The consequences of dietary supplements: what is it worth being afraid?

Chapter 1: Understanding of dietary supplements: definition, regulation and perception

1 Determination of biologically active additives (dietary supplements)
1. 1. 1 differences between dietary supplements and drugs:
    
    Biologically active additives (dietary supplements) and drugs are two categories of products designed to improve health, but significantly different in their definition, regulation and use. Medicines undergo a strict process of development, clinical testing and approval by regulatory organs such as FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in the USA or EMA (European Medicines Agency) in Europe. This process guarantees that the medicine is safe and effective for a specific disease or condition. Medicines are designed for diagnosis, treatment, softening or prevention of diseases.
    
    The dietary supplement, on the other hand, is defined as products designed to supplement the diet. They can contain vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, enzymes and other substances. Unlike drugs, dietary supplements are not intended for the treatment, diagnosis, softening or prevention of diseases. They are rather aimed at maintaining health and well -being. Adjustment of dietary supplements is much less strict than the regulation of drugs. Dietary supplements are not required to prove the safety and efficiency of their products before its entry into the market. Instead, the responsibility for ensuring the safety of their products lies with the manufacturers themselves.
2. 1. 2 Classification of dietary supplements: vitamins, minerals, plant drugs and others:
    
    Bad can be classified according to various categories based on their ingredients and expected effects. The main categories include:
    - Vitamins: organic compounds necessary for the normal functioning of the body. Examples: vitamin C, vitamin D, B vitamins B.
    - Minerals: inorganic substances also necessary for various physiological processes. Examples: calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc.
    - Plant preparations: dietary supplements containing herbs, roots, leaves, flowers or other parts of plants. Examples: echinacea, ginseng, ginkgo biloba, St. John’s wort.
    - Amino acids: Building blocks of proteins that can be used for various purposes, such as building muscle or improvement of mood. Examples: creatine, glutamine, tripophanes.
    - Enzymes: proteins that accelerate biochemical reactions in the body. Examples: lactase, bromelein, papain.
    - Probiotics: living microorganisms that can benefit the intestinal health. Examples: lactobacilli, bifidobacteria.
    - Other dietary supplements: this category includes various substances, such as Omega-3 fatty acids, Q10 coenzyme, chondroitin and glucosamine.
    The variety of dietary supplements is huge, and new products constantly appear on the market. It is important to remember that not all dietary supplements are equally effective or safe, and that before using any dietary supplements you should consult a doctor.
2 regulation of dietary supplements in different countries:
1. 1. 1 Comparison of legislation in the USA, Europe and Russia:
    
    Adjustment of dietary supplements is significantly different in different countries. In the United States, dietary supplements are regulated as food, and not as medicines, in accordance with the Law on Health and Education in the 1994 food additives (DSHEA). This means that manufacturers are not required to prove the safety and efficiency of dietary supplements before their entry into the market. FDA can take measures against dietary supplements only after they are sold if it is proved that they are unsafe or contain false information.
    
    In Europe, dietary supplements are more strict than in the USA. The European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) evaluates the safety and efficiency of dietary supplements, and the European commission sets the maximum levels of vitamins and minerals, which can be included in the dietary supplement. National authorities in certain EU member countries can also establish additional rules for dietary supplements.
    
    In Russia, BAD is regulated by the Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Welfare (Rospotrebnadzor). The dietary supplement should be registered in Rospotrebnadzor before selling them, and manufacturers should provide evidence of their safety and efficiency.
    
    These differences in regulation can lead to the same dietary supplement will be sold in different countries with different compositions, labeling and health benefits.
2. 1. 2 The role of regulatory authorities and the responsibility of manufacturers:
    
