Who should not take dietary supplements: risk groups

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Who should not take dietary supplements: risk groups

Biologically active additives (dietary supplements) become more and more popular as a way of maintaining health and improving overall well -being. However, despite the wide availability and seeming harmlessness, dietary supplements are not suitable for everyone. For some categories of the population, the reception of dietary supplements can be not only useless, but also potentially dangerous. Knowledge of risk groups and factors that make dietary supplements undesirable is extremely important for making conscious decisions about their health. This article will examine in detail risk groups that are not recommended to accept dietary supplements, justify these recommendations and provide information necessary for consulting a doctor.

I. Pregnant and lactating women

Pregnancy and the period of lactation are the time when the woman’s body experiences significant physiological changes aimed at maintaining the health of both the mother and the child. During this period, a balanced diet is especially important, providing all the necessary nutrients. However, the uncontrolled reception of dietary supplements can have serious risks for both parties.

  • Risks for pregnant women:

    • Teratogenic effect: Some dietary supplements may contain substances that have a teratogenic effect, that is, capable of causing malformations in the fetus. Vitamin A in high doses, for example, is a well -known teratogen. Herbs, such as sage, can have an adverse effect on the development of the fetus due to the content of Tuyon.
    • Premature birth and miscarriages: Some dietary supplements that stimulate uterine contractions can provoke premature birth or miscarriage. An example is dietary supplements containing large doses of vitamin C or some herbal components traditionally used to stimulate menstruation.
    • Influence on the hormonal background: Pregnancy is characterized by a complex hormonal balance. Reception of dietary supplements affecting hormonal background (for example, containing phytoestrogens) can violate this balance and lead to unpredictable consequences.
    • Interaction with drugs: Pregnant women often take vitamins and minerals prescribed by a doctor. Self -adding dietary supplements can lead to interaction with these drugs, a decrease in their effectiveness or enhance side effects. For example, the interaction between iron contained in prenatal vitamins and some herbs can disrupt the absorption of iron.
    • The risk of an overdose: The needs for nutrients during pregnancy increase, but this does not mean that it is necessary to take all kinds of dietary supplements in large doses. An overdose of some vitamins and minerals (for example, vitamin D, calcium) can be harmful to the health of the mother and fetus.

  • Risks for nursing women:

    • Penetration into breast milk: Substances contained in dietary supplements can penetrate into breast milk and have an effect on the baby. Some substances can be toxic for babies, while others can cause allergic reactions or digestive disorders.
    • Influence on lactation: Some dietary supplements can influence breast milk production. For example, dietary supplements containing sage or peppermint can reduce lactation.
    • Risk to the health of the child: Even if the substance contained in the dietary supplement is not toxic, it can be undesirable for the child. For example, large doses of vitamin C can cause diarrhea in a child.

Recommendations: Pregnant and nursing women should avoid taking dietary supplements if they were not prescribed by a doctor. Consultation with a doctor is mandatory to determine the need to take vitamins and minerals, as well as to exclude possible risks associated with the intake of dietary supplements. The doctor will be able to evaluate individual needs and choose safe and effective drugs. Self -medication of dietary supplements during this period is extremely undesirable.

II. Children and adolescents

The children’s and adolescence is actively growing and developing, and the need for nutrients in children is significantly different from the needs of adults. An uncontrolled intake of dietary supplements can disrupt this natural process and harm health.

  • Risks for children:

    • Overdose: Children need smaller doses of vitamins and minerals than adults. Reception of dietary supplements intended for adults can lead to an overdose, causing toxic effects. For example, an overdose of iron can be deadly for young children.
    • Violation of the absorption of nutrients: Some dietary supplements can prevent the absorption of important nutrients from food. For example, an excess of calcium can interfere with the absorption of iron and zinc.
    • Allergic reactions: Bades may contain ingredients that cause allergic reactions in children. Most often these are dyes, flavors, preservatives and plant components.
    • Influence on the hormonal background: In adolescents, hormonal restructuring occurs. Reception of dietary supplements affecting the hormonal background can disrupt this process and lead to problems with development and reproductive function.
    • Disadvantage of the evidence base: The effectiveness and safety of most dietary supplements for children is not sufficiently studied. Many manufacturers do not conduct clinical trials on children, so it is not known how dietary supplements will affect their health in the long run.
    • Risk of poisoning: Children can accidentally swallow dietary supplements that are not intended for them. This can lead to poisoning and other serious consequences. Dietary supplements containing iron are especially dangerous.

  • Risks for teenagers:

    • Abuse: Teenagers can abuse dietary supplements in the hope of improving their sporting results, lose weight or increase muscle mass. This can lead to serious health problems, including hormonal disorders, heart and liver problems.
    • Health problems disguise: Teenagers can use dietary supplements to mask the symptoms of diseases, instead of seeing a doctor. This can lead to a delay in diagnosis and treatment, which will worsen the prognosis.
    • Interaction with drugs: Teenagers taking medications (for example, from acne, depression) should be especially careful with the intake of dietary supplements, since the interaction between them is possible.

