Bades: a hidden threat to your health

Bades: a hidden threat to your health

Section 1: What is dietary supplements and why are they so popular?

1. Definition and classification of dietary supplements.

   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, according to the law, are positioned as food products. Bades are classified according to various signs:

   • By composition: Vitamins, minerals, amino acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3, omega-6), probiotics, prebiotics, plant extracts, enzymes, dietary fiber, and other biologically active substances.
   • By the form of release: Capsules, tablets, powders, solutions, teas, bars, chewing loafers.
   • By purpose: To maintain immunity, to improve digestion, to normalize sleep, to reduce weight, to increase energy, to improve the condition of the skin, hair and nails, to maintain joint health, etc.
   • By origin: Natural (obtained from plants, animals or mineral raw materials), synthetic (identical to natural, produced by chemically).

2. Causes of the popularity of dietary supplements: marketing, nutrient deficiency, self -medication.

   The popularity of dietary supplements is due to several factors:

   • Aggressive marketing: Dad manufacturers are actively using advertising, including misleading to promote their products. They often promise miraculous results, cure for diseases and a quick solution to health problems. Advertising of dietary supplements often exploits the fears and anxiety of people about their health, especially in the era of information overload and distrust of traditional medicine.
   • Nutrient deficiency: A modern lifestyle, improper nutrition, stress and deterioration of the environmental situation lead to a deficiency of the necessary vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. People are looking for simple ways to replenish these deficits, and the dietary supplements seem to be a convenient solution.
   • Self -medication: Many people prefer to self -medicate using dietary supplements to solve their health problems, instead of contacting a doctor. This may be due to the high cost of medical services, a lack of time, distrust of doctors or just a desire to avoid unpleasant procedures.
   • Accessibility: Dietary supplements are widely available in pharmacies, healthy food stores, online stores and even in ordinary supermarkets. This facilitates their acquisition and promotes their popularity.
   • Safety perception: Bades are often perceived as safe, since they are not medicines and do not require a doctor’s prescription. However, this is an erroneous representation, since dietary supplements can also cause side effects and interact with medicines.
   • Faith in “Natural”: Many people prefer “natural” products, considering them safer and more useful than synthetic. Bades containing plant extracts and other natural ingredients are popular due to this prejudice.

3. Bad regulation: differences from drugs.

   The regulation of dietary supplements is significantly different from the regulation of drugs.

   • Medicines: Before putting on the market, drugs are held strict clinical trials to prove their effectiveness and safety. They must comply with high quality standards and are subject to careful control by regulatory authorities (for example, FDA in the USA or EMA in Europe). Registration of the drug requires the provision of extensive documentation, including data on pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, toxicity and clinical effectiveness.
   • Bad: Bades do not pass such strict clinical trials as medicines. Manufacturers of dietary supplements are not required to prove their effectiveness or safety to the same extent as manufacturers of drugs. Bad registration is usually a notification of regulatory bodies that the product meets the requirements for food products. Quality control of dietary supplements is also less strict than the quality control of drugs. This means that the composition of the dietary supplement may not correspond to the declared on the label, and the product may contain impurities or harmful substances.

   Key differences:

   • Target: Medicines are intended for the treatment, prevention and diagnosis of diseases. Bades are designed to maintain health and replenish the deficiency of nutrients.
   • Registration: Medicines undergo strict registration and clinical tests. Bades undergo a simplified registration procedure.
   • Efficiency: The effectiveness of drugs should be proved by clinical trials. The effectiveness of dietary supplements is often not proven or proved enough.
   • Safety: The safety of drugs is carefully monitored. The safety of dietary supplements is controlled less strictly.
   • Responsibility: Medicine manufacturers bear great responsibility for the quality and safety of their products. Bad manufacturers are less responsible.

Section 2: risks associated with the use of dietary supplements.

1. Inaccurate information on labels: the discrepancy between the composition, high dosages.

   One of the most serious risks associated with the use of dietary supplements is the inaccurate information on the labels. Often the composition of the dietary supplement does not correspond to the declared on the label, and the product may contain ingredients that are not indicated or indicated in irregular dosages.

