Harm dietary supplements: we analyze the composition and consequences for

Harm dietary supplements: we analyze the composition and consequences for the body

What is dietary supplements and why there are so many disputes around them?

Biologically active additives (dietary supplements) are concentrates of natural or identical to natural biologically active substances designed for direct intake with food or introduction into food products. They are not drugs and are used to maintain the normal function of organs and systems of the body, as well as to increase its resistance to adverse environmental factors.

Despite the fact that dietary supplements are positioned as safe and useful additives, disputes and debate constantly arise around them. This is due to several factors: unfair advertising, lack of strict regulation, the possibility of falsification, as well as unpredictable health consequences in case of improper use. It is important to understand that dietary supplements do not undergo clinical trials similar to what is carried out for drugs. This means that their effectiveness and safety are not always scientifically justified.

The main categories of dietary supplements and their potential risks

Bad can be classified according to various signs, including their composition, form of release and the alleged action. The following main categories are distinguished by the composition:

Vitamin-mineral complexes: Contain various vitamins and minerals necessary for the normal functioning of the body. Excessive use of vitamins and minerals, especially fat -soluble (A, D, E, K), can lead to hypervitaminosis and toxic effects. An excess of vitamin A can cause nausea, headache, hair loss and liver damage. Excess vitamin D can lead to hypercalcemia, which negatively affects the work of the kidneys and cardiovascular system. An overdose of iron can cause poisoning and damage to organs. It is important to remember that vitamin-mineral complexes should be taken only as prescribed by the doctor and taking into account the individual needs of the body.
Plant preparations (herbal preparations): Contain extracts, powders or tinctures of various plants. Plant drugs can interact with drugs, enhancing or weakening their effect. Some plants may contain toxic substances or cause allergic reactions. For example, St. John’s wort, which is often used as an antidepressant, can reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives, anticoagulants and some antiretroviral drugs. Ephedra, previously popular as a means for losing weight, was banned in many countries due to serious side effects, including heart attacks and strokes. It is important to carefully study the composition of plant drugs and consult a doctor before their use, especially in the presence of chronic diseases or taking other drugs.
Probiotics and prebiotics: Contain live microorganisms (probiotics) or substances that contribute to the growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestines (prebiotics). Probiotics are usually considered safe, but in some people they can cause bloating, gas formation or diarrhea. In rare cases, especially in people with weakened immunity, probiotics can cause infections. Prebiotics, as a rule, are well tolerated, but excessive use can lead to stomach disorder. It is important to choose probiotics and prebiotics taking into account individual needs and health status.
Amino acids and protein additives: Contain amino acids, construction blocks of proteins, or finished proteins. Excessive use of amino acids and protein additives can have a negative effect on the kidneys and liver, especially in people with diseases of these organs. Some amino acids can interact with drugs. It is important to follow the recommended dosages and consult a doctor before using amino acids and protein additives, especially in the presence of kidney or liver diseases.
Fatty acids (omega-3, omega-6, omega-9): Contain polyunsaturated fatty acids necessary for the health of the cardiovascular system, brain and other organs. With high doses of omega-3, fatty acids can dilute blood and increase the risk of bleeding. Some Omega-3 additives may contain mercury and other pollutants. It is important to choose high-quality Omega-3 additives from reliable manufacturers and observe the recommended dosages.
Enzymes: Contain enzymes that contribute to digestion of food. Enzyme drugs can cause allergic reactions, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. In people with pancreatitis or other pancreatic diseases, the use of enzyme preparations should be agreed with the doctor.
Other dietary supplements: They include a wide range of additives such as chondroprotectors (for joint health), antioxidants (to protect cells from damage), weight loss products and others. The effectiveness and safety of many of these additives is not proven. Some means for losing weight may contain dangerous ingredients, such as sibutramin, which was banned in many countries due to serious side effects. It is important to carefully study the composition and information about dietary supplements before their use and consult a doctor.