Recommendations: Reception of dietary supplements by children and adolescents should be strictly controlled and only as prescribed by a doctor. Parents should carefully monitor what their children accept, and make sure that dietary supplements are safe and effective. The use of dietary supplements should be avoided to improve sports results or lose weight without consulting a doctor. It is important to form in children and adolescents the correct attitude to health and nutrition so that they do not abuse dietary supplements.

III. Elderly people

With age, the body undergoes a number of changes affecting the absorption of nutrients, the function of organs and systems, as well as on susceptibility to drugs. Therefore, elderly people are especially vulnerable to negative consequences of admission of dietary supplements.

  • Risks for the elderly:
    • Interaction with drugs: Older people often take several drugs at the same time. Bades can interact with these drugs, reducing their effectiveness or increasing side effects. For example, vitamin K can reduce the effectiveness of anticoagulants, and St. John’s wort can interact with antidepressants and drugs for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
    • Violation of the assimilation of nutrients: With age, the function of the digestive system decreases, which complicates the absorption of nutrients from food. Reception of dietary supplements can aggravate this problem, as some dietary supplements can interfere with the absorption of vitamins and minerals.
    • Reducing the function of the kidneys and liver: With age, the function of the kidneys and liver decreases, which are responsible for the elimination of toxins from the body. Reception of dietary supplements can overload these organs and lead to their damage.
    • Increased risk of side effects: Older people are more sensitive to side effects of drugs and dietary supplements. This is due to age -related changes in the body, such as a decrease in the function of organs and systems, as well as a decrease in the body’s ability to self -heal.
    • Disadvantage of the evidence base: The effectiveness and safety of many dietary supplements for the elderly are not sufficiently studied. Many manufacturers do not conduct clinical trials for elderly people, so it is not known how dietary supplements will affect their health in the long run.
    • Self -medication: Older people often self -medicate and take dietary supplements without consulting a doctor. This can lead to serious consequences, especially if they have chronic diseases or they take several drugs at the same time.

Recommendations: Older people should be especially careful with the reception of dietary supplements. Consultation with a doctor is mandatory before taking any dietary supplements in order to exclude possible risks associated with interaction with drugs and age -related changes in the body. It is important to carefully study the composition of dietary supplements and avoid taking dietary supplements containing substances that can be harmful to health. It should be remembered that dietary supplements are not a replacement for good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle. It is important to pay attention to the balanced diet, regular physical exercises and enough sleep.

IV. People with chronic diseases

People with chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, liver and kidney diseases, autoimmune diseases and cancer, should be especially careful with the intake of dietary supplements. Bades can interact with the drugs that they take, worsen their health status or mask the symptoms of diseases.

  • Cardiovascular diseases:

    • Interaction with drugs: Bades, such as Q10 coenzyme, can interact with drugs to reduce blood pressure, and garlic can enhance the effect of anticoagulants.
    • Improving blood pressure: Some dietary supplements containing caffeine or other stimulants can increase blood pressure and increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.
    • Cardiac violation: Some dietary supplements, such as ephedra, can cause a heart rhythm.

  • Diabetes:

    • Interaction with drugs: Bades containing chrome can interact with drugs to reduce blood sugar, which can lead to hypoglycemia.
    • Improving blood sugar: Some dietary supplements containing sugar or other carbohydrates can increase blood sugar.
    • Symptoms disguise: Some dietary supplements can mask the symptoms of diabetes, which can lead to a delay in diagnosis and treatment.

  • Liver diseases:

    • Toxic effect on the liver: Some dietary supplements, such as pyrrolisidine alkaloids, can be toxic for the liver and cause damage.
    • The aggravation of the state of the liver: Reception of dietary supplements can aggravate the condition of the liver in people with existing liver diseases, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis.
    • Interaction with drugs: Bades can interact with drugs that are used to treat liver diseases.

  • Kidney diseases:

    • The load on the kidneys: Some dietary supplements containing a large amount of protein or creatine can create an additional load on the kidneys.
    • Deterioration of kidney function: Reception of dietary supplements can worsen the function of kidneys in people with existing kidney diseases.
    • Interaction with drugs: Bades can interact with medicines that are used to treat kidney diseases.

  • Autoimmune diseases:

    • The stimulation of the immune system: Some dietary supplements can stimulate the immune system, which can worsen people with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus.
    • Interaction with drugs: Bades can interact with medicines that are used to treat autoimmune diseases.

