Harm dietary supplements: scientific evidence and warnings

Harm dietary supplements: scientific evidence and warnings

Section 1: Definition and classification of dietary supplements

1. The essence of the dietary supplement: Biologically active additives (dietary supplements) are concentrates of natural or identical to natural biologically active substances, designed for direct intake or introduction into food products in order to enrich the ration with individual food or biologically active substances and their complexes. They are not drugs and are designed to replenish the deficiency of nutrients, maintain the body’s functions and improve the general state of health.

2. Legal regulation: The status of dietary supplements varies in different countries. In Russia, their regulation is carried out by Rospotrebnadzor, which establishes requirements for their composition, production, labeling and implementation. It is important to note that the procedure for registering dietary supplements is less strict than for drugs. This means that dietary supplements do not require large -scale clinical studies confirming their effectiveness and safety.

3. Classification of dietary supplements in composition:

   • Vitamin-mineral complexes: Contain various vitamins and minerals necessary for the normal functioning of the body.
   • Plant dietary supplements: Include plant extracts with various pharmacological properties.
   • Bad of animal origin: They contain components obtained from animals, such as chondroitin, glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acids.
   • Probiotics and prebiotics: They contain living microorganisms (probiotics) or substances that contribute to their growth (prebiotics) to maintain intestinal health.
   • Amino acid complexes: Contain various amino acids necessary for protein synthesis.
   • Enzyme drugs: Contain enzymes that improve digestion.

4. Classification of dietary supplements in the form of release:

   • Tablets and capsules: The most common form of release, convenient for admission.
   • Powders: Require dissolution in water or other liquid before use.
   • Liquids (solutions, drops): Often used for children and people who have difficulty swallowing tablets.
   • Bats and chewing sweets: A more attractive form of release, especially for children.

Section 2: Potential risks and side effects of dietary supplements

1. Lack of strict regulation and quality control: Unlike drugs, dietary supplements are not subjected to the same strict clinical trials and quality control. This can lead to the fact that the composition of the dietary supplement does not correspond to the stated on the label, it may contain impurities or be contaminated with hazardous substances.

2. Interaction with drugs: Bades can interact with drugs by changing their effectiveness or increasing side effects. This is especially dangerous for people taking drugs for the treatment of chronic diseases.

3. Unpredictable side effects: Due to the lack of sufficient data on the safety and efficiency of dietary supplements, their use can cause unpredictable side effects, especially in people with allergies, liver diseases or kidneys.

4. Toxicity: Some dietary supplements, especially plant origin, may contain toxic substances that can harm health. For example, dietary supplements containing some types of herbs can cause liver damage.

5. Overdose: The intake of dietary supplements in high doses can lead to an overdose of vitamins and minerals, which can cause various side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache and even more serious health problems.

6. Heavy metals pollution: Some dietary supplements, especially those produced from plants grown in contaminated areas, may contain heavy metals, such as lead, mercury and cadmium. Long -term use of such dietary supplements can lead to the accumulation of heavy metals in the body and cause serious health problems.

7. Infection with microorganisms: Bades can be infected with bacteria, viruses or fungi, especially if they are produced in non -hygienic conditions. The use of infected dietary supplements can lead to infectious diseases.

8. Fakes: There are a large number of fakes on the market of dietary supplements that may contain hazardous substances or not contain the declared components at all. The use of fake dietary supplements can be very dangerous to health.

9. Masks of serious diseases: The use of dietary supplements to alleviate the symptoms of a disease can delay the doctor and lead to late diagnosis and treatment of serious diseases.

10. Psychological dependence: Some people can become psychologically dependent on dietary supplements, believing that they are necessary to maintain health and well -being.

Section 3: Scientific evidence of the harm of individual dietary supplements

1. Vitamin E: Studies have shown that high doses of vitamin E can increase the risk of prostate cancer in men. In addition, high doses of vitamin E can increase the risk of bleeding.

2. Beta-carotene: Studies have shown that smokers taking dietary supplements with beta-carotene have an increased risk of lung cancer.

3. Selenium: High doses of selenium can cause selenosis, a condition characterized by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hair loss and other symptoms.

4. Iron preparations: An overdose of iron can be dangerous, especially for children. It can lead to poisoning, damage to the liver and even death.

5. Plant dietary supplements containing aristolochic acid: Aristoloic acid is a carcinogen and can cause kidney damage and urinary cancer. Dietary supplements containing aristolochic acid are prohibited in many countries.

6. Dietary diets for weight loss containing sibutramin: Sibutramin is a drug to reduce weight, which was withdrawn from the market due to serious side effects, such as increasing blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes.

7. Bades to increase potency containing sildenafil (Viagra) and its analogues: Sildenafil is a drug that should be prescribed by a doctor. The use of dietary supplements containing sildenafil and its analogues without consulting a doctor can be dangerous, especially for people with heart diseases.

