Dangerous additives: risks of taking dietary supplements for the body

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Dangerous additives: risks of taking dietary supplements for the body

Part 1: The essence and regulation of biologically active additives (BAD)

  1. Definition and classification of dietary supplements:

    Biologically active additives (dietary supplements) are concentrates of natural or identical to natural biologically active substances intended for direct use or introduction to food products in order to enrich the ration with individual food or biologically active substances and their complexes. They are not drugs and are not intended for the treatment of diseases.

    Classification of dietary supplements is carried out according to various criteria:

    • By composition:
      • Vitamin complexes: contain various vitamins in certain dosages.
      • Mineral complexes: contain minerals.
      • Plant dietary supplement: Contain extracts, powders or other forms of plant materials.
      • Bad of animal origin: contain components of animal origin (for example, chondroitin, glucosamine).
      • Probiotics and prebiotics: contain living microorganisms or substances that contribute to their growth.
      • Amino acids: contain amino acids necessary for protein synthesis.
      • Fatty acids: contain irreplaceable fatty acids (for example, omega-3, omega-6).
      • Combined dietary supplement: contain a combination of various groups of substances.
    • By the form of release:
      • Tablets: A solid dosed form.
      • Capsules: A solid gelatin membrane containing active substances.
      • Powders: A loose form requiring dissolution in water or other fluid.
      • Liquid forms (syrups, tinctures, extracts): Convenient for dosing and reception.
      • Bats, chewing sweets: Convenient form for admission during the day.
    • By purpose:
      • To strengthen immunity.
      • To improve digestion.
      • To maintain joint health.
      • To improve cognitive functions.
      • To reduce weight.
      • To increase energy.
      • For athletes.
      • For pregnant and lactating women.

  2. Regulation of dietary supplements in the Russian Federation and other countries:

    In the Russian Federation, the regulation of dietary supplements is carried out by the Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Welfare (Rospotrebnadzor). The main regulatory documents are:

    • Technical Regulation of the Customs Union TR TS 021/2011 “On food safety”.
    • Technical regulations of the Customs Union TR TS 022/2011 “Food products regarding its marking.”
    • SanPiN 2.3.2.1290-03 “Hygienic requirements for the organization of production and turnover of biologically active additives to food (dietary supplements).”
    • Unified sanitary-epidemiological and hygienic requirements for products (goods) subject to sanitary and epidemiological supervision (control).

    The production and implementation of dietary supplements in Russia require mandatory state registration. The procedure includes:

    • Submitting an application and the necessary documents to Rospotrebnadzor.
    • Examination of documents and product samples.
    • Conducting laboratory tests to confirm conformity with safety requirements.
    • Obtaining a certificate of state registration.

    The marking of dietary supplements should contain complete and reliable information about the product, including:

    • Name of products.
    • Composition.
    • Information about the manufacturer.
    • Net mass or volume.
    • Best before date.
    • Recommendations for use.
    • Contraindications.
    • Cautions.
    • Information about state registration.

    In other countries, dietary supplement regulation may vary significantly. For example, in the United States, dietary supplement regulation is carried out by the management of products and medicines (FDA) in accordance with the law on dietary supplements, health and education (DSHEA). In the European Union, dietary supplement regulation is carried out in accordance with the Directive 2002/46/EC on food additives.

    In general, the regulation of dietary supplements is less strict than the regulation of drugs. Dietary supplements are not required to prove the effectiveness of their products, but only its safety. This creates the prerequisites for abuse and the appearance of poor -quality and even dangerous dietary supplements on the market.

  3. Differences of dietary supplements and drugs:

    The key difference between dietary supplements and drugs is to prescribe them and requirements for evidence.

    • Appointment: The dietary supplement is designed to enrich the diet and maintain health, and not for the treatment of diseases. Medicines, on the contrary, are designed for diagnosis, treatment, prevention of diseases or relieve their symptoms.
    • Evidence base: Medicines are required to conduct clinical studies to confirm the effectiveness and safety of their products. For dietary supplements, such requirements are much lower. Manufacturers should prove only the safety of products, but are not required to prove its effectiveness.
    • Production standards: The production of drugs must comply with the strict GMP standards (Good Manoufacturing Practice). Bad production standards can be less strict, which increases the risk of contamination and inconsistencies of the composition of the declared on the packaging.
    • Concentration of active substances: In drugs, the concentration of active substances is strictly controlled and must comply with the established standards. In dietary supplements, the concentration of active substances can vary and does not always correspond to the declared on the package.
    • Supervision: Control over the production and sale of drugs is carried out more carefully than control over the production and sale of dietary supplements.

