Bades and medicines: compatibility and risks – detailed analysis
I. Introduction: dietary supplements in modern life: necessity or marketing move?
Biologically active additives (dietary supplements) have become an integral part of a modern health culture. Advertising, promising miraculous effects – from strengthening immunity to slowing down aging – pushes to acquire them. However, before succumbing to temptation, it must be understood that dietary supplements are not medicines. They are designed to supplement the diet and do not have a proven ability to cure diseases. In this regard, an important question arises: how safe is it to combine dietary supplements with drugs prescribed by a doctor?
II. Definition and classification of dietary supplements: from vitamins to probiotics
Bades are concentrates of natural or identical to natural biologically active substances intended for direct intake with food or introduction into food products. They are available in various forms: tablets, capsules, powders, solutions, syrups and others. You can classify dietary supplements according to various criteria, including the composition, purpose and source of origin.
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By composition:
- Vitamin complexes: contain one or more vitamins (A, B, C, D, E, K, etc.).
- Mineral complexes: They contain one or more minerals (calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, selenium, etc.).
- Plant dietary supplements: They contain extracts, hoods or powders from medicinal plants (ginseng, echinacea, St. John’s wort, valerian, etc.).
- Amino acid complexes: contain separate amino acids or their mixtures (glutamine, BCAA, Arginine, etc.).
- Probiotics and prebiotics: They contain living microorganisms that have a beneficial effect on the intestinal microflora, or substances that contribute to their growth.
- Paul -saturated fatty acids (PNS): Contain omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids.
- Enzyme drugs: contain enzymes that improve digestion.
- Other dietary supplements: Glucosamine and chondroitin (for joints), coenzyme Q10 (for heart and energy), etc.
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By purpose:
- To strengthen immunity: Vitamin C, zinc, echinacea.
- To improve digestion: Probiotics, enzyme preparations.
- To maintain the health of the cardiovascular system: Omega-3, Coenzim Q10.
- To improve brain function: ginkgo biloba, lecithin.
- To maintain joint health: Glucosamine, chondroitin.
- For weight loss: L-carnitine, green tea extract.
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By the source of origin:
- Vegetable: extracts of herbs, fruits, roots.
- Animals: Fish oil, collagen.
- Mineral: Salt, metals oxides.
- Synthetic: Vitamins, amino acids, identical to natural.
III. Medicines: main groups and mechanism of action
Medicines are substances or mixtures of substances used for prevention, diagnosis, treatment of diseases, rehabilitation, to preserve, prevent or terminate pregnancy. They have proven efficiency and safety confirmed during clinical research. The classification of drugs is carried out according to various signs, including a pharmacological group, a chemical structure and a mechanism of action.
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By the pharmacological group:
- Antibiotics: Destroy or suppress the growth of bacteria.
- Analgesics: Anesthesia.
- Anti -inflammatory drugs: reduce inflammation.
- Hypotentine drugs: Reduce blood pressure.
- Anticoagulants: Drink blood.
- Antidepressants: Improve the mood and relieve the alarm.
- Antiviral drugs: Suppress the growth of viruses.
- Antifungal drugs: Destroy fungi.
- Antitumor drugs: Used to treat cancer.
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By the mechanism of action:
- Agonists: They are associated with receptors and activate them.
- Antagonists: They are associated with receptors and block them.
- Enzymes inhibitors: suppress the activity of enzymes.
- Channel blockers: Block ion channels.
- Carriers: Transport substances through cell membranes.
IV. Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics: the basis of the interaction of dietary supplements and drugs
The interaction of dietary supplements and drugs can occur at various levels, affecting pharmacokinetics (processes occurring with the medicine in the body: absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion) and pharmacodynamics (the effect of the drug on the body).
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Influence on pharmacokinetics:
- Suction: Bades can affect the absorption of drugs in the intestines, either enhancing or weakening it. For example, dietary fibers can slow down the absorption of some drugs.
- Distribution: Some dietary supplements can affect the linking of drugs with blood plasma proteins, changing their distribution in the body.
- Metabolism: Bades can affect the activity of liver enzymes involved in the metabolism of drugs, such as cytochrome P450 (CYP450). The induction of CyP450 enzymes accelerates the metabolism of drugs, reducing their concentration in the blood and weakening their effect. Inhibition of CYP450 enzymes slows down the metabolism of drugs, increasing their concentration in the blood and increasing the risk of side effects.
- Display: Bades can affect the excretion of medicines through the kidneys or intestines.
