Are Health Supplements Safe?
Are health supplements safe?
Dietary supplements are substances that people take in order to get more vitamins,
minerals and other nutrients from their diet diverhaven. They can be a good source of nutrients,
but they can also be dangerous, especially if they are taken in high doses or at the
wrong time. They can also contain chemicals and other ingredients that have been
linked to serious side effects or interactions with drugs.
Vitamins: Many health experts believe that most vitamins are better absorbed in
their natural form, rather than in a supplement. This is especially true of B vitamins,
such as folic acid, which are often found in synthetic forms in supplements.
However, even in the synthetic form, some of the vitamins in supplements can be
harmful when taken in large amounts or at the wrong time. For example, high-dose
vitamin C can cause stomach cramps and diarrhoea. The same is true for vitamins A
and E, which can cause birth defects and liver damage when taken in high
quantities.
Antioxidants: These nutrients are thought to provide protection against disease by
battling free radicals, which can wreak havoc on the body and lead to chronic
conditions such as heart disease and cancer. Some studies have shown that
antioxidants may be effective at preventing these diseases, but more research is
needed to determine the safety of these supplements.
Omega-3 fatty acids: This group of nutrients is thought to protect against heart
disease by lowering cholesterol levels. But some studies have shown that these
compounds are not as effective as fatty fish, and they can cause serious problems in
high doses.
Herbal remedies: Some herbs can be harmful to certain people, including those with
high blood pressure or who are taking drugs. For example, comfrey contains
alkaloids that can cause liver damage. And aristolochia can cause kidney failure.
Multivitamins: They may be beneficial for some people, such as women who are
pregnant or breastfeeding or those who follow a low-calorie diet. But they can’t
substitute for a healthy diet and should be taken under the supervision of a doctor.
Medical professionals say that while some dietary supplements are useful, the
majority of Americans need to focus on getting their nutrition through food, not from
supplements. Some health experts recommend eating more fruits and vegetables,
but others say that if you’re eating healthy and working out regularly, then you
should use a supplement for the rest.
Adverse reactions:
The most common dietary supplements are associated with adverse reactions,
sometimes called “side effects.” These reactions can be mild or serious and can
occur after taking a single supplement, or even years after stopping. They can
include a variety of symptoms such as a rash, chest pain, tingling in the hands and
feet, diarrhea, vomiting, or muscle aches.
The FDA and health care professionals encourage patients to report any dietary
supplement reactions that they experience so that we can find out why they are
happening and help prevent future problems from occurring. In the last few years,
the FDA has received more than 6,300 reports of dietary supplement adverse events
from people, supplement companies and health care providers.