    These differences determine the higher risks associated with the use of dietary supplements, especially in the case of unscrupulous manufacturers and uncontrolled self -medication.

Part 2: risks associated with the reception

  1. Unconfirmed efficiency and placebo effect:

    Many dietary supplements presented in the market do not have a sufficient scientific base confirming their declared efficiency. Often, manufacturers rely on outdated studies, research in vitro (in a test tube) or on research conducted on animals, the results of which are not always applicable to humans.

    As a result, taking such dietary supplements may be ineffective and not lead to the expected results. Moreover, the positive effect that some people feel after taking dietary supplement may be caused by a placebo effect.

    A placebo effect is a psychophysiological phenomenon in which an improvement in the state of health is observed after taking an inactive substance or a procedure that does not have healing properties. The placebo effect can be strong enough and influence the subjective perception of symptoms and general well-being.

    Despite the fact that the placebo effect can be useful in some cases, it is unacceptable to rely on it in the treatment of serious diseases. It is important to remember that the placebo effect does not affect the course of the disease, but only changes the perception of symptoms.

    Therefore, when choosing dietary supplements, it is necessary to carefully study scientific literature and give preference to products, the effectiveness of which is confirmed in clinical research.

  2. Inaccurate packaging information and contamination:

    One of the serious risks associated with the use of dietary supplements is inaccurate packaging information. Unscrupulous manufacturers may indicate inaccurate information about the composition, concentration of active substances, dosage and contraindications.

    This can lead to the following consequences:

    • Insufficient dosage: Reception of dietary supplements with a low concentration of active substances may be ineffective.
    • Excessive dosage: Reception of dietary supplements with a high concentration of active substances can lead to an overdose and development of side effects.
    • Lack of claimed substances: Some dietary supplements may not contain the declared active substances, which makes them useless.
    • Unprofitable ingredients: Some dietary supplements may contain ingredients not indicated on the packaging, which can cause allergic reactions or other undesirable effects.

    In addition, there is a risk of dietary supplement contamination by extraneous substances, such as:

    • Heavy metals (lead, mercury, cadmium): They can fall into a dietary supplement from polluted raw materials or in the production process.
    • Pesticides and herbicides: They can fall into a dietary supplement from plant materials treated with these substances.
    • Microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses): They may fall into dietary supplements in violation of sanitary standards of production.
    • Medicines: Unscrupulous manufacturers can add drugs to dietary supplements to enhance their effect, which can be dangerous to health.

    Contamination of dietary supplements can lead to serious health consequences, including poisoning, allergic reactions, damage to organs and tissues.

    To reduce the risk of using low -quality dietary supplements, it is necessary to purchase products only from trusted manufacturers and in reliable places of sale, as well as carefully study the information on the packaging and check the availability of quality certificates.

  3. Side effects and interactions with drugs:

    Despite the fact that dietary supplements are not drugs, they can cause side effects, especially with prolonged use or in high doses.

    The most common side effects of dietary supplement include:

    • Digestive disorders (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain).
    • Allergic reactions (skin rash, itching, urticaria, Quincke’s edema).
    • Headaches, dizziness.
    • Insomnia, anxiety.
    • Increasing blood pressure.
    • Heart rhythm disturbances.

    In rare cases, the intake of dietary supplements can lead to more serious side effects, such as damage to the liver, kidneys or other organs.

    In addition, dietary supplements can interact with drugs by changing their effectiveness or increasing their side effects. For example, some dietary supplements can affect blood coagulation, which can be dangerous while taking anticoagulants. Other dietary supplements can affect the metabolism of drugs in the liver, which can lead to an increase or decrease in their concentration in the blood.

    Therefore, before taking dietary supplements, you need to consult a doctor, especially if you take any drugs. The doctor will be able to evaluate possible risks and choose the safest and most effective treatment regimen.

  4. Risks for certain population groups (pregnant women, children, elderly):

    Some groups of the population, such as pregnant women, children and elderly people, are especially vulnerable to adverse dietary supplements.

    • Pregnant women: Reception of dietary supplements during pregnancy may be a danger to the development of the fetus. Some dietary supplements may contain substances that can cause congenital defects or other health problems in a child. Pregnant women should avoid taking dietary supplements without consulting a doctor. The doctor will be able to evaluate the benefits and risks of dietary supplements and choose the safest and most effective drugs, if necessary.
    • Children: The body of children is more sensitive to the effects of various substances than the body of adults. Reception of dietary supplements by children can lead to undesirable side effects, allergic reactions and other health problems. Children are not recommended to give a dietary supplement without consulting a doctor. The doctor will be able to evaluate the child’s need for additional vitamins and minerals and choose the most safe and effective drugs in accordance with the age and state of health of the child.
    • Elderly people: Older people often take several drugs at the same time, which increases the risk of dietary supplements with drugs. In addition, in the elderly, the function of the liver and kidneys is often impaired, which can slow down the elimination of dietary supplements from the body and increase the risk of side effects. Older people should be especially careful about taking dietary supplements and be sure to consult a doctor before starting.