  • Oncological diseases:

    • Interaction with chemotherapy and radiation therapy: Some dietary supplements can interact with chemotherapy and radiation therapy, reducing their effectiveness or enhancing side effects.
    • Tumor growth stimulation: Some dietary supplements can stimulate tumor growth.
    • Symptoms disguise: Some dietary supplements can mask the symptoms of cancer, which can lead to a delay in diagnosis and treatment.

Recommendations: People with chronic diseases should definitely consult a doctor before taking any dietary supplements. The doctor will be able to evaluate the risks and benefits of taking dietary supplements in their particular case and choose safe and effective drugs. It should be avoided taking dietary supplements that can interact with the drugs that they take, or worsen their state of health. It is important to remember that dietary supplements are not a replacement for drugs and cannot cure chronic diseases.

V. People preparing for the operation or undergoing surgery

Reception of dietary supplements can have a significant impact on the course of the operation and the recovery process after it. Some dietary supplements can increase the risk of bleeding, interact with anesthesia, or slow down wound healing.

  • Risks before the operation:

    • Increasing the risk of bleeding: Some dietary supplements, such as garlic, ginger, ginkgo biloba and vitamin E, can dilute blood and increase the risk of bleeding during surgery.
    • Interaction with anesthesia: Some dietary supplements can interact with anesthesia and influence its effectiveness or cause side effects. For example, St. John’s wort can affect the metabolism of anesthetics.
    • Improving blood pressure: Bades containing stimulants, such as caffeine or ephedra, can increase blood pressure, which can be dangerous during the operation.
    • Changing blood sugar levels: Bades affecting blood sugar can create difficulties in monitoring glucose levels during and after surgery.

  • Risks after surgery:

    • Slow down by wound healing: Some dietary supplements may slow down the healing of wounds.
    • Interaction with drugs: Bades can interact with drugs that are prescribed after surgery, such as painkillers, antibiotics and anticoagulants.
    • Increased risk of infections: Some dietary supplements can suppress the immune system, which increases the risk of infections after surgery.

Recommendations: People preparing for the operation need to inform your doctor about all the dietary supplements that they accept. The doctor may recommend stop taking some dietary supplements a few weeks before the operation to reduce the risk of complications. After the operation, it is also necessary to inform the doctor about all the dietary supplements that they plan to accept in order to exclude possible interactions with drugs. It is important to adhere to the doctor’s recommendations for the nutrition and use of vitamins and minerals after surgery.

VI. People with allergies or increased sensitivity

Bades may contain various ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or increased sensitivity reactions in people with a predisposition to allergies.

  • Risks for people with allergies:

    • Allergic reactions: Bades can contain allergens such as soy, milk, eggs, nuts, fish, seafood and gluten. Allergic reactions can appear in the form of a skin rash, itching, urticaria, Quincke’s edema, anaphylactic shock.
    • Cross allergies: People with allergies to certain plants can also have allergies to dietary supplements containing extracts of these plants.
    • Hidden allergens: Some dietary supplements may contain hidden allergens that are not indicated on the label.

  • Risks for people with increased sensitivity:

    • Hyproof reactions: Bades can cause high sensitivity reactions, even if a person does not have allergies. Reactions of increased sensitivity can appear in the form of headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain.
    • Intolerance: Some people may have intolerance to certain ingredients contained in dietary supplements such as lactose, fructose or histamine.
    • Individual sensitivity: The reaction to dietary supplements can be individual and depend on many factors, such as age, state of health and genetic predisposition.

Recommendations: People with allergies or increased sensitivity need to carefully study the composition of dietary supplements before taking them. It should be avoided taking dietary supplements containing well -known allergens or ingredients that cause their reactions of increased sensitivity. If any symptoms of an allergic reaction or an increased sensitivity reaction appear after taking a dietary supplement, it is necessary to stop taking it and consult a doctor. It is recommended to consult an allergist before taking new dietary supplements.

VII. People with mental disorders

Bades can influence the mental state and interact with medicines used to treat mental disorders. Therefore, people with mental disorders should be especially careful with the reception of dietary supplements.

  • Risks for people with mental disorders:
    • Interaction with drugs: Some dietary supplements can interact with antidepressants, antipsychotics and other drugs used to treat mental disorders, reducing their effectiveness or increasing side effects. For example, St. John’s wort can interact with antidepressants of the SIOS group.
    • Mental deterioration: Some dietary supplements containing stimulants, such as caffeine or ephedra, can worsen the condition of people with anxious disorders, insomnia or psychoses.
    • Symptoms disguise: Some dietary supplements can mask the symptoms of mental disorders, which can lead to a delay in diagnosis and treatment.
    • Influence on mood: Bades affecting the level of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin or dopamine, can influence mood and behavior.

