Bades: the effect on the liver and kidneys

Bades: the effect on the liver and kidneys

I. Introduction to biologically active additives (dietary supplements) and their popularity

Biologically active additives (dietary supplements) are concentrates of natural or natural biologically active substances that are intended for direct consumption with food or introduction into food products in order to enrich the ration with individual food or biologically active substances and their complexes, as well as to maintain normal and improve the functional activity of the organism and organism systems. They are not drugs, but are designed to maintain health and improve the quality of life.

In recent decades, there has been a significant increase in the popularity of dietary supplements around the world, including Russia and the CIS countries. Several factors contribute to this:

• A growing interest in a healthy lifestyle: People are increasingly aware of the importance of proper nutrition, physical activity and additional support of the body to maintain health and prevent diseases.

• Accessibility and diversity: Bades are available in a wide assortment in pharmacies, specialized stores, via the Internet and even in ordinary supermarkets. A huge number of products intended for various purposes are offered: strengthening immunity, improving digestion, maintaining the health of the heart, joints, skin, hair, and so on.

• Aggressive marketing: Dad manufacturers are actively using advertising and marketing strategies to attract consumer attention and convince them of the effectiveness of their products. Often the emphasis is on naturalness and safety of dietary supplements, which creates a false sense of lack of risks in consumers.

• Self -medication: Some people use dietary supplements as an alternative to traditional medicines, self -medication and without seeking a doctor for advice. This is especially dangerous in the presence of serious diseases.

However, despite the popularity and seeming harmlessness, dietary supplements can have a significant effect on the body, including liver and kidneys. It is important to understand potential risks and make conscious decisions when using them.

II. The role of the liver and kidneys in metabolism and the removal of substances

The liver and kidneys are the most important organs that provide metabolism and excretion from the body of various substances, including drugs, toxins and metabolites. Understanding their functions is necessary to assess the potential influence of dietary supplements.

A. Liver: Central Metabolic Laboratory

The liver performs more than 500 different functions, among which the most important are:

• Metabolism of drugs and toxins: The liver plays a key role in the metabolism (processing) of most drugs and toxins. It uses enzymes to convert these substances into more water -soluble forms that can be removed from the body with urine or bile. This process is called biotransformation.

• Protein synthesis: The liver synthesizes many proteins necessary for the normal functioning of the body, including albumin (maintains oncotic blood pressure), blood coagulation factors (participate in the coagulation process), and carrier proteins (transport various blood substances in the blood).

• Bile production: The liver produces bile, which is necessary for digestion of fats in the intestines. Bile emulsifies fats, facilitating their splitting with enzymes.

• Regulation of blood glucose levels: The liver plays an important role in the regulation of blood glucose levels. It can store glucose in the form of glycogen and release it back into the blood if necessary.

• Fat metabolism: The liver is involved in the metabolism of fat, including the synthesis of cholesterol and lipoproteins.

• Deposit of vitamins and minerals: The liver is a depot for some vitamins (for example, vitamin A, D, B12) and minerals (for example, iron, copper).

Damage to the liver can lead to a violation of these functions and the development of various diseases, such as hepatitis, cirrhosis and liver failure.

B. kidneys: filtering and removal of waste

The kidneys are the main organs of the excretory system. They perform the following functions:

• Blood filtering: The kidneys filter blood, removing the metabolic waste from it, excess water and electrolytes. This process occurs in glomerulus – microscopic vascular plexus located in the kidneys.

• Reabsorption of the necessary substances: After filtering, the kidneys are reabsorbitis (back into the blood) the substances necessary for the body, such as glucose, amino acids, electrolytes and water.

• Display of waste in urine: Waste and excess substances that were not reabsorbed are excreted from the body in the urine.

• Regulation of blood pressure: The kidneys regulate blood pressure, producing Renin-a hormone involved in the regulation of water-salt balance and vascular tone.

• Erythropoetin synthesis: The kidneys synthesize erythropoetin – a hormone that stimulates the formation of red blood cells (red blood cells) in the bone marrow.

• Regulation of the acid-base balance: The kidneys regulate the acid-base balance of the blood, removing excess acids or alkalis from the body.

Damage to the kidneys can lead to a violation of these functions and the development of various diseases, such as glomerulonephritis, pyelonephritis and renal failure.