    In general, before starting to receive dietary supplements, it is necessary to carefully weigh all the risks and benefits and consult a doctor, especially if you belong to one of the above groups of the population.

  5. Delay of seeking qualified medical care:

    Passion for dietary supplements and faith in their miraculous properties can lead to a delay in circulation for qualified medical care with the development of serious diseases. Instead of consulting a doctor and undergoing an examination, a person can begin to take a dietary supplement on his own in the hope of recovery.

    This can lead to the following consequences:

    • Loss of time: The delay in the diagnosis and treatment of serious diseases can worsen the prognosis and reduce the chances of recovery.
    • The development of complications: The lack of adequate treatment can lead to the development of complications of the disease and a deterioration in health.
    • Symptoms disguise: Some dietary supplements can mask the symptoms of the disease, which complicates the diagnosis and postpone the onset of treatment.

    It is important to remember that dietary supplements are not a replacement for qualified medical care. If any symptoms of the disease appear, you must consult a doctor and undergo an examination to establish a diagnosis and prescribe adequate treatment.

Part 3: The most dangerous ingredients in dietary supplement

  1. Sibutramin and his analogues:

    Sibutramine is a drug that was previously used to treat obesity. It has an anorexiginal effect, that is, suppresses appetite. However, due to serious side effects, such as increasing blood pressure, heart rate, insomnia, anxiety and increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, sibutramin was prohibited in many countries, including Russia, the USA and the European Union.

    Despite this, Sibutramin and its analogues (substances with a similar action mechanism) are still illegally added to some dietary supplements for weight loss. Consumers who take such dietary supplements, not knowing about the content of sibrammin, undergo a serious risk to health.

    Reception of dietary supplements containing sibutramin can lead to the following consequences:

    • Cardiovascular diseases (heart attack, stroke).
    • Increasing blood pressure.
    • Heart rhythm disturbances.
    • Mental disorders (anxiety, depression, psychosis).
    • Insomnia.
    • Headaches.

    To identify sibrammin in dietary supplements, it is necessary to conduct laboratory studies. Consumers should avoid acquiring dietary supplements for weight loss from unreliable suppliers and check the availability of quality certificates.

  2. Steroids and hormones:

    Some dietary supplements designed to increase muscle mass or improve sports results may contain anabolic steroids or hormones. These substances have a powerful effect on the body and can cause serious side effects, especially with prolonged use or in high doses.

    Anabolic steroids are synthetic analogues of the male sex hormone testosterone. They stimulate muscle growth and increase strength, but can also cause the following side effects:

    • In men: Breast enlargement (gynecomastia), a decrease in the size of the testicles, infertility, baldness, acne, aggressive behavior, increasing the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, liver damage.
    • In women: Carriage of voice, hair growth on the face and body (hirsutism), menstrual violation, clitoris increase, infertility, acne, aggressive behavior, increasing the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, liver damage.

    Other hormones that may be contained in dietary supplements include:

    • Growth hormone (somatotropin): It stimulates the growth of bones and muscles, but can cause acromegaly (an increase in the size of the limbs and face), diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases.
    • Tireoid hormones: Adjust metabolism, but can cause hyperthyroidism (increased thyroid function), heart rhythm disorders, weight loss, anxiety.

    Reception of dietary supplements containing steroids and hormones can lead to serious health consequences. Consumers should avoid the acquisition of dietary supplements that promise rapid muscle growth or a significant improvement in sports results, and check the composition of products for the presence of prohibited substances.

  3. Aristol -hideous acid:

    Aristol -hide acid is a toxic substance contained in plants of the Kirkazonov family (aristolochiaceae). Previously, these plants were used in traditional medicine to treat various diseases, but then it was found that aristolic acid has a carcinogenic and nephrotoxic effect.

    The intake of aristoloic acid can lead to the following consequences:

    • Renal failure: Aristol -hideous acid causes damage to the renal tubules and leads to chronic renal failure.
    • Urinary cancer: Aristol -hideous acid is powerful carcinogens and increases the risk of developing bladder cancer and other urinary systems.
    • Fibrosis of the liver: Aristol -huted acid can cause liver damage and lead to fibrosis (the formation of scar tissue).