    The regulatory authorities play an important role in ensuring safety and quality dietary supplements. They are responsible for:
    - Establishment of standards for production, labeling and advertising dietary supplements.
    - Conducting inspections of enterprises for the production of dietary supplements.
    - Checking dietary supplements for compliance with safety and quality standards.
    - Taking measures against companies that produce or sell unsafe or poor -quality dietary supplements.
    - Information of consumers about risks and advantages of dietary supplements.
    Dad manufacturers are responsible for ensuring the safety and quality of their products. This includes:
    - The use of high -quality ingredients.
    - Compliance with proper production practices (GMP).
    - Accurate marking of products.
    - Confirmation of applications for health benefits by scientific evidence.
    - A message about any adverse consequences associated with their products.
    However, due to less strict regulation of dietary supplements than drugs, the responsibility for choosing and using dietary supplements ultimately lies with the consumer.
3 perception of dietary supplements by society:
1. 1. 1 Popularity and motives for using dietary supplements:
    
    The popularity of dietary supplements is steadily growing all over the world. The motives for using dietary supplements are different and include:
    - Maintaining general health and well -being.
    - Prevention of diseases.
    - Improving sports results.
    - Improving energy and vital tone.
    - Improving the appearance (skin, hair, nails).
    - Treatment of specific diseases or conditions (often as an addition to traditional medicine).
    Various factors, such as::
    - The aging of the population and the growing interest in a healthy lifestyle.
    - Wide accessibility of dietary supplements in stores, pharmacies and on the Internet.
    - Aggressive marketing and Advertising of Bad.
    - The belief that dietary supplements are more “natural” and safe than medicines.
    - Distrust of traditional medicine.
2. 1. 2 The impact of advertising and marketing on consumer choice:
    
    Advertising and marketing play an important role in the formation of consumer choice in relation to dietary supplements. Many companies use aggressive marketing strategies to convince consumers that their products are effective and safe. These strategies may include:
    - The use of unscientific or misleading statements about health benefits.
    - The presentation of “success stories” and consumer reviews that may be fabricated or not to present a general picture.
    - The use of images of healthy and attractive people to connect the product with the desired qualities.
    - Creating a sense of urgency and deficit in order to encourage consumers for immediate purchase.
    It is important to critically evaluate advertising and marketing dietary supplements and not believe everything that the companies say. Before making any purchase decisions, you should consult a doctor and conduct your own study.
3. 1. 3 Differences in relation to dietary supplements in different age and social groups:
    
    Attitude to dietary supplements can vary depending on age, education, socio-economic status and cultural beliefs.
    - Elderly people often use dietary supplements to maintain health and prevent diseases.
    - People with a higher level of education and income, as a rule, are more informed about dietary supplements and are more likely to consult a doctor before using them.
    - Some cultural groups may have traditional ideas about herbs and other natural means that affect their attitude to dietary supplements.
    - Athletes and people engaged in fitness often use dietary supplements to improve sports results and build muscle.
    Understanding these differences in relation to dietary supplements is important for developing effective educational programs and health care policies.

Chapter 2: The risks associated with the reception

1 toxicity and overdose:
1. 1. 1 Risk of overdose of vitamins and minerals:
    
    Excessive consumption of certain vitamins and minerals can lead to toxicity and adverse health consequences. While the body needs vitamins and minerals for normal functioning, too many certain substances can disrupt homeostasis and cause various symptoms. For example:
    - Vitamin A: An overdose of vitamin A can lead to nausea, vomiting, headaches, dizziness, vision problems and even damage to the liver. Chronic overdose can cause hair loss, dry skin, bone pain and congenital defects in pregnant women.
    - Vitamin D: excessive consumption of vitamin D can lead to hypercalcemia (increased level of calcium in the blood), which can cause nausea, vomiting, weakness, frequent urination and kidney problems.
    - Vitamin E: High doses of vitamin E can increase the risk of bleeding, especially in people taking anticoagulants.
    - Iron: an overdose of iron can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and constipation. In severe cases, this can lead to damage to organs, coma and death.
    - Calcium: Excessive calcium consumption can increase the risk of kidney stones and cardiovascular diseases.
    It is important to adhere to the recommended daily doses of vitamins and minerals and avoid taking megadosis without consulting a doctor.
2. 1. 2 toxicity of plant drugs:
    