III. The potential effect of dietary supplements on the liver (hepatotoxicity)

Hepatotoxicity is the damage to the liver caused by various substances, including drugs, toxins and dietary supplements. Some components of dietary supplements can have a direct toxic effect on the liver cells (hepatocytes), cause inflammation (hepatitis) or lead to impaired liver function.

A. mechanisms of hepatotoxic dietary supplements

There are several mechanisms through which dietary supplements can cause liver damage:

• Direct toxic action: Some components of dietary supplements, especially in high doses, can have a direct toxic effect on hepatocytes, causing damage and death (necrosis).

• Immuno -mediated damage: In some cases, the components of dietary supplements can act as gapten, associated with liver proteins and forming immunogenic complexes. These complexes can cause an immune response, leading to inflammation and damage to the liver.

• Violation of metabolism: Some dietary supplements can violate normal metabolism in the liver, leading to the accumulation of toxic metabolites or a violation of the synthesis of the necessary substances.

• Holestase: Some dietary supplements can cause cholestasis – violation of the outflow of bile from the liver, which leads to the accumulation of bile acids and damage to hepatocytes.

• Oxidizing stress: Some components of dietary supplements can induce oxidative stress in the liver, leading to cell damage with free radicals.

B. The most common hepatotoxic components of dietary supplements

Some components of dietary supplements are more often associated with hepatotoxicity. These include:

• Anabolic steroids and their analogues: These substances are often used to increase muscle mass and strength, but they can cause serious liver damage, including cholestasis, hepatitis and even liver tumors.

• Green tea extract (high doses): High doses of green tea extract, especially concentrated forms, can cause hepatitis, presumably due to the content of catechins.

• Herbalife (Herbalife) products: Some Herbalife products were associated with hepatotoxicity in various countries, although the exact components that cause damage to the liver are not always established. It is assumed that certain plant extracts or pollutants may be the cause.

• Coffee coffee (coffee coffee): This grass is used to reduce anxiety and improve sleep, but it can cause hepatitis and liver failure.

• Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids): These alkaloids are contained in some plants that can be accidentally or intentionally added to dietary supplements. They can cause a veno -oxyal liver disease – a serious disease characterized by a blockage of small veins of the liver.

• Tea mushroom (kombucha): Although the tea mushroom is usually considered safe, in rare cases it was associated with hepatotoxicity.

• Niacin (niacin) in high doses: Niacin, or vitamin B3, in high doses (usually more than 2-3 grams per day) can cause hepatitis and an increase in the level of liver enzymes.

• Vitamin E (Vitamin E) in very high doses: Although vitamin E is an antioxidant, very high doses can have a negative effect on the liver.

• Slimmin’s weight loss drugs (sibutramine) or its analogues: Sibutramin is a prohibited substance, but it can be found in illegal drugs for weight loss. It can cause various side effects, including hepatotoxicity.

• Unknown or hidden ingredients: Some dietary supplements contain unidentified or hidden ingredients that can be hepatotoxic. This is especially common in dietary supplements sold via the Internet or not having a clear marking.

B. Factors that increase the risk of hepatotoxic dietary supplements

The risk of developing hepatotoxicity when taking dietary supplements can be increased in certain groups of people:

• People with existing liver diseases: In people with hepatitis, cirrhosis or other liver diseases, the liver is more vulnerable to the toxic effects of dietary supplements.

• People taking several drugs: With the simultaneous use of several drugs and dietary supplements, the risk of interaction and liver damage increases.

• People who abuse alcohol: Alcohol abuse damages the liver and makes it more susceptible to the toxic effects of dietary supplements.

• Elderly people: With age, the liver function decreases, which can increase the risk of hepatotoxicity.

• Genetic predisposition: Some people have a genetic predisposition to hepatotoxicity, which makes them more vulnerable to the damaging effects of dietary supplements.

• High doses of dietary supplements: The higher the dose of dietary supplements, the higher the risk of hepatotoxicity.

G. symptoms of hepatotoxic dietary supplements

Symptoms of hepatotoxicity caused by dietary supplements can vary from lungs to severe. These include:

• Fatigue and weakness

• Nausea and vomiting

• Abdominal pain (especially in the right hypochondrium)

• Loss of appetite

• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and white proteins)

• Dark urine

• Bright chair

• Itching of the skin

In severe cases, hepatotoxicity can lead to liver failure and the need for liver transplantation.

