Bades: allergic reactions and individual intolerance – a detailed study
I. Understanding of dietary supplements (biologically active additives): composition, regulation and perception
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Definition and classification of dietary supplements:
- The dietary supplements, or biologically active additives, are concentrates of natural or identical to natural biologically active substances intended for direct intake with food or introduction into food products.
- They are not drugs and are not intended for the treatment, prevention or diagnosis of any diseases.
- Classification of dietary supplements is carried out according to various criteria:
- By composition: Vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, probiotics, prebiotics, plant extracts, enzymes and other biologically active substances.
- By the form of release: tablets, capsules, powders, liquids, bars, chewing gum and others.
- For functional purpose: To maintain immunity, to improve digestion, to strengthen bones, to reduce weight, to increase energy and others.
- By origin: Natural (obtained directly from plant or animal raw materials), synthetic (identical to natural, obtained chemically), combined (containing components of both natural and synthetic origin).
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Normative regulation of dietary supplements:
- Unlike medicines, dietary supplements do not pass clinical trials in the same volume as medicines.
- In most countries, including Russia and the countries of the European Union, dietary supplements are subject to state registration.
- The registration procedure involves verification of the conformity of products by sanitary and epidemiological requirements, safety and quality.
- However, the responsibility for the safety and efficiency of dietary supplements primarily lies with the manufacturer.
- The marking of dietary supplements should contain information about the composition, dosage, method of application, contraindications and possible side effects.
- The regulatory authorities supervise the production and turnover of dietary supplements, and also control the advertising of products.
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Perception of dietary supplements by society and medical community:
- The attitude towards dietary supplements in society is ambiguous. Some people consider them useful for maintaining health and preventing diseases, others treat them skeptical or even negatively.
- Skepticism is often associated with the insufficient scientific validity of the effectiveness of many dietary supplements, as well as the risk of acquiring poor -quality or falsified products.
- There is also no consensus about dietary supplements in the medical community. Some doctors recommend them to their patients as an addition to the main treatment, others believe that they do not bring any benefit and may even be harmful.
- It is important to remember that dietary supplements are not a replacement for a full and balanced diet, a healthy lifestyle and qualified medical care.
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Factors affecting the quality and safety of dietary supplements:
- Quality of raw materials: The raw materials used should be high -quality, clean and comply with the established standards.
- Production technology: Production should be carried out in accordance with the requirements of the GMP (good manufactoring practice), which provides quality control at all stages of production.
- Quality control: The finished product should undergo quality control for compliance with the declared composition, the content of impurities and microbiological safety.
- Storage and transportation conditions: It is necessary to comply with storage and transportation conditions in order to maintain the quality and safety of dietary supplements.
- Falsification: Unfortunately, falsified products containing dangerous impurities or not corresponding to the declared composition are found on the dietary supplement market.
II. Allergic reactions to dietary supplements: mechanisms, symptoms and diagnosis
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Mechanisms for the development of allergic reactions to dietary supplements:
- Allergic reactions to dietary supplements arise as a result of the body’s immune response to certain components of the additives, which are perceived by it as foreign and potentially dangerous.
- The main mechanism for the development of allergic reactions is IgE-mediated mechanism. In the first contact with the allergen, the body produces specific IgE antibodies, which are associated with fat cells and basophils. With repeated contact with the allergen, it is associated with IgE antibodies on the surface of fat cells and basophils, which leads to their degeneration and release of inflammation mediators, such as histamine, serotonin and leukotrienes. These mediators cause various allergic symptoms.
- Other mechanisms for the development of allergic reactions include T-cell mechanism (contact dermatitis) and The formation of immune complexes.
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The most common allergens in dietary supplements:
- Plant components:
- Herbs (chamomile, echinacea, St. John’s wort, ginkgo biloba, ginseng).
- Fruits and vegetables (citrus fruits, strawberries, nuts, soy).
- Plant pollen.
- Animal products:
- Dairy products (lactose, casein).
- Eggs.