    Plant preparations, although often perceived as “natural” and safe, can be toxic, especially if you use it incorrectly or overdose. Many plants contain active substances that can have a strong effect on the body, and some of them can be poisonous. Examples:
    - St. John’s wort: can interact with drugs, causing serious side effects, and can increase the sensitivity of the skin to the sun.
    - Kava-kawa: can cause liver damage.
    - Ephedra: a stimulator that can cause heart attacks, strokes and even death.
    - Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA): are contained in some plants, such as tissue and crossman, and can cause irreversible damage to the liver.
    It is important to carefully study the information about plant drugs before use and make sure that they are safe and do not interact with other drugs. Do not exceed the recommended dose.
3. 1. 3 cases of poisoning and serious side effects associated with dietary supplements:
    
    In the medical literature, many cases of poisoning and serious side effects associated with the intake of dietary supplements are registered. These cases emphasize the importance of careful use of dietary supplements and the need to consult a doctor before using them. Examples:
    - Liver damage: many dietary supplements, especially plant drugs, were associated with liver damage.
    - Heart problems: some dietary supplements containing stimulants, such as ephedra or caffeine, can cause heart problems, such as rapid heartbeat, arrhythmia and heart attack.
    - Renal failure: some dietary supplements can have a toxic effect on the kidneys and cause renal failure.
    - Bleeding: some dietary supplements can increase the risk of bleeding, especially in people taking anticoagulants.
    - Allergic reactions: some dietary supplements can cause allergic reactions from a light rash to anaphylactic shock.
    These cases emphasize that dietary supplements are not always safe and that their use may be associated with serious health risks.
2 Interaction with drugs:
1. 1. 1 The effect of dietary supplements on the effect of drugs:
    
    Bad can interact with drugs by changing their effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. These interactions can be pharmacokinetic (affecting how the body assimilates, distributes, metabolizes and removes the medicine) or pharmacodynamic (affecting the effect of the drug on the body). Examples:
    - St. John’s wort: can reduce the effectiveness of many drugs, including antidepressants, contraceptive tablets and anticoagulants.
    - Vitamin K: It can reduce the effectiveness of anticoagulants such as warfarin.
    - Grapefruit juice: can increase or decrease the effectiveness of many drugs, including statins, antihistamines and drugs for the treatment of high blood pressure.
    - Coenzym Q10: can reduce the effectiveness of anticoagulants such as warfarin.
    It is important to inform the doctor about all the dietary supplements that you accept so that he can check the availability of possible interactions with drugs.
2. 1. 2 Examples of dangerous combinations of dietary supplements and drugs:
    
    Some combinations of dietary supplements and drugs are especially dangerous and can lead to serious side effects. Examples:
    - St. John’s wort and antidepressants: can cause serotonin syndrome, a dangerous condition characterized by anxiety, excitement, fever, muscle cramps and convulsions.
    - Vitamin K and warfarin: can reduce the effectiveness of warfarin, increasing the risk of blood clots.
    - Ephedra and drugs for the treatment of high blood pressure: can increase blood pressure to a dangerous level.
    - Garlic and anticoagulants: can increase the risk of bleeding.
    Avoid taking these and other potentially dangerous dietary supplements and medicines without consulting a doctor.
3. 1. 3 The need to consult a doctor before taking dietary supplement in the presence of diseases:
    
    If you have any diseases, it is important to consult a doctor before taking a dietary supplement. Some dietary supplements can worsen the course of certain diseases or interact with the drugs that you take to treat these diseases. For example:
    - People with liver diseases should avoid taking dietary supplements that can have a toxic effect on the liver.
    - People with kidney diseases should avoid dietary supplements that can have a toxic effect on the kidneys.
    - People with heart diseases should avoid taking dietary supplements containing stimulants.
    - People with autoimmune diseases should be careful with the intake of dietary supplements, which can stimulate the immune system.
    The doctor can evaluate your health status and advise which dietary supplements are safe and effective for you.
3 Poor production and fakes:
1. 1. 1 Risk of acquisition of contaminated and falsified dietary supplements:
    