D. Diagnostics of hepatotoxic dietary supplements

The diagnosis of hepatotoxicity caused by dietary supplements usually includes:

• Collecting anamnesis (medical history) and finding out what dietary supplements the patient took

• Physical examination

• Blood tests for assessing the liver function (Alt, AST, Bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, GGTP)

• Ultrasound or other methods of liver visualization

• In some cases, a liver biopsy may be required

E. Treatment of hepatotoxic dietary supplements

The treatment of hepatotoxicity caused by dietary supplements is primarily to stop taking the suspect dietary supplement. Depending on the severity of the state, it may be required:

• Supporting therapy (intravenous administration of fluid, electrolytes)

• Liver protection drugs (for example, ursodeoxycholic acid)

• In severe cases – liver transplantation

IV. Potential influence of dietary supplements on kidneys (nephrotoxicity)

Nephrotoxicity is kidney damage caused by various substances, including drugs, toxins and dietary supplements. Some components of dietary supplements can have a direct toxic effect on the cells of the kidneys, cause inflammation or lead to impaired renal function.

A. Mechanisms of nephrotoxicity of dietary supplements

There are several mechanisms through which dietary supplements can cause kidney damage:

• Direct toxic action: Some components of dietary supplements can have a direct toxic effect on the cells of the kidneys (epithelium of the renal tubules, glomerular cells), causing damage and death.

• Crystalluria: Some components of dietary supplements, especially in high doses, can form crystals in renal tubules, which leads to their obstruction and damage.

• Tubul -interstitial nephritis: Some dietary supplements can cause inflammation in renal tubules and interstitial tissue (tissue between tubules), which leads to impaired renal function.

• Hemodynamic changes: Some dietary supplements can cause changes in the blood flow in the kidneys, which leads to ischemia (insufficient blood supply) and damage to renal cells.

• Immuno -mediated damage: In rare cases, the components of dietary supplements can cause an immune response, leading to inflammation and damage to the kidneys.

B. The most common nephrotoxic components of dietary supplements

Some components of dietary supplements are more often associated with nephrotoxicity. These include:

• Creatine (high doses): Creatine is widely used to increase muscle mass and strength, but high doses can cause kidney damage, especially in people with existing kidney diseases.

• Vitamin C (high doses): Very high doses of vitamin C can lead to the formation of oxalate stones in the kidneys and damage to the kidneys.

• Non -steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) contained in dietary supplements: NSAIDs, such as Ibuprofen and Netroksen, can be added to dietary supplements to relieve pain. Long -term use of NSAIDs can cause kidney damage.

• Slimming drugs containing diuretics: Diuretics can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, which can lead to damage to the kidneys.

• Chinese herbal preparations: Some Chinese herbal preparations contain aristolochium acid, which is strong nephrotoxin.

• Melatonin (very high doses): Although melatonin is usually considered safe, very high doses can have a negative effect on the kidneys.

• Heavy metals (lead, cadmium, mercury): Bades, especially produced without proper quality control, can be polluted by heavy metals, which are nephrotoxic.

• Unknown or hidden ingredients: Some dietary supplements contain unidentified or hidden ingredients that can be nephrotoxic.

B. Factors that increase the risk of nephrotoxic dietary supplements

The risk of developing nephrotoxicity when taking dietary supplements can be increased in certain groups of people:

• People with existing kidney diseases: In people with chronic renal failure or other kidney kidney diseases, they are more vulnerable to the toxic effects of dietary supplements.

• People taking several drugs: With the simultaneous use of several drugs and dietary supplements, the risk of interaction and damage to the kidneys increases.

• Elderly people: With age, the kidney function decreases, which can increase the risk of nephrotoxicity.

• Dehydration: Dehydration increases the concentration of toxic substances in the urine and can contribute to damage to the kidneys.

• Diabetes sugar: People with diabetes are more prone to the development of kidney diseases and are more vulnerable to nephrotoxic effects of dietary supplements.

• Arterial hypertension: High blood pressure can damage the kidneys and increase the risk of nephrotoxicity.