- Fish and seafood.
- Bee honey and beekeeping products (propolis, royal milk).
- Synthetic components:
- Dyes (Tartrazin, Azorubin).
- Conservatives (benzoates, sorbates).
- Flavors.
- Other components:
- Gluten.
- Yeast.
- Latex (in some capsules).
- Plant components:
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Symptoms of allergic reactions to dietary supplements:
- Symptoms of allergic reactions to dietary supplements can vary from lungs to severe and depend on individual sensitivity, the dose of the allergen and the paths of its entering the body.
- Skin manifestations:
- Urticaria (itchy blisters on the skin).
- Angioneurotic edema (Quincke’s edema) (edema of the skin, mucous membranes, subcutaneous tissue).
- Eczema (inflammatory skin disease, accompanied by itching, redness and rashes).
- Contact dermatitis (inflammation of the skin at the site of contact with the allergen).
- Itching of the skin.
- Respiratory manifestations:
- Rhinitis (runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing).
- Conjunctivitis (inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eyes, accompanied by redness, itching and lacrimation).
- Bronchial asthma (difficulty breathing, wheezing, cough).
- Swelling of the larynx.
- Gastrointestinal manifestations:
- Nausea.
- Vomit.
- Diarrhea.
- Stomach ache.
- General manifestations:
- Anaphylactic shock (severe, life -burning allergic reaction, accompanied by a sharp decrease in blood pressure, difficulty of breathing and loss of consciousness).
- Dizziness.
- Weakness.
- Facial edema and tongue.
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Diagnosis of allergic reactions to dietary supplements:
- A history of anamnesis: It is important to carefully assemble an anamnesis to find out what dietary supplements the patient took when the symptoms of allergies appeared, what symptoms were observed and what factors could provoke the reaction.
- Skin tests:
- SKO-test: A small amount of allergen solution is applied to the skin and the skin is punctured. If the patient has an allergy to this allergen, then redness and swelling appear at the puncture site.
- Intake test: A small amount of allergen solution is introduced into the skin. This test is more sensitive than a hut test, but also more risky, as it can cause a stronger allergic reaction.
- Application test (patch test): An allergen in the form of a patch is applied to the skin. This test is used to diagnose contact dermatitis.
- Analysis of IgE-anthlets: In the blood, the level of specific IgE antibodies to certain allergens is determined.
- Provocative tests: Under the supervision of a doctor, the patient is given a small amount of a suspect allergen and observe his reaction. This test is carried out only in cases where other diagnostic methods did not give results.
- Exception of dietary supplements and observation of symptoms: The easiest way to diagnose allergies to dietary supplements is to exclude its technique and see if the symptoms will disappear.
III. Individual intolerance to dietary supplements: causes, differences from allergies, symptoms and management
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The concept of individual intolerance to dietary supplements:
- Individual intolerance to dietary supplements (or food intolerance) is an unfavorable reaction of the body to a certain component of dietary supplements, which is not related to the immune response (unlike allergies).
- The reaction can be caused by various factors, such as enzyme deficiency, disorders in the work of the gastrointestinal tract, the toxic effect of the dietary supplement component and others.
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The main reasons for the development of individual intolerance to dietary supplements:
- Enzyme deficiency: For example, lactase deficiency (lactose enzyme) can lead to intolerance to dairy products contained in some dietary supplements.
- Violations in the work of the gastrointestinal tract: Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, such as irritable bowel syndrome (SRK) or inflammatory intestinal diseases (BCC), can increase sensitivity to certain components of dietary supplements.
- Toxic effects: Some components of dietary supplements can have a toxic effect on the body, especially when taking large doses.
- Pharmacological effects: Some components of dietary supplements can interact with drugs or influence physiological processes in the body, causing undesirable effects.
- Psychological factors: In some cases, intolerance to dietary supplements can be associated with psychological factors, such as fear of side effects or negative experience in taking dietary supplements in the past.