Dangerous ingredients that are often found in dietary supplements

One of the main problems associated with dietary supplements is the possibility of having dangerous or prohibited ingredients in their composition that are not indicated on the label. This may be due to the dishonesty of manufacturers, falsification of products or insufficient quality control. Some of the most common dangerous ingredients include:

Stimulants: Stimulants, such as sibutramin, ephedra, caffeine in high doses and others, can cause an increase in blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, insomnia, anxiety and other side effects. Sibuturine, previously used in losing weight means, was prohibited due to serious side effects, including heart attacks and strokes. Ephedra was also banned in many countries due to similar risks. High doses of caffeine can cause addiction, anxiety, insomnia and heart problems.
Anabolic steroid: Anabolic steroids, often illegally added to dietary supplements for athletes, can cause serious side effects, including liver damage, cardiovascular diseases, aggression, acne, baldness and reproductive disorders. In women, anabolic steroids can cause masculinization (coarse of voice, hair growth on the face and body, reduction of the mammary glands).
Laxatives: Laxatives, such as Senna and Aloe, are often added to weight loss products to cause diarrhea and temporary weight loss. Long -term use of laxatives can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, intestinal damage and dependence.
Heavy metals: Heavy metals, such as lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic, can fall into dietary supplements from contaminated raw materials or in the production process. Long-term exposure to heavy metals can cause serious diseases, including damage to the nervous system, kidneys, liver and cardiovascular system. It is important to choose dietary supplements from reliable manufacturers who are testing for heavy metals.
Pharmaceuticals: Some dietary supplements illegally add pharmaceuticals to their products to increase their effectiveness. This can be especially dangerous, since consumers do not know about the presence of these drugs and can take them along with other drugs, which can lead to dangerous interactions. For example, sildenafil (viagra) or its analogues are sometimes added to dietary supplements for erectile dysfunction, which can be dangerous for people with cardiovascular diseases.

How dietary supplements interact with drugs

Bades can interact with drugs by changing their effectiveness or increasing side effects. These interactions can be predictable or unpredictable, and they can have serious health consequences.

Strengthening the action of drugs: Some dietary supplements can enhance the effect of drugs, which can lead to an overdose and toxic effects. For example, grapefruit juice, often used as an additive, can enhance the effect of some statins (drugs that reduce cholesterol), which can lead to muscle damage. Vitamin K can enhance the effect of anticoagulants (drugs that thin blood), which can increase the risk of bleeding.
Weakening of the action of drugs: Some dietary supplements can weaken the effect of drugs, which can lead to ineffective treatment. For example, St. John’s wort can reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives, anticoagulants and some antiretroviral drugs. Iron preparations can reduce the absorption of some antibiotics.
The effect on the metabolism of drugs: Some dietary supplements can affect the metabolism of drugs in the liver, changing their concentration in the blood. This can lead to an increase in the action of drugs, as well as to an increase in the risk of side effects.
Change in drug absorption: Some dietary supplements can affect the absorption of drugs in the intestines, which can change their effectiveness. For example, antacids (drugs that reduce the acidity of the stomach) can reduce the absorption of some drugs.

It is important to inform the doctor about all the dietary supplements that you take to avoid dangerous drug interactions.

Who is at risk when using dietary supplements

Some groups of people are especially vulnerable to the negative consequences of dietary supplements. These include:

Pregnant and lactating women: Many dietary supplements have not been investigated for safety for pregnant women and nursing women, and their use may be a risk to the health of the mother and child. Some vitamins and minerals in high doses can be toxic for the fetus. Plant preparations can cause uterine contractions and lead to premature birth.
Children: Children are more sensitive to toxic dietary supplements than adults. Some dietary supplements may contain ingredients that are harmful to the development of the child. The dosages of dietary supplements for children should be strictly observed and agreed with the doctor.
Elderly people: Older people often take several drugs at the same time, which increases the risk of interactions with dietary supplements. In older people, liver and kidneys are also more common, which can reduce their ability to metabolize and remove dietary supplements from the body.
People with chronic diseases: People with chronic diseases, such as heart disease, kidneys, liver, diabetes and autoimmune diseases, should be especially careful when using dietary supplements. Some dietary supplements can worsen the course of these diseases or interact with drugs used to treat them.
People preparing for the operation: Some dietary supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E, can dilute blood and increase the risk of bleeding during surgery. It is important to stop taking these dietary supplements a few weeks before surgery.

Signs of low -quality dietary supplements: what to pay attention to

To minimize the risk of using poor -quality and dangerous dietary supplements, it is important to pay attention to the following signs:

Unscrupulous advertising: Be skeptical to advertising that promises miraculous healing from all diseases, rapid weight loss without effort or a significant improvement in sports results. If promises sound too well to be true, most likely it is. Do not trust the reviews that seem too enthusiastic and do not contain specific information.
Lack of information about the manufacturer: The Bad packaging must indicate complete information about the manufacturer, including its name, address and contact details. If this information is not or it is incomplete, it may be a sign of low -quality products.
Incomplete or inaccurate composition: The composition of the dietary supplement should be indicated on the label in full and in an understandable language. If the composition is not indicated or indicated inaccurately, this may be a sign of falsification. Pay attention to the presence of allergens and other substances that can be harmful to your health.
Lack of quality certificates: On the packaging of Bada, quality certificates confirming its compliance with safety and efficiency standards should be indicated. In Russia, such a certificate is a certificate of state registration (SGR).
Too low price: If the price of dietary supplements is much lower than that of similar products of other manufacturers, this may be a sign of low quality or falsification.
Suspicious appearance: Pay attention to the appearance of the dietary supplement. Tablets or capsules should not have cracks, chips, spots or other defects. The packaging should be sealed and intact.
Negative reviews: Look for reviews about the dietary supplement on the Internet. Pay attention to negative reviews, which are reported about side effects or lack of effectiveness.

Badam alternatives: how to get the necessary substances from food

In most cases, the necessary vitamins, minerals and other biologically active substances can be obtained from a balanced diet. Instead of relying on dietary supplements, focus on the use of various products rich in nutrients.

Fruits and vegetables: Fruits and vegetables are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber. Try to use at least 5 portions of fruits and vegetables per day.
Whole grain products: All -grain products, such as oatmeal, brown rice and whole grain bread, are rich in fiber, group B vitamins and minerals.
Squirrels: Proteins are necessary for the construction and restoration of body tissues. Get proteins from various sources, such as meat, fish, poultry, eggs, legumes and nuts.
Dairy products: Dairy products are a good source of calcium and vitamin D. If you have lactose intolerance, choose lactose products or alternative calcium sources such as green leafy vegetables and enriched products.
Healthy fats: Healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids, are necessary for the health of the cardiovascular system, brain and other organs. Get healthy fats from fish, nuts, seeds and vegetable oils.

If you suspect that you lack any nutrients, consult a doctor or nutritionist. They can evaluate your diet and determine if you need any additives. In some cases, for example, with a deficiency of vitamin D or iron, the doctor can prescribe drugs, not dietary supplements.

Legal regulation of dietary supplements: what you need to know

Legal regulation of dietary supplements varies in different countries. In most countries, dietary supplements do not pass clinical trials similar to what is carried out for drugs, and are not subject to the same strict regulation. This means that their effectiveness and safety are not always scientifically justified.

In Russia, dietary supplements are subject to state registration, which includes checking their composition and security. However, state registration does not guarantee dietary supplements. Responsibility for safety and effectiveness of dietary supplements is borne by the manufacturer.

It is important to remember that dietary supplements are not drugs and are not intended for the treatment of diseases. They can only be used to maintain the normal function of organs and systems of the body, as well as to increase its resistance to adverse environmental factors. If you have any diseases, consult a doctor to receive qualified medical care.

The consequences of an uncontrolled reception of dietary supplements: real stories

Numerous stories and studies demonstrate the potential negative consequences of uncontrolled dietary supplements. Some of these consequences can be temporary and insignificant, but others can be serious and even life -threatening.

Liver defeat: Some dietary supplements, especially plant drugs, can cause liver damage. This can manifest itself in the form of jaundice, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and an increased level of liver enzymes in the blood. In severe cases, liver damage can lead to liver failure and the need for liver transplantation.
Kidney damage: Excessive use of protein additives and some vitamins and minerals can have a negative effect on the kidneys. This can lead to the formation of stones in the kidneys, the development of renal failure and other kidney problems.
Cardiovascular diseases: Some dietary supplements, especially stimulants and anabolic steroids, can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as myocardial infarction, stroke and arrhythmia.
Allergic reactions: Bades can cause allergic reactions, especially in people with allergies to certain foods or plants. Allergic reactions can appear in the form of a skin rash, itching, edema, shortness of breathing and anaphylactic shock.
Interactions with drugs: As mentioned earlier, dietary supplements can interact with drugs, changing their effectiveness or increasing side effects. This can lead to serious health consequences.
Poisoning: Some dietary supplements may contain toxic substances or pollutants that can cause poisoning. Poisoning can appear in the form of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, dizziness and other symptoms.

These stories emphasize the importance of a careful and conscious approach to the use of dietary supplements. Before using any additives, you need to consult a doctor and carefully study the composition and information about the product.

Conclusion

Understanding the potential harm of dietary supplements, the study of the composition and possible consequences for the body is a critical step towards a conscious choice. Do not rely on advertising and do not risk your health. Make a conscious choice in favor of a balanced diet, a healthy lifestyle and consultation with a qualified doctor.