8. Bades containing hormones: Some dietary supplements, especially those that are advertised as tools for increasing muscle mass or increasing libido, may contain hormones, such as testosterone and its analogues. The use of such dietary supplements can cause serious hormonal disorders.

9. Dietrs containing lead: Some Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese dietary supplements may contain lead, which is toxic metal.

10. Dietrs containing mercury: Some dietary supplements containing fish oil may contain mercury, especially if the fish was caught in polluted areas.

Section 4: Special risk groups

1. Pregnant and lactating women: The intake of dietary supplements during pregnancy and breastfeeding should be carried out only as prescribed by a doctor, since some dietary supplements can be dangerous for the fetus or child.

2. Children: Children are not recommended to give dietary supplements without consulting a doctor. The children’s body is more sensitive to the effects of various substances, and the intake of dietary supplements can cause undesirable side effects.

3. Elderly people: Older people often take several drugs at the same time, and dietary supplements can increase the risk of interaction between drugs and cause side effects.

4. People with chronic diseases: People with chronic diseases such as heart disease, liver, kidneys or diabetes should consult a doctor before taking any dietary supplements.

5. People preparing for the operation: Some dietary supplements can affect blood coagulation and increase the risk of bleeding during surgery. Therefore, it is important to inform the doctor about the admission of dietary supplements before the operation.

Section 5: myths and misconceptions about dietary supplements

1. Myth: Bades are natural and, therefore, safe products. Many dietary supplements contain natural ingredients, but this does not mean that they are always safe. Some plants can be toxic, while others can interact with drugs.

2. Myth: Bades can cure diseases. Bades are not drugs and are not intended for the treatment of diseases. They can help replenish the deficiency of nutrients and support the body’s functions, but cannot replace full treatment.

3. Myth: All dietary supplements are equally effective. The effectiveness of dietary supplements depends on its composition, quality and dosage. Some dietary supplements can be effective for specific purposes, while others can not.

4. Myth: The larger the dose, the better the effect. Reception of dietary supplements in high doses can be dangerous and cause side effects. It is important to observe the recommended dosage indicated on the packaging.

5. Myth: Bades have no side effects. Bades can cause side effects, especially when taking high doses or when interacting with drugs.

Section 6: How to minimize risks when taking dietary supplements

1. Consultation with a doctor: Before taking any dietary supplements, you need to consult a doctor, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeed, have chronic diseases or take medications.

2. The choice of reliable manufacturers: Buy dietary supplements only from trusted manufacturers who have a good reputation and meet quality standards.

3. A careful study of the label: Before taking Bad, carefully study the label and make sure that it contains only the ingredients you need and does not contain substances that you are allergic to.

4. Compliance with the recommended dosage: Take dietary supplements in accordance with the recommended dosage indicated on the packaging. Do not exceed the recommended dose, as this can be dangerous.

5. Message to the doctor about the admission of dietary supplements: Tell the doctor about all the dietary supplements that you take so that he can take this into account when prescribing drugs.

6. Refusal of dietary supplements when side effects appear: If you have any side effects when taking Bad, immediately stop taking it and consult a doctor.

7. Search for information about ingredients: Explore information about dieters to learn about their potential risks and side effects.

8. Certification check: Make sure the dietary supplement is certified by the relevant authorities.

9. Be skeptical about advertising promises: Do not believe the advertising promises of the miraculous properties of dietary supplements.

10. Maintaining a dietary supplement diary: Write down what dietary supplements you accept, in what doses and what side effects do you have. This will help you and your doctor track your reaction to dietary supplements.

Section 7: Alternatives to receive dietary supplements

1. Balanced nutrition: The best way to obtain the necessary nutrients is a balanced diet, including a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grain products, proteins and healthy fats.

2. Healthy lifestyle: A healthy lifestyle, including regular physical exercises, a sufficient amount of sleep and stress control can improve the general health and reduce the need for dietary supplements.

3. Consultation with a nutritionist: A nutritionist can help you develop an individual food plan that will meet your needs and provide you with all the necessary nutrients.

4. Treatment of the underlying disease: If you have any diseases, it is important to consult a doctor and get appropriate treatment. Bades cannot replace full treatment and can even worsen the state of health.

5. Refusal of bad habits: Refusal of smoking and alcohol abuse can significantly improve the general state of health and reduce the need for dietary supplements.

Section 8: Conclusion (please, Note this is a closing statement and it is Excluded as per Instructions)

(This section would normally summarize the key points discussed in the article and offer a final word of caution regarding the use of dietary supplements. It would reiterate the importance of consulting with a healthcare professional before taking any supplements and emphasize that a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle are the best ways to maintain good health.)

(However, as requested, this conclusion section, along with any other closing remarks, is omitted.)