G. Symptoms of nephrotoxication of dietary supplements

Symptoms of nephrotoxicity caused by dietary supplements can vary from lungs to severe. These include:

• Swelling (especially on the legs and ankles)

• Fatigue and weakness

• Nausea and vomiting

• Changes in the amount of urine (decrease or increase)

• Changes in urine color (dark, muddy, with blood)

• High blood pressure

• Itching of the skin

• Low’s pain

In severe cases, nephrotoxicity can lead to acute renal failure and the need for dialysis.

D. Diagnostics of nephrotoxication of dietary supplements

The diagnosis of nephrotoxicity caused by dietary supplements usually includes:

• Collecting anamnesis (medical history) and finding out what dietary supplements the patient took

• Physical examination

• Blood tests for assessing the function of the kidneys (creatinine, urea, electrolytes)

• Urine analysis (general urine analysis, proteinuria, hematuria)

• Kidney ultrasound or other kidney visualization methods

• In some cases, a kidney biopsy may be required

E. Treatment nephrotoxicity Badov

The treatment of nephrotoxicity caused by dietary supplements is primarily to stop taking the suspect dietary supplement. Depending on the severity of the state, it may be required:

• Supporting therapy (intravenous administration of fluid, electrolytes)

• Correction of electrolyte imbalance

• Treatment of high blood pressure

• Dialysis (in the case of acute renal failure)

V. The interaction of dietary supplements with drugs and the consequences for the liver and kidneys

Bades can interact with drugs, changing their absorption, metabolism or excretion from the body. This can lead to an increase in the action of the drug, as well as to an increase in the risk of side effects, including hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity.

A. Mechanisms for the interaction of dietary supplements with drugs

• Influence on liver enzymes (cytochrome P450): Many dietary supplements can affect the activity of the enzymes of the P450 cytochrome liver, which are involved in the metabolism of drugs. Some dietary supplements can induce (accelerate) the activity of these enzymes, which leads to a decrease in the concentration of the drug in the blood and the weakening of its effect. Other dietary supplements can inhibit (slow down) the activity of these enzymes, which leads to an increase in the concentration of the drug in the blood and an increase in the risk of side effects.

• Influence on transport proteins: Bades can affect the activity of transport proteins that participate in the transport of drugs in cells and through membranes. This can change the absorption, distribution and excretion of drugs.

• Impact of absorption: Some dietary supplements can affect the absorption of drugs in the intestines, reducing their bioavailability.

• Influence on excretion: Some dietary supplements can affect the excretion of drugs with kidneys, changing their concentration in the blood.

• Additive or synergistic effect: In some cases, dietary supplements can have an additive or synergistic effect with drugs, enhancing their effect or side effects.

B. Examples of the interaction of dietary supplements with drugs

• St. John’s wort (St. John’s Wort): St. John’s wort is a strong inducer of cytochrome enzymes P450 and can reduce the effectiveness of many drugs, including antidepressants, contraceptive tablets, anticoagulants and immunosuppressants.

• Grapefruit juice: Grapefruit juice inhibits the enzymes of cytochrome P450 and can increase the concentration of certain drugs in the blood, increasing the risk of side effects, especially statins (drugs to reduce cholesterol).

• Vitamin K: Vitamin K can reduce the effectiveness of anticoagulants such as warfarin.

• Coenzim q10: Coenzyme Q10 can reduce the effectiveness of antihypertensive drugs.

• Garlic: Garlic can enhance the effect of anticoagulants and increase the risk of bleeding.

B. The consequences of the interaction of dietary supplements with drugs for the liver and kidneys

The interaction of dietary supplements with drugs can have a negative effect on the liver and kidneys:

• Strengthening hepatotoxicity: If the dietary supplement inhibits the metabolism of the drug, which is hepatotoxic, the concentration of the drug in the blood may increase, increasing the risk of liver damage.

• Strengthening nephrotoxicity: Similarly, if dietary supplements inhibit the metabolism of the drug, which is nephrotoxic, the concentration of the drug in the blood may increase, increasing the risk of kidney damage.

• Reducing the effectiveness of drugs: If the dietary supplement induces the metabolism of the drug, the concentration of the drug in the blood may decrease, which leads to a weakening of its effect and inefficiency of treatment. This can lead to the progression of the disease and increase the load on the liver and kidneys.

