Bades: to whom it is especially dangerous to accept them
Section 1: Understanding of dietary supplements – what is it and how they differ from drugs
Biologically active additives (dietary supplements) occupy a unique niche between food and drugs. To understand who their reception can be especially dangerous, it is necessary to clearly distinguish between their nature and regulatory features.
1.1 Definition of dietary supplements:
Bades, according to the legislation of many countries (including Russia), are concentrates of natural or identical to natural biologically active substances intended for direct intake with food or introduction into food products. Their goal is to enrich the diet with individual food or biologically active substances and their complexes, as well as maintaining normal or restoring the impaired structure and functions of the body.
Key characteristics of dietary supplements:
- Concentrates of substances: They contain a high concentration of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, herbs, probiotics, prebiotics, and other biologically active components.
- Eating purpose: Bades are considered as part of the diet, and not as an independent treatment.
- Support, not treatment: They are designed to maintain health, prevention of diseases or relieve symptoms, but not for direct treatment of diseases.
- A variety of output forms: Bades are available in various forms, including tablets, capsules, powders, liquids, bars, etc.
1.2 The difference from drugs:
The main difference between dietary supplements and drugs is their regulatory status, development process, requirements for evidence of efficiency and safety, and, as a result, in their application.
Characteristic | Medicines | Bad |
---|---|---|
Regulatory status | Strictly regulated by state bodies (for example, FDA in the USA, the Ministry of Health in Russia). It is required to obtain permission to sell after clinical trials. | Adjusted as food products. They do not require mandatory receipt of permission to sell (state registration or declaration of conformity is required). |
Development process | A long and expensive process, including preclinical and clinical trials to assess safety and efficiency. | A less strict process. Often, clinical trials are not required (justification of safety and compliance with sanitary standards is sufficient). |
Proof | Concert evidence of the effectiveness and safety obtained during clinical trials published in the reviewed scientific journals is required. | Efficiency evidence is often limited. Can be based on traditional use, historical data, or individual studies in vitro or animals. |
Appointment | Designed for the treatment, diagnosis, prevention of diseases and alleviation of symptoms. | Designed to maintain health, prevention of diseases, enrich the diet and relieve symptoms, but not to replace drug treatment. |
Side effects | In detail are studied and indicated in the instructions for use. Manufacturers are required to report side effects to the regulatory authorities. | They can cause side effects, but information about them may be incomplete or absent. Manufacturers are not always required to report side effects to the regulatory authorities. |
Quality control | Strict quality control at all stages of production, including the control of raw materials, production process and finished products. | Quality control can be less strict than for drugs. Cases of falsification, pollution and inconsistencies for the declared composition are possible. |
Advertising | Advertising of drugs is strictly regulated and should contain reliable information about the effectiveness, safety and side effects. | Advertising of dietary supplements is less strictly regulated. May contain exaggerated or unproven statements about effectiveness. |
1.3 risks associated with the reception of dietary supplements:
Due to the features of regulation and production, the intake of dietary supplements may be associated with certain risks:
- Lack of proven effectiveness: Many dietary supplements do not have sufficient scientific evidence of effectiveness for the declared goals. Reception of such dietary supplements can be a waste of money and time, as well as distract from receiving the necessary treatment.
- Inconsistency with the declared composition: Studies show that many dietary supplements do not contain those ingredients that are indicated on the label, or contain them in irregular dosages. Cases of pollution of dietary supplements with heavy metals, pesticides or other harmful substances are also possible.
- Interaction with drugs: Some dietary supplements can interact with drugs, enhancing or weakening their effect, or causing undesirable side effects. This is especially dangerous for people taking medications on an ongoing basis.
- Side effects: Bades can cause side effects, especially when taking large doses or in the presence of individual intolerance. Some dietary supplements can be toxic for the liver, kidneys or other organs.
- Symptoms disguise: Reception of dietary supplements can mask the symptoms of serious diseases, delaying the doctor and making the correct diagnosis.
- Danger for certain population groups: Reception of dietary supplements can be especially dangerous for pregnant and nursing women, children, elderly people, people with chronic diseases and those who are preparing for surgery.