   • The inconsistency of the composition: Studies have shown that many dietary supplements contain ingredients that are not on the label, or do not contain the ingredients that are declared. This may be due to the dishonesty of manufacturers, the use of poor -quality raw materials or simply errors in the production process.
   • Excessed dosages: Some dietary supplements contain ingredients in dosages exceeding the recommended. This can lead to an overdose and development of side effects. Especially dangerous are high dosages of vitamins and minerals, which can accumulate in the body and cause toxic effects.
   • Low dosages: In other cases, dietary supplements contain the ingredients in dosages that are insufficient to achieve the desired effect. In this case, the consumer simply spends money on a product that does not bring any benefit.
   • Impurities and pollutants: Bades may contain impurities and pollutants, such as heavy metals, pesticides, bacteria and other harmful substances. This may be due to the use of poor -quality raw materials, a violation of the production process or pollution of the environment.

2. Side effects and interactions with drugs.

   Bades can cause side effects, especially with prolonged use or in high dosages. Some dietary supplements can interact with medicines, enhancing or weakening their effect, which can lead to undesirable consequences.

   • Side effects: Side effects of dietary supplements can be different, depending on the composition of the product and the individual characteristics of the body. The most common side effects include digestion (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation), allergic reactions (rash, itching, edema), headaches, dizziness, increased blood pressure, rapid palpitations and other symptoms.
   • Interactions with drugs: Some dietary supplements can interact with medicines by changing their pharmacokinetics (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion) or pharmacodynamics (effect on the body). For example, St. John’s wort can reduce the effectiveness of antidepressants, contraceptives and other drugs. Vitamin K can reduce the effectiveness of anticoagulants (drugs that thin blood). Grapefruit juice can enhance or weaken the effect of many drugs.
   • Danger for certain groups of people: Bades can be especially dangerous for certain groups of people, such as pregnant and lactating women, children, elderly people and people with chronic diseases.

3. Lack of proven effectiveness: a placebo effect, false hopes.

   Many dietary supplements do not have proven effectiveness, and their action is based on a placebo effect or false hopes. Dad manufacturers often use unscrupulous marketing techniques to convince consumers of the effectiveness of their products, even if there is no scientific evidence.

   • Placebo effect: A placebo effect is an improvement in the state of health, which occurs not due to the action of the drug itself, but because of the faith of a person in its effectiveness. A placebo effect can be quite strong, especially in the treatment of diseases associated with pain, anxiety and depression.
   • False hopes: Advertising of dietary supplements often creates false hopes in people suffering from chronic diseases or experience other health problems. People begin to believe that dietary supplements can cure them from diseases or significantly improve their condition, and abandon traditional treatment, which can be more effective.
   • Lack of scientific evidence: Many dietary supplements did not go through serious clinical trials, and their effectiveness was not proved by scientific means. Dad manufacturers often refer to the results of small studies or to separate consumer reviews that are not convincing enough.

4. Masks of serious diseases: delay in seeing a doctor, a deterioration in the forecast.

   The use of dietary supplements can lead to disguise of serious diseases and a delay in seeking a doctor. People begin to use dietary supplements to relieve symptoms, instead of looking for the cause of the disease and getting adequate treatment. This can lead to a deterioration in the forecast and the development of complications.

   • Symptoms disguise: Some dietary supplements can temporarily alleviate the symptoms of diseases, such as pain, inflammation or fatigue. This can create a false impression that the disease has receded, and a person puts off a visit to the doctor.
   • Diagnostic delay: A delay in seeking a doctor can lead to a delay in the diagnosis of serious diseases, such as cancer, diabetes or cardiovascular diseases. The later the diagnosis is made, the more difficult the treatment will be and the worse the prognosis will be.
   • Prediction deterioration: In some cases, the use of dietary supplements can worsen the prognosis of the disease. For example, some dietary supplements can interact with drugs that are used to treat cancer and reduce their effectiveness.