    Due to less strict regulation of dietary supplements than drugs, there is a risk of acquiring contaminated and falsified products. Contamination can occur during production, when dietary supplements are polluted by bacteria, heavy metals, pesticides or other harmful substances. Falsification occurs when dietary supplements contain ingredients that are not indicated on the label, or when they contain the wrong amount of ingredients. Examples:
    - Dietary supplies for weight loss containing sibutramin (a medicine that was removed from the market due to the risk of cardiovascular diseases).
    - Diet to increase potency containing sildenafil (active Viagra ingredient).
    - Bad, containing high levels of heavy metals, such as lead, mercury and cadmium.
    These contaminated and falsified dietary supplements can pose a serious threat to health.
2. 1. 2 Lack of quality control and non -compliance with GMP:
    
    The lack of strict quality control and non -compliance with appropriate production practices (GMP) are serious problems in the dietary supplement industry. GMP is a set of standards that ensure that products are produced and controlled in accordance with quality standards. Companies that do not comply with GMP can produce dietary supplements that are unsafe, ineffective or contain the wrong amount of ingredients.
3. 1. 3 How to protect yourself from fakes: Tips to consumers:
    
    To protect themselves from fakes and poor -quality dietary supplements, consumers must:
    - Buy dietary supplements only from reliable suppliers.
    - Check the label for information about the manufacturer, ingredients and the recommended dose.
    - Avoid buying dietary supplements that promise “wonderful” results or contain dubious ingredients.
    - Check the availability of quality certificates from independent organizations, such as NSF International or USP.
    - Report suspicious dietary supplement to the regulatory authorities.
    - Consult a doctor before taking any dietary supplement.

Chapter 3: Special risk groups

1 children and adolescents:
1. 1. 1 risks of the use of dietary supplements in children to “improve” performance and development:
    
    The use of dietary supplements in children and adolescents to “improve” performance and development causes special concern. Children are in the stage of active growth and development, and their body is more sensitive to the effects of various substances, including those contained in dietary supplements. Many dietary supplements advertised to improve cognitive functions or physical performance contain stimulants such as caffeine or guaran, which can have a negative effect on the cardiovascular system and nervous system of children. In addition, the safety and effectiveness of many dietary supplements was not properly studied in children, and their use may be associated with unpredictable risks.
    
    Instead of relying on dietary supplements to improve the performance and development of children, you should focus on healthy diet, regular physical exercises, sufficient sleep and create a favorable educational environment.
2. 1. 2 side effects and interactions with drugs prescribed by children:
    
    Some dietary supplements can cause side effects in children, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness and allergic reactions. In addition, dietary supplements can interact with medicines that are prescribed for children to treat various diseases, changing their effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. For example, St. John’s wort can reduce the effectiveness of antidepressants used to treat depression in adolescents, and vitamin K can reduce the effectiveness of anticoagulants used to treat thrombosis in children.
    
    Parents should always consult a pediatrician before giving dietary supplements to their children, especially if the child takes any medicine.
3. 1. 3 alternatives to use dietary supplements to maintain children’s health:
    
    To maintain the health of children, there are safer and effective alternatives to use dietary supplements. These include:
    - Healthy and balanced diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grain products and low -fat sources of protein.
    - Regular physical exercises, at least 60 minutes a day.
    - A sufficient amount of sleep, from 9 to 11 hours a day for children of primary school age and from 8 to 10 hours a day for adolescents.
    - Regular medical examinations and vaccination.
    - Maintaining a healthy weight.
    - Limiting sugar consumption and processed products.
    These measures can help children grow healthy and strong without the need to use dietary supplements.
2 pregnant and lactating women:
1. 1. 1 risks of dietary supplement during pregnancy and lactation:
    
    Reception of dietary supplements during pregnancy and lactation can be associated with serious risks for the health of the mother and child. Many dietary supplements were not properly studied on pregnant and nursing women, and their safety and effectiveness are unknown. Some dietary supplements can have a teratogenic effect (cause congenital defects in the fetus) or transmitted through breast milk to the child, causing adverse consequences.
    