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Influence on pharmacodynamics:
- Synergism: Bad and medicine can enhance each other’s effect. For example, the simultaneous intake of anticoagulants and dietary supplements containing ginkgo bilobe can increase the risk of bleeding.
- Antagonism: Bad and medicine can weaken each other’s effect. For example, the intake of vitamin K can reduce the effectiveness of the anticoagulant of warfarin.
- Additative effect: Bad and medicine can have the same effect on the body, summing up their effect. For example, the simultaneous administration of antihypertensive drugs and dietary supplements that reduce blood pressure can lead to excessive decrease in blood pressure (hypotension).
V. The main risks and undesirable interactions of dietary supplements and drugs
The joint use of dietary supplements and medicines can lead to various negative consequences, including:
- Reducing the effectiveness of drug treatment: Bad can reduce the concentration of the medicine in the blood, weakening its effect and making treatment ineffective.
- Strengthening the side effects of drugs: Bad can increase the concentration of the medicine in the blood, enhancing its side effects and increasing the risk of toxicity.
- Development of new side effects: Bad can in itself cause side effects, which are aggravated while taking medications.
- Bleeding: Some dietary supplements, such as ginkgo bilobe, garlic, ginger, vitamin E, can dilute blood and increase the risk of bleeding, especially with simultaneous intake with anticoagulants (warfarin, clopidogrel, aspirin).
- Heart problems: Some dietary supplements, such as caffeine, ephedra, can increase blood pressure and increase the heart rate, which can be dangerous for people with cardiovascular diseases, especially with simultaneous intake with hypotensive drugs or cardiac glycosides.
- Liver damage: Some dietary supplements, especially vegetable ones, can have a hepatotoxic effect and damage the liver, especially with simultaneous drugs that also have a hepatotoxic effect (for example, paracetamol, some antibiotics).
- Renal failure: Some dietary supplements, especially containing creatine, can have a nephrotoxic effect and damage the kidneys, especially with simultaneous drugs that also have a nephrotoxic effect (for example, non -steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs).
- Changing the level of glucose in the blood: Some dietary supplements, such as chrome, can affect the level of blood glucose, which can be dangerous for people with diabetes, especially with simultaneous use with antidiabetic drugs (insulin, metformin).
- Interaction with anesthesia: Some dietary supplements, such as St. John’s wort, can affect the action of anesthesia, which can lead to complications during surgical operations.
VI. Examples of specific interactions of dietary supplements and drugs
For clarity, we give several specific examples of the interaction of dietary supplements and drugs:
- Warfarin and vitamin K: Vitamin K reduces the effectiveness of warfarin, anticoagulant used to prevent blood clots.
- Warfarin and Ginkgo Biloba: Ginkgo biloba enhances the effect of warfarin, increasing the risk of bleeding.
- Antidepressants and St. John’s wort: St. John’s wort can reduce the effectiveness of some antidepressants, such as selective inhibitors of the reverse capture of serotonin (SIOS).
- Statins and red yeast rice: Red yeast rice contains Monacoline K, which is a natural statin. The joint intake of statins and red yeast rice can enhance their side effects, such as myopathy (muscle pain).
- Digoxin and St. John’s wort: St. John’s wort can reduce the concentration of digoxin, heart glycoside used to treat heart failure and arrhythmias.
- Immunodepressants and echinacea: Echinacea can stimulate the immune system and reduce the effectiveness of immunosuppressants used to prevent organs from transplantation.
- Broadcasting tablets and St. John’s wort: St. John’s wort can reduce the effectiveness of contraceptive tablets, increasing the risk of unwanted pregnancy.
- Levothyroxine and additives with iron or calcium: Iron and calcium can reduce the absorption of levotiroxin, thyroid hormone used to treat hypothyroidism.
- Antibiotics and probiotics: Antibiotics destroy not only harmful, but also beneficial bacteria in the intestines. Taking probiotics during and after a course of antibiotics helps restore the intestinal microflora.
- Metformin and vitamin B12: A long -term intake of metformin, antidiabetic drug, can lead to a deficiency of vitamin B12.
VII. Factors affecting the risk of interaction between dietary supplements and drugs
The risk of interaction between dietary supplements and drugs depends on several factors, including:
- Age: Older people are more susceptible to interactions due to age-related changes in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.
- Health status: People with chronic diseases, such as liver, kidneys, heart or diabetes, are more susceptible to interactions.