5. Financial risks: high cost, lack of effectiveness guarantees.

   The use of dietary supplements is associated with financial risks. Bades often have a high cost, and their effectiveness is not guaranteed. People spend a lot of money on products that do not bring any benefit or even harm their health.

   • High cost: Many dietary supplements have a high cost, especially those that are advertised as “premium” or “unique”. People spend a lot of money on products that can be no more effective than cheaper analogues.
   • Lack of effectiveness guarantees: Manufacturers of dietary supplements do not give any guarantees of the effectiveness of their products. If dietary supplements do not help, the consumer cannot return the money or receive compensation.
   • Fraud: There are many fraudulent schemes in the dietary supplement market. Unscrupulous manufacturers sell fakes, products with an inaccurate composition or products that have no value.

Section 3: How to protect yourself from risks associated with dietary supplements.

1. Consultation with a doctor: Mandatory before taking any dietary supplements.

   Before taking any dietary supplements, you need to consult a doctor. The doctor will be able to evaluate your health status, determine whether you need any additives at all, and advise suitable products and dosage.

   • Assessment of health: The doctor will be able to evaluate your health status, identify possible deficits of nutrients and determine whether you need any additives.
   • Individual recommendations: The doctor will be able to advise suitable products and dosages, taking into account your individual needs and characteristics of the body.
   • Prevention of drug interactions: The doctor will be able to check whether dietary supplements will interact with the medicines that you take and prevent possible side effects.
   • Identification of contraindications: The doctor will be able to identify contraindications for taking certain dietary supplements, taking into account your chronic diseases and other factors.

2. Critical assessment of information: Avoid high -profile promises and unrealistic statements.

   It is necessary to critically evaluate information about dietary supplements, avoid loud promises and unrealistic statements. Do not believe an advertisement that promises miraculous results and a quick cure for diseases.

   • Scientific evidence: Check if there are scientific evidence of the effectiveness of the dietary supplement. Look for information about clinical trials and scientific research published in authoritative medical journals.
   • Realistic expectations: Do not expect dietary supplements will heal you from diseases or solve all your health problems. Bades can be useful to maintain health and replenish the deficiency of nutrients, but they are not medicines.
   • Consumer reviews: Treat consumer reviews with caution. Reviews can be subjective and biased, and can also be fabricated by dietary supplements.
   • Authoritative sources: Look for information about dietary supplements in authoritative sources, such as medical journals, websites of medical organizations and resources provided by doctors.

3. The choice of reliable manufacturers: pay attention to the certification and reputation of the company.

   When choosing dietary supplements, pay attention to the certification and reputation of the manufacturer. Choose products from well -known and reliable manufacturers who have a good reputation and comply with quality standards.

   • Certification: Check whether the product has quality certificates such as GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) or NSF International. These certificates guarantee that the product is produced in accordance with certain quality and safety standards.
   • Company reputation: Study the reputation of the manufacturer. Look for information about the company on the Internet, read consumer reviews and find out if the company had any problems with regulatory authorities.
   • Transparency: Choose companies that transparently disclose information about the composition of their products, production process and quality control.
   • Place of production: Pay attention to the country of dietary supplements. Products manufactured in countries with a developed regulation system usually have higher quality.

4. Caution when buying online: Check the authenticity of the seller, avoid dubious sites.

   When buying dietary supplements online, be especially careful. Check the authenticity of the seller, avoid dubious sites and do not buy products from unverified sources.

   • Seller’s authenticity: Check if the seller is an authorized distributor or representative of the manufacturer. Look for information about the seller on the website of the manufacturer or contact the company directly.
   • Site security: Make sure the site is safe and uses encryption to protect your personal and financial data. Look for the lock icon in the address bar of the browser.
   • Return policy: Check if the seller offers a return policy. If the product does not correspond to your expectations or causes side effects, you should be able to return it and get compensation.
   • Doubtful sites: Avoid sites that offer dietary supplements at too low prices, promise miraculous results or require an advance payment without providing sufficient information about the product and seller.

