at 5–10 µg, often with swelling and gular edema.

• Vitamin D3: Humans tolerate up to 4,000 IU/day. Chameleons show toxicity at 0.5–1 IU — yes, a single IU can be too much.

The myth that "more is better" must be buried. Supplements must be used sparingly, precisely, and only when biologically justified. Overcare is not compassion — it's ignorance dressed as diligence. Read the guidelines. Respect the thresholds. And never assume that "safe for humans" means "safe for chameleons." It's not.