A panel of independent doctors and researchers put together a list of ingredients found in dietary supplements that can make people sick.
The risks associated with these compounds include cancer, cardiac arrest, or organ damage, which can be influenced by pre-existing conditions, the time of exposure or the quantity of the ingredient.
The chemical substances can also interact with other prescribed drugs, such as cholesterol statins, warfarin or even aspirin.
Consumer Reports published a list of chemical compounds that have more risks than benefits. Thus, their use can easily be harmful and lead to serious medical conditions.
Side Effect: Death
Many of the substances on the list have as a side effect death induced by complications.
Aside from having many interactions with already approved and vital medication, the dietary supplements can create problems on their own.
A particular category in the list is one of probiotics, powders, pills or liquids that are made up of live bacteria. They are thought to maintain the balance of gut microorganisms.
Probiotics do not need FDA approval, and their producers do not operate under the same regulations as pharmaceutical companies.
The vitamins, minerals, botanicals and herbs that are being sold as dietary supplements have entered in full force in the medical establishment and consumers are buying them in total enthusiasm.
From 2008 to 2011, the FDA received 6,307 reports of health problems caused by dietary supplements, which included 92 deaths and hundreds of life-threatening conditions.
The 15 Dietary Supplements Harmful Ingredients
Aconite is used to reduce inflammation; however, it can provoke nausea, weakness, paralysis and vomiting.
The caffeine powder, even if it seems to be quite a common substance, can lead to seizures, heart arrhythmia, and cardiac arrest.
Another popular product is the green tea extract powder, which is heavily presented as healthy. However, the side effects include reduces absorption of iron, elevated blood pressure and heart rate, and even death. It also exacerbates glaucoma and anemia.
Two other ingredients that are used in weight loss, chaparral and germander, are to be avoided because they produce liver damage, kidney problems, and even death.
As for cough relievers, coltsfoot and comfrey can both lead to liver damage and are carcinogens.
Lobelia and Pennyroyal Oil are sold as solutions to respiratory problems. The first can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, tremors and confusion, and the second has even more terrifying secondary effects that include liver and kidney failure, convulsion, nerve damage, and death.
While reducing anxiety, Kava produces liver damage and elevates depression. Death can also occur.
Methylsynephrine improves athletic performance, but can cause heart rate abnormalities and cardiac arrest.
The Red Yeast Rice can lower cholesterol, but it does so with additional kidney, liver, and muscle problems and hair loss.
The usnic acid can lead to liver injury, even if said to have weight loss benefits. And Yohimbe, used in low libido and erectile dysfunction, can increase blood pressure and create headaches and seizures, panic attacks and death.
The Consumer Reports recommends people that experienced adverse events after using a dietary supplement to report the product to the FDA.
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