5. Side effects message: inform the doctor and regulatory organs.

   If you experience any side effects after taking Bad, immediately stop using it and inform your doctor and regulatory authorities.

   • Information of the doctor: Tell your doctor about the side effects that you experience. The doctor will be able to evaluate your condition and prescribe the necessary treatment.
   • Message to the regulatory authorities: Report side effects to the regulatory authorities, such as Roszdravnadzor. This will help them identify problems with the safety of dietary supplements and take measures to protect public health.
   • Diary maintenance: Keep a diary in which write down information about the dietary supplements that you accept, dosage, reception time and side effects. This will help you and your doctor track the connection between the intake of the dietary supplement and the occurrence of side effects.

Section 4: Badam alternatives: a healthy lifestyle, a balanced diet.

1. Healthy lifestyle: sleep, physical activity, stress management.

   A healthy lifestyle is the best alternative to dietary supplements. Sleep, physical activity and stress management play an important role in maintaining health and well -being.

   • Dream: A sufficient sleep is necessary to restore the body, maintain immunity and normal brain function. Try to sleep at least 7-8 hours a day.
   • Physical activity: Regular physical activity helps strengthen the cardiovascular system, improve metabolism, reduce the risk of chronic diseases and improve mood. Try to engage in physical exercises for at least 150 minutes a week.
   • Stress management: Chronic stress can negatively affect health and immunity. Use stress management methods such as meditation, yoga, breathing exercises or just communication with friends and relatives.

2. Balanced nutrition: a variety of products, a sufficient amount of fruits and vegetables.

   A balanced diet, including a variety of products and a sufficient amount of fruits and vegetables, is the best way to provide the body with all the necessary vitamins, minerals and other nutrients.

   • A variety of products: Try to use a variety of products from all groups: fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins and dairy products.
   • Fruits and vegetables: Use at least 5 portions of fruits and vegetables per day. Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber.
   • Whole grains: Choose whole grains, such as brown rice, oatmeal and whole grain bread, instead of processed grains. Whole grains are rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals.
   • Protein: Use a sufficient amount of protein from various sources, such as meat, fish, eggs, legumes and nuts. Protein is necessary for the construction and restoration of tissues of the body.
   • Restriction of processed products: Limit the use of processed products, such as fast food, sweets and carbonated drinks. These products contain a lot of sugar, fat and salt, and few nutrients.

3. Determination of nutrient deficiency: blood tests, consultation with a nutritionist.

   If you suspect that you have a shortage of any nutrients, consult a doctor and a nutritionist. The doctor can prescribe blood tests to determine the level of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients in your body. A nutritionist will be able to develop an individual nutrition plan for you, which will help replenish deficits and improve your health.

   • Blood tests: Blood tests can help detect a deficiency of vitamins D, B12, iron, zinc and other nutrients.
   • Consultation with a nutritionist: The nutritionist will be able to evaluate your diet, identify possible shortcomings and develop an individual nutrition plan for you, which will help replenish deficits and improve your health.
   • Individual power plan: An individual food plan may include recommendations for the use of certain products, adding dietary fibers to the diet, probiotics or other beneficial substances.

Section 5: Dietary supplements and quality control.

1. Basic normative acts governing the turnover of dietary supplements.

   In Russia, the turnover of dietary supplements is regulated by the Federal Law “On the quality and safety of food products” and a number of other regulatory acts, including:

   • Technical regulations of the Customs Union “On the Safety of Food Products” (TR TS 021/2011). This regulation establishes requirements for food safety, including dietary supplements in the territory of the Customs Union (Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan).
   • Technical regulations of the Customs Union “Food products regarding its marking” (TR TS 022/2011). This regulation establishes requirements for labeling of food products, including dietary supplements, in the territory of the Customs Union.
   • Sanitary and epidemiological rules and standards of SanPiN 2.3.2.1290-03 “Hygienic requirements for the organization of production and turnover of biologically active food additives (BADs).” These rules establish hygienic requirements for the production, storage, transportation and sale of dietary supplements.
   • The decision of the Commission of the Customs Union dated April 7, 2011 N 622 “On unified sanitary-epidemiological and hygienic requirements for goods subject to sanitary and epidemiological supervision (control)”. “ This document establishes unified sanitary-epidemiological and hygienic requirements for goods subject to sanitary and epidemiological supervision (control), including dietary supplements.