    Aristo -headed acid may be contained in dietary supplements made from plant materials, especially in products used in traditional Chinese medicine. Consumers should avoid the acquisition of dietary supplements containing plants of the Kirkazon family, such as Aristolochia, Asarum and Clematis.

  4. Lead, mercury and arsenic:

    Heavy metals, such as lead, mercury and arsenic, are toxic substances that can fall into a dietary supplement from polluted raw materials or in the production process. Long -term exposure to even small amounts of heavy metals can lead to serious health consequences.

    • Lead: Disrupts the function of the nervous system, kidneys and hematopoietic organs. It can cause a delay in mental development in children, anemia, an increase in blood pressure and damage to the kidneys.
    • Mercury: Disrupts the function of the nervous system, especially in children and pregnant women. It can cause a delay in development, speech impairment and coordination of movements, damage to the kidneys and nervous system.
    • Arsenic: It is a carcinogen and can increase the risk of developing skin cancer, light, bladder and other organs. It can also cause damage to the nervous system, cardiovascular diseases and skin diseases.

    Heavy metals can be contained in dietary supplements made from seaweed, mineral raw materials or plant raw materials grown in contaminated areas. Consumers should purchase dietary supplements only from trusted manufacturers and check the availability of quality certificates confirming the absence of heavy metals in products.

  5. Sin -lawful pharmaceutical ingredients:

    One of the most serious threats associated with the use of dietary supplements is the presence in them of unusual pharmaceutical ingredients. Unscrupulous manufacturers can add drugs to dietary supplements to enhance their effect without indicating this on the package.

    This can be dangerous to health for the following reasons:

    • Unknown dosage: Consumers do not know what dose of the drug they take, which increases the risk of overdose and development of side effects.
    • Interactions with other drugs: Surrounded pharmaceutical ingredients can interact with other drugs that a person takes, which can lead to unpredictable consequences.
    • Allergic reactions: Consumers can be allergic to uninhabited pharmaceutical ingredients, which can cause serious allergic reactions.
    • Incompatibility with diseases: Unpailed pharmaceutical ingredients can be contraindicated in certain diseases, which can worsen the state of health.

    Surrounded pharmaceutical ingredients are most often found in dietary supplements intended for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, weight loss and sports results. Consumers should be careful about such dietary supplements and purchase them only from trusted suppliers.

Part 4: How to reduce risk when taking dietary supplement

  1. Consultation with a doctor or pharmacist:

    The most important step in reducing risk when taking dietary supplements is consultation with a doctor or pharmacist. A doctor or pharmacist can evaluate your health status, determine the need to take dietary supplements, choose the safest and most effective drugs and advise on dosage issues and contraindications.

    During a consultation with a doctor or pharmacist, it is necessary to report the following information:

    • Your diseases and medications taken: This will help the doctor evaluate the possible interactions of dietary supplements with drugs.
    • Your goals for admission are dietary supplements: This will help the doctor choose the most suitable drugs to achieve your goals.
    • Your allergies and intolerance: This will help the doctor avoid prescribing drugs that can cause allergic reactions.

    A doctor or a pharmacist may also recommend alternative methods of treatment or prevention of diseases that do not require dietary supplements.

  2. A thorough selection of the manufacturer and the purchase site:

    It is important to choose a dietary supplement from well -known and trusted manufacturers who have a good reputation and comply with quality standards. Information about the manufacturer should be indicated on the packaging of products.

    It is also important to purchase dietary supplements in reliable places of sale, such as pharmacies, specialized healthy meals or official online stores of manufacturers. Avoid the purchase of dietary supplies from unreliable suppliers, in unauthorized places of sale or through dubious Internet sites.

    When choosing a manufacturer and the purchase site, attention should be paid to the following factors:

    • Reputation manufacturer: Read reviews about the manufacturer on the Internet, check for quality certificates and licenses.
    • Place of sale: Give preference to pharmacies and specialized stores that have a license to sell dietary supplements and comply with the conditions of storage of products.
    • The appearance of the packaging: The packaging should be whole, without damage and contain complete and reliable information about the product.

  3. A careful study of the composition and instructions:

    Before taking dietary supplements, you must carefully study the composition and instructions for use. The composition should be indicated on the packaging of products.

    Pay attention to the following points:

    • List of ingredients: Make sure that there are no substances that may be contraindicated to you or that you are allergic to.
    • Concentration of active substances: Make sure that the concentration of active substances corresponds to the recommended dosage.
    • Recommendations for use: Follow the recommendations for the dosage and the method of application specified in the instructions.
    • Contraindications: Pay attention to contraindications to use and make sure that you do not have any of them.
    • Side effects: Check out possible side effects and be prepared for their occurrence.