    Pregnant and nursing women should consult a doctor before taking any dietary supplements, even those that are considered “natural”.
2. 1. 2 The influence of dietary supplements on the development of the fetus and the health of the newborn:
    
    Some dietary supplements can have a negative impact on the development of the fetus and the health of the newborn. For example:
    - Vitamin A in high doses can cause congenital defects.
    - St. John’s wort can interact with the medicines taken by the mother, and have a negative effect on the fetus.
    - Some plant drugs can cause premature birth or miscarriage.
    - Some dietary supplements may contain heavy metals or other toxic substances that can be transmitted to the child through breast milk.
    It is important to avoid taking dietary supplements during pregnancy and lactation, if this is not recommended by a doctor.
3. 1. 3 safe alternatives to maintain health during pregnancy:
    
    To maintain health during pregnancy, there are safer and effective alternatives to use dietary supplements. These include:
    - Reception of prenatal vitamins recommended by the doctor.
    - Healthy and balanced diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grain products and low -fat sources of protein.
    - Regular physical exercises recommended by the doctor.
    - A sufficient amount of sleep.
    - Avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol.
    - Regular medical examinations.
    These measures can help pregnant women stay healthy and give birth to a healthy child without the need to use dietary supplements.
3 elderly people:
1. 1. 1 Risk of interaction of dietary supplements with medicines often prescribed by older people:
    
    Older people often take several drugs for the treatment of various diseases, which increases the risk of dietary supplements with drugs. Some dietary supplements can change the effectiveness of drugs, increase the risk of side effects or cause other adverse consequences. For example, St. John’s wort can reduce the effectiveness of antidepressants, anticoagulants and drugs for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, which are often prescribed for older people.
    
    Older people must inform their doctor about all the dietary supplements that they take so that he can check the availability of possible interactions with medicines.
2. 1. 2 The influence of dietary supplements on the function of the liver and kidneys in the elderly:
    
    The function of the liver and kidneys in older people can be reduced, which makes them more susceptible to the toxic effects of dietary supplements. Some dietary supplements can have a toxic effect on the liver and kidneys, aggravating existing diseases or causing new ones. For example, some plant drugs can cause liver damage, and vitamin C in high doses can cause kidney stones.
    
    Elderly people should be especially careful with the use of dietary supplements and avoid taking dietary supplements, which can have a toxic effect on the liver and kidneys.
3. 1. 3 alternatives to use dietary supplements to maintain health in old age:
    
    To maintain health in old age, there are safer and more effective alternatives to use dietary supplements. These include:
    - Healthy and balanced diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grain products and low -fat sources of protein.
    - Regular physical exercises adapted to age and health.
    - A sufficient amount of sleep.
    - Regular medical examinations and screening examinations.
    - Management of chronic diseases.
    - Social activity and maintenance of ties with family and friends.
    These measures can help the elderly remain healthy and active without the need to use dietary supplements.

Chapter 4: Recommendations for the safe use of dietary supplements

1 consultation with a doctor:
1. 1. 1 Importance of discussing dietary supplements with the attending physician:
    
    Consultation with the attending physician before starting dietary supplements is of paramount importance. The doctor has complete information about your state of health, your drugs and possible contraindications. It can evaluate the risks and advantages of taking a specific dietary supplement in your case and give individual recommendations. Discussion of dietary supplements with a doctor avoids potentially dangerous interactions with drugs, deterioration in existing diseases and other adverse consequences.
2. 1. 2 questions that should be asked a doctor about dietary supplements:
    
    When discussing the reception of dietary supplements with a doctor, it is useful to ask the following questions:
    - Is this dietary supplement for me, given my health status and medications taken?
    - Is this dietary supplement effective to solve my problem? Is there any scientific evidence of its effectiveness?
    - What is the recommended dose of this dietary supplement?
    - How long can I accept this dietary supplement?
    - Are there any side effects that I should know about?
    - How will this dietary be interacting with my medicines?
    - Are there any alternatives to this dietary supplement that can be safer or effective?
    - Where can I buy high -quality and safe dietary supplements?
    Obtaining answers to these questions will help you make a reasonable decision to receive dietary supplements.
2 Choice of dietary supplements:
1. 1. 1 criteria for choosing high -quality and safe dietary supplements:
    