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Differences of individual intolerance and allergic reaction:
- Mechanism: Allergies are an immune response to an allergen, while intolerance is not related to the immune system.
- Development speed: Allergic reactions usually develop rapidly, within a few minutes or hours after contact with the allergen, while intolerance symptoms can appear slowly, within a few hours or days.
- The severity of the symptoms: Allergic reactions can be very severe and even life -threatening (anaphylactic shock), while symptoms of intolerance are usually less pronounced and do not pose a threat to life.
- The amount of allergen: Even a small amount of allergen can cause an allergic reaction, while symptoms of intolerance often depend on the dose of the substance.
- Ige antibodies: With allergies in the blood, specific IgE antibodies are found to allergen, while with intolerance there are no such antibodies.
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Symptoms of individual intolerance to dietary supplements:
- Symptoms of individual intolerance to dietary supplements can be diverse and affect various body systems.
- Gastrointestinal symptoms:
- Bloating.
- Flatulence.
- Diarrhea or constipation.
- Stomach ache.
- Nausea.
- Heartburn.
- Skin symptoms:
- Rashes on the skin.
- Quickly.
- Redness of the skin.
- Eczema.
- Respiratory symptoms:
- Nasal congestion.
- Runny nose.
- Sneezing.
- Cough.
- Neurological symptoms:
- Headaches.
- Fatigue.
- Irritability.
- Insomnia.
- General symptoms:
- General weakness.
- Pain in muscles and joints.
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Diagnosis of individual intolerance to dietary supplements:
- Diagnosis of individual intolerance to dietary supplements can be complex, since there are no specific tests that allow it to unequivocally confirm it.
- A history of anamnesis: It is important to carefully assemble an anamnesis to find out what dietary supplements the patient takes when the symptoms of intolerance have appeared, what symptoms were observed and what factors could provoke the reaction.
- Elimination diet: The patient is recommended to exclude from the diet all suspects and dietary supplements for a certain period of time (usually 2-4 weeks). If the symptoms disappear, then the products and dietary supplements are gradually returning to the diet one to identify which component causes intolerance.
- Keeping a food diary: The patient is recommended to keep a food diary in which he writes everything that he eats and drinks, and also notes all the symptoms that occur. This can help identify the connection between certain products and symptoms of intolerance.
- Tests for food intolerance: There are commercial tests for food intolerance, which determine the level of IgG antibodies to various food products. However, the scientific validity of these tests is in doubt, and their results should be interpreted with caution.
- Exception of dietary supplements and observation of symptoms: As in the case of allergies, the exclusion of a suspect dietary supplement and monitoring of symptoms is an important diagnostic method.
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Management of individual intolerance to dietary supplements:
- Exception from the diet: The most effective way to manage individual dietary expense of dietary supplements is to exclude it from the diet.
- Replacement with alternative products: If the exclusion of dietary supplements leads to a deficiency of certain nutrients, then it is necessary to replace it with alternative products containing these substances.
- Enzyme drugs: In the case of enzymes deficiency, enzyme preparations can be taken that will help break down certain components of dietary supplements. For example, with lactose intolerance, lactose preparations can be taken.
- Probiotics: Probiotics can help improve the condition of the intestinal microflora and reduce the severity of symptoms of intolerance.
- Symptomatic treatment: To relieve symptoms of intolerance, symptomatic treatment can be used, such as antihistamines (with skin symptoms), antispasmodics (for abdominal pain) and anti -tape products (in diarrhea).
- Consultation with a doctor or nutritionist: It is important to consult a doctor or nutritionist in order to develop an individual nutrition plan and choose the necessary additives.
IV. Risk factors and prevention of allergic reactions and individual intolerance to dietary supplements
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Risk factors for the development of allergic reactions to dietary supplements:
- Hereditary predisposition: People who have allergies in the family have an increased risk of developing allergies to dietary supplements.
- The presence of other allergic diseases: People with other allergic diseases (for example, bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis, eczema) are more prone to develop allergies to dietary supplements.
