Side effects from dietary supplements: what is it worth being afraid?

Side effects from dietary supplements: what is it worth being afraid?

I. What are dietary supplements and why are they popular?

1. Definition and classification of dietary supplements:

   • Biologically active additives (dietary supplements) are concentrates of natural or identical to natural biologically active substances, designed for direct intake or introduction into food products in order to enrich the ration with individual food or biologically active substances and their complexes.
   • Classification of dietary supplements in composition:
     • Nutricevtiki: Sources of indispensable food substances (vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, dietary fiber). Examples: vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, magnesium.
     • Parafarmetzetics: Means that have a regulatory effect on various organs and systems of the body. Examples: echinacea, ginseng, eleutherococcus, probiotics.
     • Probiotics and prebiotics: Substances supporting a healthy intestinal microflora. Examples: lactobacteria, bifidobacteria, inulin, fruitoligosaccharides.
     • Other specialized additives: Antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium), enzymes, beekeeping products (propolis, royal milk).

2. Causes of the popularity of dietary supplements:

   • Self -medication and prevention: The desire to maintain health and prevent diseases without a doctor. People often use dietary supplements to solve problems, such as fatigue, reducing immunity, sleep disturbances, digestive problems.
   • Wide accessibility: Bad can be purchased in pharmacies, healthy food stores, online stores, often without a doctor’s prescription.
   • Aggressive marketing: Bad manufacturers are actively promoting their products, promising a quick and effective solution to health problems. Conductive marketing strategies are often used, including celebrities reviews and statements about “scientific breakthroughs”.
   • Conviction in “naturalness”: Many consumers consider dietary supplements safer than drugs, due to their “natural” origin. However, “naturalness” does not always guarantee safety and effectiveness.
   • Lack of time for a healthy lifestyle: The modern rhythm of life often does not allow to devote enough time to proper nutrition and physical activity. Bades are perceived as a “quick solution” to compensate for the shortcomings.
   • Information in the media and the Internet: The dissemination of information on the benefits of vitamins, minerals and other biologically active substances in the media and the Internet helps to increase the demand for dietary supplements.

3. Regulation of dietary supplements in Russia and other countries:

   • Russian legislation: Bades in Russia are regulated by the Federal Law of January 2, 2000 No. 29-ФЗ “On the quality and safety of food products” and other regulatory acts. The state registration of dietary supplements is mandatory, which confirms their safety for human health. Control over the production and turnover of dietary supplements is carried out by Rospotrebnadzor.
   • Differences from drugs: Bades do not pass the clinical trials necessary for the registration of drugs. Evidence of the effectiveness of dietary supplements is often limited, and manufacturers are responsible for their quality and safety.
   • International standards: In different countries, there are different dietary supplement regulation systems. In the United States, dietary supplements are regulated by the sanitary supervision of the quality of food and medicines (FDA) as food products, and not as medicines. The European Union contains general safety rules for food, but individual countries can have their own rules for dietary supplements.

II. Potential side effects of dietary supplements:

1. General side effects:

   • Digestive disorders: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain. Often arise when taking dietary supplements containing large doses of vitamins, minerals or dietary fibers.
   • Allergic reactions: Skin rash, itching, urticaria, Quincke’s edema, anaphylactic shock. Allergies can be caused by any component of dietary supplements, including plant extracts, dyes, flavors and preservatives.
   • Headache and dizziness: Can be caused by changes in blood pressure, disorders of the water-electrolyte balance or the direct effect of dietary supplement on the nervous system.
   • Sleep disorders: Some dietary supplements containing caffeine or other stimulants can cause insomnia or other sleep disturbances.
   • Interaction with drugs: Bades can affect the effect of drugs, enhancing or weakening their effect. This can lead to serious side effects.