    If you have any questions about the composition or instructions, consult a doctor or pharmacist.

  4. Observation of the body’s reaction and the cessation of administration with undesirable effects:

    After taking dietary supplements, it is necessary to carefully observe the reaction of the body and, if any undesirable effects appear, stop taking and see a doctor.

    Unwanted effects can appear in the form:

    • Allergic reactions (skin rash, itching, Quincke’s edema).
    • Digestive disorders (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation).
    • Headaches, dizziness.
    • Insomnia, anxiety.
    • Increasing blood pressure.
    • Heart rate disorders.

    When any undesirable effects appear, it is necessary to immediately stop taking dietary supplements and consult a doctor.

  5. A conscious approach and refusal of self -medication:

    It is important to understand that dietary supplements are not drugs and are not intended for the treatment of diseases. They can only be used to enrich the diet and maintain health.

    You should not self -medicate and replace qualified medical care for the administration of dietary supplements. If any symptoms of the disease appear, you must consult a doctor and undergo an examination to establish a diagnosis and prescribe adequate treatment.

    A conscious approach to receiving dietary supplement suggests:

    • Assessment of the need to receive dietary supplements: Determine whether you really need additional vitamins and minerals.
    • The choice of high -quality and safe drugs: Choose a dietary supplement from trusted manufacturers and in reliable places of sale.
    • Compliance with recommendations for use: Follow the recommendations for the dosage and the method of application specified in the instructions.
    • Observation of the reaction of the body: Carefully observe the reaction of the body and stop taking it when unwanted effects appear.
    • Application for qualified medical help: Do not self-medicate and consult a doctor when there are any symptoms of the disease.

Part 5: Alternatives to receive dietary supplement

  1. Balanced nutrition:

    The best alternative to admission of dietary supplements is a balanced and diverse diet that provides the body with all the necessary vitamins, minerals and other nutrients.

    Basic principles of balanced nutrition:

    • Variety: Include products from all food groups (vegetables, fruits, grain, protein products, dairy products) in your diet.
    • Moderation: Observe moderation in the amount of food consumed and avoid overeating.
    • Regularity: Eat regularly, do not skip food meals and try to observe the diet.
    • Preference for natural products: Give preference to natural and unprocessed products.
    • Limiting the consumption of harmful products: Limit the consumption of fatty, fried, sweet and salty food.

    To ensure the body, all the necessary vitamins and minerals are recommended:

    • Daily use at least 5 servings of vegetables and fruits.
    • Include whole grain products (whole grain, porridge) in your diet.
    • Eat enough protein (meat, fish, eggs, legumes).
    • Choose low -fat dairy products.
    • Limit the consumption of added sugar and salt.

  2. Healthy lifestyle:

    A healthy lifestyle, which includes a balanced diet, regular physical activity, sufficient sleep and rejection of bad habits, is the key to maintaining health and preventing diseases.

    • Regular physical activity: Do physical exercises at least 150 minutes a week of moderate intensity or 75 minutes a week of high intensity. Choose the types of physical activity that you like and which you can perform regularly.
    • Sufficient sleep: Sleep at least 7-8 hours a day. Observe sleep mode and wake up at the same time every day.
    • Refusal of bad habits: Refuse smoking and drinking alcohol. These bad habits negatively affect health and increase the risk of developing many diseases.
    • Stress management: Learn to cope with stress and avoid overwork. Use relaxation methods such as meditation, yoga or walking in the fresh air.

  3. Treatment of diseases under the supervision of a doctor:

    If any symptoms of the disease appear, you must consult a doctor and undergo an examination to establish a diagnosis and prescribe adequate treatment. Do not self -medicate and do not replace qualified medical care for the administration of dietary supplements.

    The doctor can prescribe drugs, physiotherapy, therapeutic diet or other treatment methods that will help you cope with the disease and restore health.

Part 6: Conclusion

Reception of biologically active additives (dietary supplements) can be associated with certain health risks. Unconfirmed efficiency, inaccurate packaging information, contamination, side effects, interactions with medicines and risks for certain population groups – all these are factors that must be taken into account before taking dietary supplements.

To reduce risk when taking dietary supplements, it is recommended to consult a doctor or pharmacist, carefully choose the manufacturer and the place of acquisition, carefully study the composition and instructions, observe the reaction of the body and stop taking with undesirable effects.

An alternative to the reception of dietary supplements is a balanced diet, a healthy lifestyle and treatment of diseases under the supervision of a doctor.

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 enrich the diet and maintain health.

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