- Age: Children and elderly people are more susceptible to allergic reactions.
- The state of the immune system: People with weakened immunity have an increased risk of allergies.
- Taking certain drugs: Some drugs can increase the risk of allergies.
- Frequent use of dietary supplements: The more often a person uses dietary supplements, the higher the risk of developing allergies to them.
- High doses of dietary supplements: Taking dietary supplements in high doses can increase the risk of allergies.
- The presence of cross allergies: People who have allergies to certain foods or plants can have cross allergies to dietary supplements containing similar components.
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Risk factors for the development of individual intolerance to dietary supplements:
- Violations in the work of the gastrointestinal tract: Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (SRK, ISC, gastritis, pancreatitis) can increase the risk of developing individual intolerance to dietary supplements.
- Enzyme deficiency: The deficiency of enzymes (lactase, sugarized, maltase) can lead to intolerance to dietary supplements containing lactose, sucrose or maltose.
- Age: With age, the activity of enzymes is reduced, which can increase the risk of individual intolerance.
- Taking certain drugs: Some drugs can affect the work of the gastrointestinal tract and increase the risk of intolerance.
- Unstable nutrition: An unbalanced diet, rich in processed products and poor fiber, can disrupt the state of the intestinal microflora and increase the risk of intolerance.
- Stress: Chronic stress can negatively affect the work of the gastrointestinal tract and increase the risk of intolerance.
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Prevention of allergic reactions to dietary supplements:
- A thorough choice of dietary supplements: Before buying dietary supplements, you need to carefully study its composition and make sure that there are no ingredients that you have an allergy.
- Buying of dietary supplements only from trusted manufacturers: Buy dietary supplements only from trusted manufacturers that guarantee the quality and safety of your products.
- Start of reception with small doses: Start taking dietary supplements with small doses to evaluate your tolerance.
- Careful observation of the reaction of the body: Carefully observe the reaction of your body after taking the dietary supplement. When any symptoms of allergies appear, you should immediately stop taking and consult a doctor.
- Information of the doctor about allergies: Before taking Bad, it is necessary to inform your doctor about the availability of allergies to any food or drugs.
- Wearing a bracelet or pendant with information about allergies: People with severe allergies are recommended to wear a bracelet or pendant with information about their allergies, so that in the case of an emergency, medical workers can provide them with the necessary assistance.
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Prevention of individual intolerance to dietary supplements:
- Balanced nutrition: Eat in a balanced, use enough fiber, fruits and vegetables.
- Healthy lifestyle: Lead a healthy lifestyle, avoid stress, play sports and get enough sleep.
- Moderate use of dietary supplements: Do not abuse dietary supplements, take them only on the recommendation of a doctor.
- Careful observation of the reaction of the body: Carefully observe the reaction of your body after taking the dietary supplement. If any symptoms of intolerance appear, you should stop taking and consult a doctor.
- Consultation with a doctor or nutritionist: Before taking Bad, it is recommended to consult a doctor or nutritionist in order to choose the optimal composition and dosage, taking into account the individual characteristics of the body.
- Avoid self -medication: Do not self -medicate, take dietary supplements only as a doctor’s prescription.
- Checking compatibility with drugs: Before taking Bad, make sure that it is compatible with the drugs that you take.
V. Actions in the event of an allergic reaction or individual intolerance to dietary supplements: first aid and medical care
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First aid for an allergic reaction to dietary supplements:
- Stop reception of dietary supplements: Stop taking a dietary supplement that caused an allergic reaction.
- Take the antihistamine: Take the antihistamine (for example, dimedrol, chloropyramine, cetirizine, luratadin).
- Call an ambulance: In a severe allergic reaction (anaphylactic shock), it is necessary to immediately call an ambulance. Symptoms of anaphylactic shock: difficulty breathing, sapling of the larynx, a sharp decrease in blood pressure, loss of consciousness.
- Raise your legs: If a person has decreased blood pressure, then it must be laid on his back and lift his legs.