VI. Bades regulation and quality control problems

The regulation of dietary supplements differs from the regulation of drugs. In most countries, dietary supplements do not go through strict clinical trials as medicines, and are not subject to the same strict safety and efficiency test. This creates problems with quality control and can lead to the appearance on the market of dietary supplements containing dangerous ingredients or not corresponding to the declared composition.

A. Differences in the regulation of dietary supplements and drugs

• Clinical trials: Medicines must undergo strict clinical trials to prove their safety and effectiveness. Bades usually do not require such tests before entering the market.

• Quality control: The production of drugs is subject to the strictest quality control (GMP – Good Manufacturing Practice). Quality control in the production of dietary supplements is often less strict.

• Marking: The marking of drugs should contain detailed information about the composition, indications, contraindications and side effects. The marking of dietary supplements can be less informative.

• Advertising: Advertising of drugs is subject to control by regulatory authorities. Advertising of dietary supplements is often less controlled and may contain false or misleading information.

B. Problems of quality control of dietary supplements

• Pollution: Bades can be polluted by heavy metals, pesticides, bacteria or other toxic substances.

• Inconsistency with the declared composition: The composition of the dietary supplement may not correspond to the information indicated on the label. The dietary supplement may contain ingredients that are not on the list, or not contain the ingredients that are indicated.

• Unacceptable ingredients: Dietary supplements may contain ingredients prohibited for use or posing a health hazard.

• Incorrect dosage: The dosage of the ingredients in the dietary supplement may be wrong, which can lead to insufficient efficiency or toxic effects.

• Counterfeit products: On the market there may be counterfeit dietary supplements that do not comply with any quality standards and may pose a serious threat to health.

B. Consequences of quality control problems for the liver and kidneys

Problems of quality control of dietary supplements can lead to the following consequences for the liver and kidneys:

• Hepatotoxicity: Polluted or containing unacceptable dietary supplements can cause liver damage.

• Nephrotoxicity: Polluted or containing unacceptable dietary supplements can cause kidney damage.

• Interaction with drugs: The inconsistency with the declared composition of the dietary supplement can lead to unpredictable interaction with drugs and have a negative effect on the liver and kidneys.

VII. Recommendations for the safe use of dietary supplements and the prevention of liver and kidney damage

To minimize the risk of damage to the liver and kidneys when using dietary supplements, the following recommendations must be followed:

• Consult a doctor or other qualified medical specialist before starting a dietary supplement. This is especially important if you have any diseases of the liver or kidneys, or if you take drugs.

• Do not self -medicate. Do not use dietary supplements to treat diseases without consulting a doctor.

• Choose dietary supplements from famous and reliable manufacturers. Check the manufacturer’s reputation and make sure that the product has a quality certificate.

• Read the label carefully and follow the instructions for use. Do not exceed the recommended dose.

• Be careful with dietary supplements containing a large number of ingredients. The more ingredients in the dietary supplement, the higher the risk of side effects and interaction with drugs.

• Tell your doctor about all the dietary supplements you accept. This will help to avoid undesirable interactions with drugs.

• Avoid the use of dietary supplements during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

• Stop taking a dietary supplement if you have any side effects. Take a doctor immediately if you have symptoms of hepatotoxicity or nephrotoxicity.

• Be especially careful with dietary supplements sold via the Internet or do not have a clear marking. The risk of acquiring a poor -quality or dangerous product in this case is especially high.

• Pay attention to the warnings and contraindications indicated on the package of Bad.

• Observe a healthy lifestyle. Proper nutrition, sufficient physical activity and rejection of bad habits will help maintain the health of the liver and kidneys.

• Drink enough water. Dehydration can increase the risk of kidney damage.

• Pass medical examinations regularly and take blood and urine tests to control the function of the liver and kidneys. This is especially important for people with liver or kidney diseases, as well as for those who take dietary supplements on an ongoing basis.

Compliance with these recommendations will help you take dietary supplements safely and minimize the risk of liver and kidney damage. It is important to remember that dietary supplements are not a panacea, and they should not replace a full and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Always consult a doctor before starting taking any dietary supplements.