Section 2: groups of persons for whom dietary supplement is especially dangerous
Despite the fact that dietary supplements are often advertised as safe and natural products, there are certain groups of the population for which their reception may pose a serious threat to health. It is important to understand these risks and show special caution when considering the possibility of receiving dietary supplements.
2.1 Pregnant and lactating women:
Pregnancy and lactation period are physiological conditions that require special attention to nutrition and taking any substances. Reception of dietary supplements during this period can be extremely dangerous for the health of the mother and child.
- Teratogenic effect: Some dietary supplements may contain substances that have a teratogenic effect, that is, capable of causing congenital defects in the fetus. For example, high doses of vitamin A (retinol) in the first trimester of pregnancy are associated with an increased risk of developing malformations of the heart, nervous system and face. Some herbs, such as tansy and sage, can stimulate uterine contractions and lead to miscarriage.
- Impact of the development of the fetus: Some dietary supplements can affect the normal development of the fetus, violating its growth and development of organs and systems. For example, high doses of vitamin D can lead to hypercalcemia in the fetus, which can adversely affect the development of bones and kidneys.
- Transfer of substances through breast milk: Substances contained in dietary supplements can penetrate into breast milk and have a toxic effect on the child’s body. For example, some herbal additives can cause colic, allergic reactions or other undesirable effects in a baby.
- Lack of clinical research: Most dietary supplements do not undergo clinical trials for pregnant and nursing women, so their safety is not established during this period. This means that it is impossible to predict what risks are associated with taking a particular dietary supplement during pregnancy and lactation.
- Recommendations: Pregnant and lactating women should avoid taking any dietary supplements, with the exception of those prescribed by a doctor. The doctor may recommend taking polyvitamins and mineral complexes developed specifically for pregnant and lactating women, provided that they observe safe dosages and there are no potentially dangerous ingredients. It is important to obtain the necessary nutrients from a balanced diet and avoid self -medication.
2.2 children:
The child’s body is in the stage of active growth and development, therefore it is especially sensitive to the effects of various substances contained in dietary supplements. Reception of dietary supplements in children can lead to serious health consequences.
- Underdated doses: Children need significantly smaller doses of vitamins and minerals than adults. Reception of dietary supplements intended for adults can lead to an overdose and cause toxic effects. For example, an overdose of vitamin D can lead to hypercalcemia, nausea, vomiting and kidney damage.
- Influence on the hormonal background: Some dietary supplements may contain substances affecting the hormonal background of the child, which can lead to premature sexual maturation or other hormonal disorders. For example, some herbal additives containing phytoestrogens can have an estrogen -like effect and influence the development of the reproductive system.
- The risk of allergic reactions: Children are more susceptible to allergic reactions to various substances, including the ingredients contained in dietary supplements. Allergic reactions can appear in the form of a skin rash, itching, Quincke’s edema or anaphylactic shock.
- Interaction with drugs: Children taking medications about various diseases are at risk of interaction between dietary supplements with these drugs. Some dietary supplements can enhance or weaken the effect of drugs, or cause undesirable side effects.
- The danger of swallowing: Small children can swallow tablets or dietary supplements, which can lead to suffocation or other complications.
- Recommendations: Children should not give dietary supplements without a doctor’s prescription. The doctor may recommend taking vitamins and minerals in the presence of a deficiency of these substances confirmed by laboratory analysis. It is important to ensure that the child receives a sufficient amount of nutrients from a balanced diet and not resort to self -medication.
2.3 Elderly people:
With age, physiological changes occur in the body, which affect the absorption and metabolism of drugs and dietary supplements. Older people often take several drugs at the same time, which increases the risk of interaction between dietary supplements with these drugs.
- Slow down metabolism: With age, metabolism slows down, which leads to a more slow excretion of drugs and dietary supplements from the body. This increases the risk of accumulation of toxic substances and the development of side effects.
- Violation of the liver and kidneys: The function of the liver and kidneys worsens with age, which reduces their ability to detoxify and remove drugs and dietary supplements. It also increases the risk of accumulation of toxic substances and the development of side effects.
- Polypragmasia: Older people often take several drugs at the same time (polypragmasis), which increases the risk of dietary supplements with these drugs. Interaction can lead to increased or weakening of the action of drugs, or to the development of undesirable side effects. For example, the intake of dietary supplements containing vitamin K can reduce the effectiveness of anticoagulants (drugs that thin blood).