2. The role of Rospotrebnadzor and other regulatory authorities.

   The main regulatory authorities in the field of dietary supplement are:

   • Rospotrebnadzor (Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Welfare). Rospotrebnadzor is carried out by state sanitary and epidemiological supervision of compliance with sanitary rules and norms in the production, storage, transportation and sale of dietary supplements. He also controls the quality and safety of dietary supplements, conducts inspections of manufacturers and implementing organizations, considers consumer complaints and takes measures to stop violations.
   • Roszdravnadzor (Federal Service for Supervision of Health). Roszdravnadzor monitors the compliance of dietary supplements with the requirements of the legislation regarding their safety and efficiency. He also considers reports of side effects of dietary supplements and takes measures to prevent them.
   • Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS). The FAS controls the advertising of dietary supplements and suppresses unfair competition and the spread of inaccurate information about dietary supplements.

3. Problems of quality control and falsification of dietary supplements.

   Despite the presence of a quality control system, there are problems related to falsification and inaccurate information about the composition and properties of dietary supplements.

   • Falsification: Falsification of dietary supplements is a serious problem. Unscrupulous manufacturers can add not declared ingredients to dietary supplements, replace expensive ingredients with cheaper analogues, overestimate the dosages of active substances or, conversely, reduce their concentration. This can lead to ineffectiveness of dietary supplements, the development of side effects and even poisoning.
   • Inaccurate information: Inaccurate information about the composition and properties of dietary supplements is also a common problem. Manufacturers may indicate the label of incorrect information about the composition, overestimate the content of active substances, attribute to Badu properties that it does not have, and give false promises of cure for diseases.
   • Weak control: Weak control over the production and turnover of dietary supplements also contributes to the spread of falsified and poor -quality products. Insufficient financing of regulatory authorities, the lack of qualified specialists and the lack of effective control methods allow unscrupulous manufacturers to evade responsibility.
   • Internet trade: The Internet trade in dietary supplements creates additional risks. Consumers can purchase dietary supplements from unverified sellers who do not have a license and do not comply with quality standards.

Section 6: The effect of dietary supplements on individual organs and systems of the body.

1. GIT: probiotics and prebiotics, harm to the liver and kidneys.

   Bades can have both positive and negative effects on the gastrointestinal tract (gastrointestinal tract).

   • Probiotics and prebiotics: Probiotics are living microorganisms, which, when used in sufficient quantities, have a beneficial effect on the health of the owner. Prebiotics are substances that serve as food for beneficial bacteria in the intestines. Bades containing probiotics and prebiotics can be useful for improving digestion, strengthening immunity and prevention of dysbiosis. However, it should be remembered that the effectiveness of probiotics and prebiotics depends on the strain of bacteria, dosage and individual characteristics of the body.
   • Damage to the liver and kidneys: Some dietary supplements can have a negative effect on the liver and kidneys. For example, dietary supplements containing high doses of vitamins and minerals can lead to overload of the liver and kidneys. Bades containing plant extracts can have a hepatotoxic (damaging liver) effect. Dietary supplements containing anabolic steroids are especially dangerous, which can cause serious damage to the liver and kidneys.
   • Laxative dietary supplements: Lessitable dietary supplements can cause the intestines. Long -term use of laxative dietary supplements can lead to weakening of the intestinal muscles and the need to constant use of laxatives to maintain normal defecation.
   • Dietary diets for weight loss: Dietary supplements for weight loss can have a negative effect on the gastrointestinal tract. Some dietary supplements for weight loss contain substances that accelerate metabolism and suppress appetite, but can cause side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain.