2. Specific side effects depending on the composition of the dietary supplement:

   • Vitamins:
     • Vitamin A: An overdose can cause nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, hair loss, liver damage, congenital defects in the fetus.
     • Vitamin D: An overdose can cause hypercalcemia, nausea, vomiting, weakness, impaired renal function.
     • Vitamin E: An overdose can increase the risk of bleeding, especially in people taking anticoagulants.
     • Vitamin C: An overdose can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, and the formation of kidney stones.
     • B vitamins: An overdose of some vitamins of group B (for example, vitamin B6) can cause neurological disorders.
   • Minerals:
     • Iron: An overdose can cause constipation, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, liver damage, hemochromatosis.
     • Calcium: An overdose can cause hypercalcemia, constipation, and the formation of kidney stones.
     • Magnesium: An overdose can cause diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, reduction of blood pressure.
     • Zinc: An overdose can cause nausea, vomiting, reducing immunity, violation of copper assimilation.
     • Selenium: An overdose can cause hair loss, nail damage, and neurological disorders.
   • Plant extracts:
     • SOUTINATEA: It can cause allergic reactions, abdominal pain, nausea.
     • Ginseng: It can cause insomnia, nervousness, an increase in blood pressure.
     • Ginkgo biloba: The risk of bleeding can increase, especially in people taking anticoagulants.
     • St. John’s wort: It can interact with many drugs, reducing their effectiveness or enhancing their side effects.
     • Milk thistle: It can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, allergic reactions.
   • Probiotics:
     • Gas formation and bloating: The most common side effects, especially at the beginning of the reception.
     • Dysbiosis: In rare cases, with improper selection of probiotics, the balance of intestinal microflora may be disturbed.
     • Infections: In people with weakened immunity, probiotics can cause infections.
   • Omega-3 fatty acids:
     • Fish taste and belching: Frequent side effect, especially when taking large doses.
     • Diarrhea: It may occur when taking large doses.
     • Increased risk of bleeding: Omega-3 fatty acids can dilute blood, so they should be caused with caution to people taking anticoagulants.

3. Interaction of dietary supplements with drugs:

   • Anticoagulants (warfarin, aspirin): Bades containing vitamin E, ginkgo biloba, omega-3 fatty acids can enhance the effect of anticoagulants and increase the risk of bleeding.
   • Antidepressants: St. John’s wort can reduce the effectiveness of antidepressants.
   • Contraceptives: St. John’s wort can reduce the effectiveness of contraceptives.
   • Medicines for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases: Some dietary supplements can interact with medicines for the treatment of heart failure, arrhythmia and hypertension.
   • Medicines for the treatment of diabetes: Some dietary supplements can affect blood sugar and interact with drugs for the treatment of diabetes.
   • Immunocationthretarite: Echinacea can enhance the action of immunosuppressants.
   • Chemotherapy: Some dietary supplements can reduce the effectiveness of chemotherapy.

4. Special risk groups:

   • Pregnant and lactating women: Many dietary supplements are contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as they can have a negative effect on the development of the fetus or health of the child.
   • Children: Children are not recommended to take dietary supplements without consulting a doctor. Some dietary supplements can be dangerous for children.
   • Elderly people: Older people are more sensitive to side effects of dietary supplements, especially in the presence of chronic diseases and taking several drugs.
   • People with chronic diseases: People with chronic diseases (for example, diseases of the liver, kidneys, heart, diabetes) should take dietary supplements with particular caution and be sure to consult a doctor.
   • People preparing for the operation: Some dietary supplements can increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery.