- Reduced absorption: With age, the absorption of nutrients in the intestines decreases, which can lead to a deficiency of vitamins and minerals. However, taking dietary supplements in high doses to compensate for this deficit can be dangerous, as this can lead to an overdose and toxic effects.
- Cognitive disorders: Older people with cognitive impairment (for example, dementia) may have difficulty remembering what medicines and dietary supplements they take, and in what doses. This can lead to errors in taking and increasing the risk of side effects.
- Recommendations: Older people should consult a doctor before taking any dietary supplements. The doctor must evaluate the patient’s health status, drugs taken and possible risks of interaction. It is important to monitor the dosage of dietary supplements and inform the doctor about any side effects.
2.4 people with chronic diseases:
People suffering from chronic diseases, such as heart disease, kidneys, liver, diabetes, cancer and autoimmune diseases, should be special caution when taking dietary supplements. Bades can interact with the drugs that they take, worsen the course of the disease or cause unwanted side effects.
- Heart disease: Some dietary supplements can affect the cardiovascular system, increasing blood pressure, student of the heartbeat or causing arrhythmia. This is especially dangerous for people with heart diseases, such as coronary heart disease, heart failure and arterial hypertension. For example, taking dietary supplements containing caffeine or ephedra can increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
- Kidney diseases: The kidneys play an important role in breeding drugs and dietary supplements from the body. For kidney diseases, the kidney function is disturbed, which increases the risk of accumulation of toxic substances and the development of side effects. Some dietary supplements can be nephrotoxic, that is, damage the kidneys. For example, taking dietary supplements containing creatine can worsen the function of kidneys in people with kidney diseases.
- Liver diseases: The liver is the main organ responsible for the metabolism of drugs and dietary supplements. For liver diseases, the liver function is disturbed, which increases the risk of accumulation of toxic substances and the development of side effects. Some dietary supplements can be hepatotoxic, that is, damage the liver. For example, the use of dietary supplements containing pyrrolisidine alkaloids can cause liver damage.
- Diabetes: People with diabetes need to carefully monitor the blood sugar level. Some dietary supplements can affect blood sugar, which can lead to hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) or hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). For example, taking dietary supplements containing chrome can reduce blood sugar, which may require correction of the dose of insulin or other sugar -free drugs.
- Oncological diseases: People undergoing treatment from cancer should be especially caught in the intake of dietary supplements. Some dietary supplements can interact with chemotherapy or radiation therapy, reducing their effectiveness or enhancing side effects. For example, taking dietary supplements containing antioxidants can reduce the effectiveness of chemotherapy.
- Autoimmune diseases: In autoimmune diseases, the immune system attacks the body’s own cells. Some dietary supplements can stimulate the immune system, which can worsen the course of an autoimmune disease. For example, taking dietary supplements containing echinacea can stimulate the immune system and worsen the course of autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.
- Recommendations: People with chronic diseases should consult a doctor before taking any dietary supplements. The doctor must evaluate the patient’s health status, drugs taken and possible risks of interaction. It is important to inform the doctor about all the dietary supplements that you accept.
2.5 people preparing for the operation:
Reception of dietary supplements before surgery can increase the risk of bleeding, impaired blood coagulation, interaction with anesthesia and other complications.
- The effect on blood coagulation: Some dietary supplements, such as vitamin E, garlic, ginger and ginkgo bilobe, can dilute blood and increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. Other dietary supplements, such as vitamin K, can, on the contrary, increase blood coagulation and increase the risk of blood clots.
- Interaction with anesthesia: Some dietary supplements can interact with anesthesia, enhancing or weakening its effect, or causing undesirable side effects. For example, taking dietary supplements containing valerian or St. John’s wort can enhance the sedative effect of anesthesia.
- Increased blood pressure and heart rhythm: Some dietary supplements can increase blood pressure and increase the heart rhythm, which can be dangerous during surgery. For example, taking dietary supplements containing ephedra or caffeine can increase blood pressure and increase the heart rhythm.
- Recommendations: People preparing for the operation should stop taking any dietary supplements at least 2 weeks before surgery. It is important to inform the doctor about all the dietary supplements that you have taken recently.