- Introduce adrenaline: If a person has a syringe-handle with adrenaline (epinephrine), then it is necessary to enter it intramuscularly into the thigh.
- Put the tourniquet: If an allergic reaction occurs after an insect bite or injection, then you can apply a tourniquet above the place of bite or injection to slow down the spread of the allergen.
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Medical assistance in an allergic reaction to dietary supplements:
- Doctor examination: The doctor will examine the patient and appreciate the severity of an allergic reaction.
- Introduction of drugs: Depending on the severity of the allergic reaction, the doctor can administer antihistamines, corticosteroids, adrenaline and other drugs.
- Oxygen therapy: With difficulty breathing, the patient can be prescribed oxygen therapy.
- Hospitalization: In severe cases, the patient may require hospitalization in the intensive care unit.
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First aid for individual intolerance to dietary supplements:
- Stop reception of dietary supplements: Immediately stop taking a dietary supplement that caused the symptoms of intolerance.
- Accept adsorbent: Accept the adsorbent (for example, activated carbon, smectte, enterosgel) to remove toxins from the body.
- Take an enzyme drug: If you have a deficiency of enzymes, then take the enzyme drug (for example, Festal, Mesim, Pancreatin).
- Take an antispasmodic: With abdominal pain, you can take an antispasmodic (for example, no-shpa, drotaverin).
- Take antidiaarean remedy: With diarrhea, you can take antidiarein agent (for example, lopeamide, imodium).
- Follow a diet: Observe a sparing diet, exclude products from the diet that can aggravate the symptoms of intolerance.
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Medical assistance with individual intolerance to dietary supplements:
- Doctor examination: The doctor will examine the patient and evaluate his health.
- Purpose of additional examinations: The doctor may prescribe additional examinations (for example, blood tests, ultrasound of the abdominal organs, colonoscopy) to identify the cause of intolerance.
- Diet correction: A doctor or nutritionist will help adjust the diet and choose the necessary additives.
- Treatment of the underlying disease: If intolerance is associated with any disease of the gastrointestinal tract, then treatment of the underlying disease is necessary.
VI. Legislation and consumer informing: liability of dietary supplement manufacturers and consumer rights
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Bades labeling requirements:
- The marking of dietary supplements should be clear, understandable and reliable.
- It should contain the following information:
- Name the product.
- The composition of the product (indicating all the ingredients).
- The number of biologically active substances in one portion.
- Recommendations for use.
- Contraindications.
- Side effects.
- Production date and shelf life.
- Storage conditions.
- Name and address of the manufacturer.
- The number of the certificate of state registration.
- The warning that dietary supplement is not a drug.
- The marking should be performed in Russian.
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Responsibility of manufacturers of dietary supplements for safety and product quality:
- Bad manufacturers are responsible for the safety and quality of their products.
- They are obliged to comply with the requirements of sanitary norms and rules, as well as provide reliable information about the composition, properties and methods of applying dietary supplements.
- In case of harm to the health of the consumer due to the use of poor -quality dietary supplements, the manufacturer is liable in accordance with the legislation of the Russian Federation.
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Consumer rights when acquiring dietary supplements:
- Consumers are entitled to receive reliable information about dietary supplements.
- They have the right to demand from the seller documents confirming the quality and safety of Bad.
- In the case of acquisition of poor -quality dietary supplements, consumers have the right to demand a refund, replacement of goods or compensation for damage caused.
- Consumers have the right to apply to state authorities and public organizations for the protection of consumer rights to protect their interests.
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The role of regulatory authorities in the control of the quality and safety of dietary supplements:
- Regulatory authorities (Rospotrebnadzor, Roszdravnadzor) monitor the quality and safety of dietary supplements at all stages of production and turnover.
- They conduct inspections of manufacturers of dietary supplements, control the labeling of products, and also consider consumer complaints.
- In case of violations, regulatory authorities take administrative measures, such as fines, suspension of the enterprise or the removal of poor -quality products from the turnover.