III. How to minimize risks when taking dietary supplements:

1. Consultation with a doctor: Be sure to consult a doctor before taking any dietary supplements, especially if you have chronic diseases or you take medications. The doctor will help you determine if you need dietary supplements, and choose the most suitable product.
2. Choosing a quality product:
   • Choose dietary supplements from well -known and trusted manufacturers: Avoid buying dietary supplements from unknown manufacturers, especially on the Internet.
   • Pay attention to quality certificates: Check if Bad has quality certificates (for example, GMP).
   • Read the composition: Carefully study the composition of the dietary supplement and make sure that it does not contain the ingredients for which you are allergic or intolerance.
   • Check the expiration date: Do not use dietary supplements with an expired shelf life.
3. Correct dosage:
   • Strictly follow the recommended dosage: Do not exceed the recommended dosage indicated on the packaging.
   • Start with small doses: If you first take dietary supplements, start with small doses to check your tolerance.
4. Observation of the reaction of the body:
   • Carefully follow your well -being: When any side effects appear, stop taking dietary supplements and consult a doctor.
   • Write down all the ongoing dietary supplements and medicines: Take a list of all bates and medicines taken to inform the doctor if necessary.
5. Avoid simultaneous reception of several dietary supplements: Simultaneous intake of several dietary supplements can increase the risk of side effects and interaction between them.
6. Informing doctors and pharmacists: Inform doctors and pharmacists about all the dietary supplements that you take so that they can take this into account when prescribing drugs.
7. Critical attitude to advertising: Do not trust blindly advertising of dietary supplements. Be critical to statements about the miraculous properties of dietary supplements.
8. Remember that dietary supplements are not medicines: Bades are not intended for the treatment of diseases. If you have health problems, consult a doctor.
9. Improving lifestyle: Bades will not replace a healthy lifestyle. Proper nutrition, physical activity, healthy sleep and rejection of bad habits are the basis of your health. Bades can be useful as an addition to a healthy lifestyle, but should not be its replacement.
10. Conscious choice: Before starting a dietary supplement, weigh the pros and cons. Think about whether you really need this dietary supplement, or you can solve your health problems in other ways.

IV. The most common myths about dietary supplements:

1. Myth: Bades are absolutely safe products.
   • Reality: Bades can cause side effects and interact with drugs. “Naturalness” does not guarantee security.
2. Myth: dietary supplements can replace medicines.
   • Reality: Bades are not intended for the treatment of diseases. They can be useful as an addition to treatment prescribed by a doctor, but should not replace the medicine.
3. Myth: If dietary supplements are sold in a pharmacy, it is necessarily safe and effective.
   • Reality: Bad sale in a pharmacy does not guarantee its safety and effectiveness. Pharmacies are liable only for compliance with the conditions of storage and sale of dietary supplements, but not for their quality and efficiency.
4. Myth: The larger the dose of vitamins, the better.
   • Reality: An overdose of vitamins can be dangerous to health. Follow the recommended dosage.
5. Myth: All plant drugs are safe.
   • Reality: Many plant drugs can cause side effects and interact with drugs.
6. Myth: Reviews on the Internet are a reliable source of information about dietary supplements.
   • Reality: Reviews on the Internet can be inaccurate and biased. Do not trust blindly reviews on the Internet.

V. Alternative approaches to health improvement:

1. Balanced nutrition:
   • The use of a variety of products: Include fruits, vegetables, cereals, proteins and healthy fats in your diet.
   • Restriction of consumption of processed products: Avoid the use of fast food, sweet drinks and other processed products.
   • Consumption of a sufficient amount of water: Drink enough water during the day.
2. Regular physical activity:
   • The choice of a suitable type of activity: Find the type of activity that you like and do it regularly.
   • Physical activity recommendations: Strive by 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of intensive physical activity per week.
3. Healthy sleep:
   • Compliance with sleep mode: Try to go to bed and get up at the same time every day.
   • Creating a comfortable sleeping environment: Provide silence, darkness and coolness in the bedroom.
   • Avoiding the use of caffeine and alcohol before bedtime: Caffeine and alcohol can disrupt sleep.
4. Stress management:
   • Relaxation techniques: Use relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga or breathing exercises.
   • Conducting time in nature: The time spent in nature helps to reduce stress.
   • Maintaining social ties: Communication with friends and family helps to cope with stress.
5. Regular medical examinations:
   • Preventive examinations: Pass regular preventive examinations at the doctor to identify health problems in the early stages.
   • Timely seeking a doctor in the event of health problems: Do not self-medicate, consult a doctor when there is any health problems.

VI. Conclusion (not to be included in the article, but to mean):

It is important to approach the reception of dietary supplements consciously and responsibly. Consultation with a doctor, choosing a quality product, compliance with dosage and monitoring the body’s reaction will help minimize risks and get maximum benefit from dietary supplements. Remember that dietary supplements are not a panacea, but only an addition to a healthy lifestyle.