    The choice of high -quality and safe dietary supplements is a responsible process that requires attention to details. Follow these criteria to make the right choice:
    - Choose a dietary supplement from reliable manufacturers with a good reputation.
    - Check the label for information about the manufacturer, ingredients, recommended dose and shelf life.
    - Avoid buying dietary supplements that promise “wonderful” results or contain dubious ingredients.
    - Check the availability of quality certificates from independent organizations, such as NSF International or USP.
    - Buy dietary supplements only in trusted stores and pharmacies.
    - Compare dietary supplements from different manufacturers, but do not chase at the lowest price.
    - Read consumer reviews about dietary supplements, but remember that they can be subjective.
    - Pay attention to the warnings and contraindications indicated on the label.
2. 1. 2 The value of quality certification and independent studies:
    
    Quality certification and independent studies are important indicators of quality and safety of dietary supplements. Quality certification issued by independent organizations, such as NSF International or USP, guarantees that dietary supplement meets certain standards of quality, cleanliness and safety. Independent studies conducted by scientists and published in the reviewed scientific journals provide scientific evidence of the effectiveness and safety of dietary supplements.
    
    When choosing dietary supplements, pay attention to the availability of quality certificates and the results of independent research.
3 Rules for admission of dietary supplements:
1. 1. 1 Compliance with the recommended dose and duration of the reception:
    
    Compliance with the recommended dose and duration of dietary supplements is crucial for ensuring safety and efficiency. Do not exceed the recommended dose indicated on the label, and do not take dietary supplements longer than the recommended period of time, if this is not recommended by the doctor. An overdose of dietary supplements can lead to toxicity and side effects, and a long -term use of some dietary supplements can be associated with adverse health consequences.
2. 1. 2 attention to side effects and adverse reactions:
    
    When taking dietary supplements, it is important to carefully monitor your state of health and pay attention to any side effects and adverse reactions. If you notice any unusual symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, allergic reactions or other adverse effects, stop taking dietary supplements and consult a doctor.
3. 1. 3 Message on admission of dietary supplements to medical workers:
    
    Report all medical workers, including doctors, nurses and pharmacists, about all the dietary supplements that you accept. This information is important to prevent possible interactions with drugs that can be prescribed to you for the treatment of various diseases. In addition, a message about dietary supplement can help doctors and nurses correctly interpret the results of your tests and diagnostic studies.

Chapter 5: Prospects and future dietary supplements

1 Development of scientific research in the field of dietary supplements:
1. 1. 1 The need to conduct clinical trials to confirm the effectiveness:
    
    To confirm the effectiveness of dietary supplements and determine their real health benefits, high -quality clinical trials are necessary. Clinical trials are scientific research, which evaluates the effectiveness and safety of medical interventions, including dietary supplements, in public. Clinical trials should be randomized, double blind and controlled placebo in order to ensure objective and reliable results. The results of clinical trials should be published in reviewed scientific journals so that other scientists and medical workers can appreciate them.
    
    Conducting clinical trials to confirm the effectiveness of dietary supplements is an important step to ensure that consumers make reasonable decisions about their health.
2. 1. 2 Search for new active substances and their potential application:
    
    Scientific research in the field of dietary supplements is aimed not only at confirming the effectiveness of existing products, but also at the search for new active substances and their potential use. Scientists study various sources, such as plants, microorganisms and marine organisms, in the search for new compounds that can have a beneficial effect on health. These studies can lead to the development of new dietary supplements for the prevention and treatment of various diseases.
3. 1. 3 The role of genomics and personalized medicine in the use of dietary supplements:
    
    Genomy and personalized medicine open new opportunities for the use of dietary supplements. Genomy is a study of the human genome that contains information about a genetic predisposition to various diseases. Personalized medicine is an approach to treatment, which takes into account the individual characteristics of the patient, including his genetic profile, lifestyle and the environment.
    
    Using genomics and personalized medicine, doctors can determine which dietary supplements will be the most effective and safe for a particular patient, and develop individual recommendations for their use.
2 Improving quality regulation and quality control:
1. 1. 1 The need to strengthen control over the production and marking of dietary supplements:
    
    To ensure the safety and quality of dietary supplements, it is necessary to strengthen control over their production and marking. This includes in

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