- The number of drugs taken: The more drugs a person takes (including dietary supplements), the higher the risk of interaction.
- BAD DOOS: The higher the dose of dietary supplements, the higher the risk of interaction.
- Duration of dietary supplement: Long -term dietary supplement increases the risk of interaction.
- Individual characteristics of the body: Genetic factors and other individual characteristics of the body can affect susceptibility to interactions.
VIII. The role of the doctor and the pharmacist in the prevention of interactions
The doctor and pharmacist play a key role in preventing the interactions of dietary supplements and drugs.
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The role of the doctor:
- When collecting an anamnesis, it is necessary to ask the patient about admission of dietary supplements.
- Before prescribing the medicine, it is necessary to take into account all the drugs taken by the patient, including dietary supplements, and check possible interactions.
- It is necessary to explain to the patient potential risks and advantages of joint administration of dietary supplements and drugs.
- It is necessary to give the patient recommendations for the correct use of drugs and dietary supplements.
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The role of the pharmacist:
- When dispensing the medicine, it is necessary to ask the patient about the intake of dietary supplements.
- It is necessary to warn the patient about the possible interactions of drugs with dietary supplements.
- It is necessary to give the patient recommendations for the correct use of drugs and dietary supplements.
- It is necessary to inform the doctor about possible interactions.
IX. How to minimize risks when taking dietary supplements and drugs
To minimize risks when taking dietary supplements and drugs, it is recommended:
- Tell the doctor and pharmacist about all the drugs you take, including dietary supplements.
- Do not take dietary supplements without consulting a doctor.
- Carefully study the composition of the dietary supplement and its possible side effects.
- Do not exceed the recommended dose of dietary supplements.
- Take dietary supplements and medicines at different times to minimize the risk of interaction in the intestine.
- Carefully follow your condition and when any side effects appear immediately see a doctor.
- Be especially careful when taking dietary supplements if you have chronic diseases or you take several drugs.
- Avoid receiving dietary supplements before surgery or other medical procedures.
- Remember that dietary supplements are not medicines, and they cannot replace medicinal treatment.
X. Information for pregnant and lactating women
Pregnant and nursing women should be especially careful when taking dietary supplements, since many of them can be dangerous for the fetus or child. Before taking any dietary supplements, it is necessary to consult a doctor.
XI. Legislative regulation of dietary supplements: safety and quality guarantee?
Legislative regulation of dietary supplements differs in different countries. In some countries, dietary supplements are regulated as food products, and in others as drugs. In Russia, dietary supplements are regulated by the Federal Law “On the sanitary and epidemiological well-being of the population” and other regulatory acts. However, control over the quality and safety of dietary supplements is often insufficient, which creates a risk to consumers. It is important to choose dietary supplements from trusted manufacturers with a good reputation and providing complete information about the composition and safety of products.
XII. A critical view of the advertisements of dietary supplements: the separation of truth from fiction
Advertising of dietary supplements often promises miraculous effects that are not confirmed by scientific research. It is important to treat the dietary supplements critically and not succumb to promises of quick and easy cure for diseases. Before buying a dietary supplement, you need to consult a doctor and carefully study the product information.
XIII. Prospects for research in the field of interaction between dietary supplements and drugs
Further studies are needed for a more complete understanding of the interaction of dietary supplements and drugs. These studies should be aimed at identifying specific interactions, assessing their clinical significance and developing recommendations on the safe joint use of dietary supplements and drugs.
XIV. Alternative approaches to maintaining health: Focus for a healthy lifestyle
Instead of relying on dietary supplements, it is better to focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which includes a balanced diet, regular physical exercises, the rejection of smoking and alcohol abuse, a sufficient sleep and stress management. A healthy lifestyle is the basis of good health and good health.
XV. Legal protection of dietary supplements: where to go in case of problems?
In the event of problems related to the quality or safety of dietary supplements, consumers have the right to contact the following organizations:
- Rospootrebnadzor: It supervises compliance with sanitary and epidemiological requirements for dietary supplements.
- Roszdravnadzor: It monitors the quality and safety of medicines, including dietary supplements registered as drugs.
- Consumer Protection Society: Provide assistance to consumers in protecting their rights.
When applying to these organizations, it is necessary to provide documents confirming the fact of the acquisition of dietary supplements (check, receipt), as well as information about the problems that have arisen.
XVI. Conclusion (lowered according to the assignment)
XVII. List of literature (omitted according to the assignment)
XVIII. Appendix (lowered according to the assignment)