- Regulatory authorities also carry out information and educational work among the population, explaining the rules for choosing and using dietary supplements.
VII. Actual research and development in the field of dietary supplements and allergies
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Studies to identify new allergens as part of dietary supplements:
- Studies are being conducted to identify new allergens as part of dietary supplements, especially in plant additives.
- Proteomy and metabolomics are used to analyze the composition of dietary supplements and detect potential allergens.
- Allergodiating methods are developed to detect allergies to new allergens.
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Development of hypoallergenic dietary supplements:
- Hypoallergenic dietary supplements that do not contain common allergens are underway.
- Technologies for cleaning raw materials are used to remove allergens.
- Alternative dietary supplements are developed that do not contain allergenic ingredients.
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Studies on the influence of probiotics to allergic reactions:
- The effect of probiotics on the immune system and allergic reactions is studied.
- Clinical studies are conducted on assessing the effectiveness of probiotics in the prevention and treatment of allergic diseases.
- Probiotic dietary supplements are developed to maintain immunity and reduce the risk of allergies.
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Development of new methods for diagnosing allergies to dietary supplements:
- New methods for diagnosing allergies to dietary supplements are developed, based on blood test and genetic studies.
- The role of genetic factors in the predisposition to allergies to dietary supplements is studied.
- Personalized approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of allergies to dietary supplements are developed.
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Studies on the effect of dietary supplements on the intestinal microflora and individual intolerance:
- The effect of dietary supplements on the intestinal microflora and the risk of developing individual intolerance are studied.
- Clinical studies are conducted on assessing the effectiveness of dietary supplements in the correction of intestinal microflora and improved food tolerance.
- Dietary supplements are developed to restore intestinal microflora and reduce the risk of developing individual intolerance.
VIII. Final recommendations on the safe use of dietary supplements
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Consultation with a doctor before starting dietary supplements:
- Before taking dietary supplements, it is necessary to consult a doctor in order to verify the absence of contraindications and evaluate the appropriateness of application.
- It is especially important to consult a doctor with people suffering from chronic diseases, pregnant and nursing women, as well as children and older people.
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The choice of high -quality and certified dietary supplements:
- Choose dietary supplements only from trusted manufacturers that guarantee the quality and safety of your products.
- Pay attention to the availability of quality certificates and certificate of state registration.
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A thorough study of the composition of dietary supplements:
- Carefully study the composition of the dietary supplements and make sure that the ingredients that you have allergies or intolerance are for.
- If there is doubt, contact a doctor or pharmacist for advice.
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Compliance with recommended dosages:
- Strictly observe the recommended dosages of the dietary supplements indicated on the packaging.
- Do not exceed the dosage, even if it seems to you that this will enhance the effect.
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Careful observation of the reaction of the body:
- Carefully observe the reaction of your body after taking the dietary supplement.
- When any symptoms of allergies or intolerance appear, you should immediately stop taking and consult a doctor.
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Storage of dietary supplements in accordance with the instructions:
- Keep dietary supplements in accordance with the instructions, in an inaccessible place for children.
- Follow the storage conditions indicated on the packaging (temperature, humidity, protection from light).
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Informing the doctor about the dietary supplements:
- Tell your doctor about all the dietary supplements you accept.
- This will help to avoid undesirable interactions with drugs and other dietary supplements.
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Caution with the simultaneous admission of several dietary supplements:
- Be careful while taking several dietary supplements, as this can increase the risk of side effects.
- Consult a doctor or pharmacist to make sure the compatibility of dietary supplements.
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Refusal to take dietary supplements during pregnancy and breastfeeding (without consulting a doctor):
- During pregnancy and breastfeeding, you should refuse to take dietary supplements without consulting a doctor.
- Some dietary supplements can be dangerous for the health of the mother and child.
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Regular visit to a doctor for preventive examinations:
- Regularly visit a doctor for preventive examinations and consultations.
- This will help to identify possible health problems at an early stage and prevent the development of complications.