Recommendations: People with mental disorders need to consult their psychiatrist before taking any dietary supplements. The psychiatrist will be able to evaluate the risks and benefits from taking dietary supplements in their particular case and choose safe and effective drugs. It should be avoided taking dietary supplements that can interact with the drugs that they take, or worsen their mental state. It is important to remember that dietary supplements are not a replacement for medicines and cannot cure mental disorders. Psychotherapy and drug treatment prescribed by a doctor are the basis for the treatment of mental disorders.

VIII. People with thyroid diseases

Thyroid diseases have a significant effect on metabolism and the general condition of the body. Reception of dietary supplements can affect the function of the thyroid gland, interact with medicines used to treat thyroid diseases, or mask symptoms.

  • Risks for people with thyroid diseases:
    • Interaction with drugs: Bades containing iron or calcium can reduce the absorption of thyroid hormones, such as levotiroxin. Some dietary supplements containing iodine can affect the function of the thyroid gland.
    • Influence on the function of the thyroid gland: Some dietary supplements, such as soy, can affect the function of the thyroid gland, especially in people with hypothyroidism.
    • Symptoms disguise: Bades can mask the symptoms of thyroid diseases, which can lead to a delay in diagnosis and treatment.

Recommendations: People with thyroid diseases need to consult with their endocrinologist before taking any dietary supplements. The endocrinologist will be able to evaluate the risks and benefits of taking dietary supplements in their particular case and choose safe and effective drugs. It should be avoided taking dietary supplements that can interact with the drugs that they take, or influence the function of the thyroid gland. It is important to follow the doctor’s recommendations on nutrition and medication.

IX. People who abuse alcohol or drugs

The abuse of alcohol and drugs has a destructive effect on the body, disrupting the function of organs and systems and weakening immunity. Reception of dietary supplements can aggravate these negative consequences and lead to serious complications.

  • Risks for people who abuse alcohol:

    • Toxic effect on the liver: Alcohol and some dietary supplements can have a toxic effect on the liver, which can lead to damage. The intake of dietary supplements against the background of alcohol abuse can increase the risk of hepatitis, cirrhosis and other liver diseases.
    • Interaction with drugs: Alcohol can interact with drugs contained in dietary supplements, enhancing their side effects or reducing their effectiveness.
    • Violation of the assimilation of nutrients: Alcohol disrupts the absorption of nutrients, which can lead to a deficiency of vitamins and minerals. The intake of dietary supplements does not compensate for the harm done by alcohol, and may even aggravate the situation.

  • Risks for people who abuse drugs:

    • Drug interaction: Bades can interact with drugs, enhancing their effects or causing unpredictable reactions.
    • Symptoms disguise: Bad can mask the symptoms of drug addiction, which can lead to a delay in seeking medical help.
    • Strengthening negative consequences: Bades can enhance the negative consequences of drug addiction, such as damage to the liver, kidneys, heart and brain.

Recommendations: People who abuse alcohol or drugs should avoid taking dietary supplements. It is important to seek help from specialists to treat dependence and restoration of health. Reception of dietary supplements is not a solution to the problem and may even aggravate the situation.

X. People with genetic diseases

Genetic diseases are associated with disorders in genes that can affect metabolism, the absorption of nutrients and the function of organs and systems. Reception of dietary supplements can be dangerous for people with genetic diseases, as it can interact with their genetic characteristics or worsen their state of health.

  • Examples of genetic diseases and risks associated with the intake of dietary supplements:
    • Hemochromatosis: Hemochromatosis is a genetic disease characterized by excessive accumulation of iron in the body. Reception of dietary supplements containing iron can be dangerous for people with hemochromatosis, as it can lead to overloading with iron and damage to organs.
    • Phenylketonuria (FCU): FCU is a genetic disease characterized by impaired phenylalanine metabolism. People with FCU need to observe a strict diet with a low content of phenylalanine. Reception of dietary supplements containing phenylalanine can be dangerous for people with FCU, as it can lead to an increase in the level of phenylalanine in the blood and damage to the brain.
    • MukoviScidoz: Cycassocidosis is a genetic disease characterized by impaired exocrine glands, including lungs and pancreas. People with cystic fibrosis may take special enzyme preparations to improve digestion. Reception of dietary supplements without consulting a doctor can be dangerous for people with cystic fibrosis, as it can interact with enzyme preparations or worsen their state of health.

Recommendations: People with genetic diseases need to consult with their geneticist or specialist before taking any dietary supplements. The doctor will be able to evaluate the risks and benefits of taking dietary supplements in their particular case and choose safe and effective drugs. Bades should be avoided that can interact with their genetic characteristics or worsen their state of health.

In conclusion, it is important to emphasize that the information presented in this article is intended for general familiarization and is not a replacement for consultation with a qualified medical specialist. Before taking any biologically active additives, it is necessary to consult a doctor in order to evaluate the risks and benefits from their use in a particular case. Badama self -medication can be dangerous to health.

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