2.6 people with allergies and individual intolerance:
People with allergies and individual intolerance to certain substances should be particularly cautioned with dietary supplements, since they may contain allergens or substances that cause intolerance.
- Allergens: Bades can contain various allergens, such as herbs, pollen, lactose, gluten, soy, nuts and others. Allergic reactions can appear in the form of a skin rash, itching, Quincke’s edema or anaphylactic shock.
- Individual intolerance: Some people may experience individual intolerance to certain substances contained in dietary supplements, even if they do not have allergies to these substances. Symptoms of intolerance can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache and others.
- Cross reactivity: People with allergies to certain foods or plants can experience cross -reactivity to dietary supplements containing substances close in composition. For example, people with allergies to ambrosia may experience cross -reactivity to dietary supplements containing echinacea.
- Recommendations: People with allergies and individual intolerance should carefully study the composition of dietary supplements before taking them. When any symptoms of allergies or intolerance appear, you should stop taking the dietary supplement and consult a doctor.
Section 3: specific dietary supplements and risks associated with them
Not all dietary supplements are equally safe. Some of them are associated with a higher risk of side effects and interactions. It is important to know about potential dangers associated with specific dietary supplements before deciding on their reception.
3.1 dietary supplements for weight loss:
Literation dietary supplements often contain stimulants, laxative, diuretic and other substances that can be dangerous to health. Many of them do not have sufficient scientific evidence of effectiveness and can cause serious side effects.
- Ephedra (Ma Huang): The ephedra is a stimulant that can increase blood pressure, increase the heartbeat and cause a heart attack, stroke and even death. Ephedra is prohibited for sale in many countries, but it can be found as part of some dietary supplements for weight loss, sold illegally.
- Sibutramine: Sibutramine is a drug that suppresses appetite. It was removed from sale in many countries due to increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. However, Sibutramin can still be found as part of some dietary supplements for weight loss sold illegally.
- Laxatives: Laxatives can cause diarrhea, dehydration, loss of electrolytes and intestinal damage. Frequent use of laxatives can lead to dependence and deterioration of intestinal function.
- Diuretic: Diuretic can cause dehydration, electrolytes and kidney damage.
- DNP (2.4-dinitrophenol): DNP is a very dangerous substance that can cause overheating of the body, organs damage and death. DNP is sometimes used in dietary supplements for weight loss illegally.
- Recommendations: Avoid taking dietary supplements for weight loss containing ephedra, sibutramine, DNP, laxative or diuretic. If you want to lose weight, consult a doctor or a nutritionist to receive a professional consultation.
3.2 dietary supplement to improve sports indicators:
Bades to improve sports indicators often contain stimulants, hormones and other substances that can be hazardous to health. Many of them do not have sufficient scientific evidence of effectiveness and can cause serious side effects.
- Anabolic steroid: Anabolic steroids are synthetic analogues of the male sex hormone testosterone. They can cause many side effects, including liver damage, cardiovascular disease, infertility, acne and aggression.
- Progormones: Progormones are substances that turn into anabolic steroids in the body. They can also cause many side effects similar to anabolic steroids.
- Creatine: Creatine is an amino acid that helps increase muscle mass and strength. Creatine is usually considered safe subject to the recommended dosages. However, in people with kidney diseases, creatine can worsen the function of the kidneys.
- Stimulants: Stimulants, such as caffeine and ephedra, can increase blood pressure, increase the heartbeat and cause a heart attack, stroke and even death.
- Recommendations: Avoid receiving dietary supplements to improve sports indicators containing anabolic steroids, runners or stimulants. If you want to improve your sporting results, consult a coach or sports doctor to receive a professional consultation.
3.3 dietary supplements containing heavy metals:
Some dietary supplements, especially those produced in countries with a low level of quality control, may contain heavy metals, such as lead, mercury and cadmium. Heavy metals can accumulate in the body and cause many side effects, including damage to the nervous system, kidneys and liver.
- Ayurvedic drugs: Some Ayurvedic preparations, traditionally used in India, may contain high levels of heavy metals.
- Chinese herbal preparations: Some Chinese herbal preparations may contain high levels of heavy metals.
- Mineral additives: Some mineral supplements, especially those made from poor -quality raw materials, may contain heavy metals.