2. Cardiovascular system: omega-3, effect on blood pressure and blood coagulation.

   Bades can influence the cardiovascular system.

   • Omega-3: Omega-3 fatty acids are useful for the health of the heart and blood vessels. They reduce the level of triglycerides in the blood, reduce the risk of blood clots and reduce blood pressure. The dietary supplements containing omega-3 can be useful for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. However, it should be remembered that high doses of omega-3 can increase the risk of bleeding.
   • Influence on blood pressure: Some dietary supplements can affect blood pressure. For example, dietary supplements containing caffeine can increase blood pressure. Bades containing hawthorn can reduce blood pressure. Before using dietary supplements affecting blood pressure, it is necessary to consult a doctor.
   • The effect on blood coagulation: Some dietary supplements can affect blood coagulation. For example, dietary supplements containing vitamin K increase blood coagulation. Bades containing garlic, ginger or ginkgo bilobe can reduce blood coagulation. Before the use of dietary supplements affecting blood coagulation, you need to consult a doctor, especially if you take anticoagulants (drugs that thinning blood).
   • Influence on cholesterol levels: Some dietary supplements can affect blood cholesterol. For example, dietary supplements containing red yeast rice can reduce cholesterol. However, it should be remembered that red yeast rice contains Monacoline K, which is an active component of statin (drugs to reduce cholesterol). The use of dietary supplements containing red yeast rice without consulting a doctor can be dangerous.

3. Endocrine system: effect on the hormonal background, thyroid gland.

   Bades can influence the endocrine system and hormonal background.

   • Influence on the hormonal background: Some dietary supplements can influence hormonal background. For example, dietary supplements containing phytoestrogens (plant substances similar to female sex hormones) can have an estrogenic effect. This can be useful for women during menopause, but can be dangerous for women with hormonal-dependent diseases. Bades containing testosterone or its analogues can cause serious hormonal disorders in men and women.
   • Influence on the thyroid gland: Some dietary supplements can influence the thyroid gland. For example, dietary supplements containing iodine can be useful for people with iodine deficiency, but can be dangerous for people with hyperthyroidism (increased thyroid gland function). Dietary supplements containing selenium can have a protective effect on the thyroid gland, but high doses of selenium can be toxic.
   • Dietary supplement to improve potency: Dietary supplements to improve potency often contain not declared ingredients, such as sildenafil (Viagra) or its analogues. The use of such dietary supplements can be dangerous for people with cardiovascular diseases.
   • Bad for athletes: Bades for athletes often contain anabolic steroids or other prohibited substances. The use of such dietary supplements can lead to serious violations of the hormonal background, liver damage and other side effects.

4. Nervous system: B vitamins, impact on sleep and mood.

   Bades can influence the nervous system.

   • B vitamins B: B vitamins play an important role in the work of the nervous system. They are necessary for the normal functioning of the brain, nerves and muscles. Bades containing group B vitamins can be useful for improving memory, concentrating and reducing stress.
   • Influence on the dream: Some dietary supplements can affect sleep. For example, dietary supplements containing melatonin can help with insomnia. Bades containing valerian or chamomile have a calming effect and can improve sleep. However, it should be remembered that the use of dietary supplements affecting sleep can cause addiction and side effects.
   • Influence on mood: Some dietary supplements can affect the mood. For example, dietary supplements containing St. John’s wort can have an antidepressant effect. Dietary supplements containing SAME (S-adenosylmetinine) can also improve mood. However, it should be remembered that the use of dietary supplements affecting mood can interact with antidepressants and other drugs.
   • Bades to improve cognitive functions: Bades to improve cognitive functions, such as nootropics, often do not have proven effectiveness and can cause side effects.

Section 7: Bades and pregnancy: special risks, folic acid and other necessary vitamins.

1. Special risks for pregnant women and fetus.

   Pregnant women should be especially careful about the use of dietary supplements, as they can represent special risks for the health of the mother and fetus.

   • Teratogenic effect: Some dietary supplements can have a teratogenic effect, that is, cause malformations of the fetus. For example, high doses of vitamin A