If you are considering a supplement to treat a health problem, it’s important to understand the risks of taking it. Some supplements are toxic to your organs. Others, like Multivitamins, may interact with your conventional medications. And remember, most supplements are taken without medical supervision. The FDA can take action against unsafe products. The FDA has a special division for regulating supplements. In addition to safety and effectiveness, supplements should also be accompanied by a prescription from a medical professional.
Herbal medicines can be toxic to your organs
While the FDA does not regulate herbal medicines, some herbs contain potent ingredients and should be taken with caution. For instance, black cohosh, a popular herb used for menopause, has been linked to more than 50 reports of liver injury. In some cases, the liver damage was so severe that patients required liver transplants. Fortunately, the problem may have been caused by mislabeling. Nevertheless, there is no clear answer as to what causes toxic liver disease, which can be fatal.
Vitamins and minerals can interact with conventional medicines
Although vitamin and mineral supplementation is generally considered safe, it is important to know how they may interact with prescription medications. The interaction between vitamins and conventional medicines can range from mild to severe, depending on the condition being treated. Patients should inform their pharmacist about vitamin and mineral use and any drug allergies. They should also disclose any use of herbal products or nutraceuticals. Without this information, pharmacists can’t screen for drug interactions.
Herbal medicines can be harmful to the fetus
Herbal supplements are often considered safer for pregnant women than over-the- counter drugs, but they may actually do more harm than good for their unborn child. It is estimated that as many as 45 percent of pregnant women are currently taking some kind of herbal supplement during their pregnancy. And, most of them probably do not even realize that these products are harmful to the fetus. The best way to ensure that your herbal supplements don’t pose a risk to the fetus is to purchase only FDA-regulated products. These products have undergone rigorous testing and are required to list all of the ingredients on the label.
Multivitamins can be dangerous
Multivitamins are supplements that contain trace amounts of essential vitamins and nutrients. They are not necessary for a balanced diet, and taking them may worsen health conditions. Some multivitamins can even cause harmful drug reactions and make a person miss out on essential food groups. This is why they should only be taken under a doctor’s care. But how do you know if a multivitamin is good for you? Here are some tips.
Consult a doctor before taking dietary supplements
If you’re considering using a dietary supplement, talk to your physician about the risks and benefits. A recent study linked over 23,000 emergency room visits to adverse effects from dietary supplements. While there are numerous benefits to dietary supplements, you should talk with your doctor to learn more about the risks and benefits of a supplement. The most important thing to remember is that dietary supplements are not a replacement for a balanced diet and should only be taken as directed.
Side effects of supplements
The adverse effects of vitamin and mineral supplements are relatively rare if taken in a medical setting. For example, vitamin B3 is used to treat hyperlipidaemia and folic acid is used to prevent birth defects in pregnant women. Prescribed dosages for these supplements are derived from research that has demonstrated their benefits. By contrast, the recommended daily allowances for many open market supplements are not based on research and rarely consider safe doses. One of the main risks associated with the use of supplements is overdose.