- Recommendations: Bad dietary supplements from reliable manufacturers who are testing for the content of heavy metals.
3.4 dietary supplements interacting with drugs:
Some dietary supplements can interact with medicines that you take by increasing or weakening their effect, or causing undesirable side effects.
- St. John’s wort: St. John’s wort can interact with many drugs, including antidepressants, anticoagulants, contraceptive tablets and drugs for HIV treatment.
- Grapefruit juice: Grapefruit juice can interact with many drugs, including statins, antihypertensive drugs and immunosuppressants.
- Vitamin K: Vitamin K can reduce the effectiveness of anticoagulants such as warfarin.
- Coenzim q10: Coenzyme Q10 can reduce the effectiveness of antihypertensive drugs.
- Recommendations: If you take medicines, consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking any dietary supplements.
3.5 dietary supplements contaminated with medicinal substances:
Some dietary supplements, especially those that are sold illegally, can be polluted by medicinal substances that are not indicated on the label. This may be very dangerous, since you may not know that you are taking the medicine, and you may not know about its side effects and interactions.
- Bad for the treatment of erectile dysfunction: Some dietary supplements for the treatment of erectile dysfunction can be polluted by sildenafil (Viagra) or other similar drugs.
- Dietary diets for weight loss: Some dietary supplements for weight loss can be contaminated with sibramin or other similar drugs.
- Bad for the treatment of pain: Some dietary supplements for the treatment of pain can be polluted by non -steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or other similar drugs.
- Recommendations: Bay dietary supplements from reliable manufacturers and avoid buying dietary supplements from unknown sellers.
Section 4: How to reduce the risks associated with the reception of dietary supplements
Despite potential risks, many people take dietary supplements to maintain health and prevent diseases. If you decide to take dietary supplements, it is important to observe certain precautions in order to reduce the risk of side effects and interactions.
4.1 Consultation with a doctor:
Before taking any dietary supplements, especially if you take medicines, suffer from chronic diseases, are pregnant or breastfeed, consult your doctor. The doctor can evaluate your health status, drugs taken and possible risks of interaction.
4.2 Choosing a reliable manufacturer:
Bad from reliable manufacturers who are testing for safety and efficiency. Look for products certified by independent organizations such as NSF International, USP or Consumerlab.com.
4.3 A careful study of the label:
Carefully study the Bad label before taking it. Pay attention to the composition, dosage, contraindications and possible side effects.
4.4 Compliance with the recommended dosage:
Follow the recommended dosage of dietary supplements. Do not exceed the recommended dose, as this can increase the risk of side effects.
4.5 Side effects monitoring:
Follow your condition after the start of the dietary supplement. When any side effects appear, stop taking dietary supplements and consult a doctor.
4.6 Message to the doctor about all the dietary supplements:
Tell the doctor about all the dietary supplements that you accept, including vitamins, minerals, herbs and other additives. This will help the doctor avoid possible interactions with drugs.
4.7 Caution when buying dietary supplements on the Internet:
Be careful when buying dietary supplements on the Internet. Buy dietary supplements only from reliable online seller who have a good reputation. Avoid buying dietary supplements from unknown sellers, as they can sell fake or contaminated products.
Section 5: Alternatives Badam: Healthy Life
Instead of relying on dietary supplements to maintain health, focus on leading a healthy lifestyle, which includes a balanced diet, regular physical exercises, sufficient sleep and stress management.
5.1 balanced meals:
Balanced nutrition is the basis of health. Use a variety of products, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low -fat meat, fish and dairy products.
5.2 Regular physical exercises:
Regular physical exercises help maintain health of the cardiovascular system, strengthen bones and muscles, improve mood and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
5.3 sufficient sleep:
A sufficient dream is necessary to restore the body and maintain health. Try to sleep at least 7-8 hours a day.
5.4 Stress management:
Chronic stress can negatively affect health. Find the ways of managing stress, such as yoga, meditation, walking in nature or communication with friends and family.
Conclusion:
Bades are not a panacea and should not replace a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Reception of dietary supplements can be dangerous for certain groups of the population, such as pregnant and nursing women, children, elderly people, people with chronic diseases and people preparing for surgery. Before taking any dietary supplements, consult a doctor.
(Article complete)