Bades: the risk of allergies and incompatibility with drugs

Bades: the risk of allergies and incompatibility with drugs

Section 1: What is dietary supplements and why are they popular?

Biologically active additives (dietary supplements) are concentrates of natural or identical to natural biologically active substances, designed for direct intake with food or introduction into food products. They are not drugs, although they can influence the physiological functions of the body. They are produced in various forms: tablets, capsules, powders, solutions, extracts, etc.

The popularity of dietary supplements is due to several factors:

• The desire for a healthy lifestyle: People are increasingly aware of the importance of proper nutrition and physical activity to maintain health. Dietary supplements are positioned as a way to replenish the deficiency of nutrients and support the body in a modern life characterized by high load and stress.
• Self -medication and alternative medicine: Bades are often considered as an alternative to traditional drugs, especially in cases of mild ailments or for the prevention of diseases. Some people prefer to use dietary supplements, fearing the side effects of drugs.
• Accessibility and advertising: Bades are widely available in pharmacies, healthy food stores and online. An aggressive marketing campaign often emphasizes the potential benefits of taking dietary supplements, not always confirmed by scientific research.
• Lack of time for a balanced diet: In the modern rhythm of life, it is difficult for many people to provide the body with all the necessary nutrients only at the expense of the diet. Bades are perceived as a quick and convenient way to replenish the deficit.
• Placebo effect: Faith in the positive effect of Bad can have a real psychological effect, even if the product itself does not have pronounced physiological properties.

Section 2: The composition of dietary supplements: from vitamins to exotic herbs

The composition of the dietary supplement can be extremely diverse and include:

• Vitamins: (A, B, C, D, E, K, etc.) are used to replenish the deficiency of vitamins, maintain immunity, normalize metabolism and other functions.
• Minerals: (calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, selenium, etc.) are necessary for bones, teeth, hematopoiesis, nervous system and other processes.
• Amino acids: (lysine, methionine, tripophanes, etc.) Construction blocks of proteins that are important for growth, restoration of tissues and synthesis of enzymes.
• Plant extracts: (ginseng, echinacea, ginkgo biloba, milk thistle, etc.) are used thanks to their alleged antioxidant, immunomodulating, anti -inflammatory and other properties.
• Probiotics and prebiotics: Useful bacteria and substances that contribute to their growth in the intestines to maintain the health of the digestive system.
• Fatty acids: (Omega-3, Omega-6) are important for the health of the heart, brain and blood vessels.
• Enzymes: (amylase, lipase, protease) improve digestion and absorption of nutrients.
• Food fibers: (fiber, pectin) contribute to the normalization of the intestines, a decrease in cholesterol and blood sugar.
• Other biologically active substances: (Coenzyme Q10, Carnitine, Chondroitin, Glucosamine, etc.) are designed to maintain energy, joint health and other functions.

It is important to note that the composition of dietary supplements can vary significantly depending on the manufacturer and the purpose of the product. Some dietary supplements contain only a few ingredients, while others are complex mixtures with dozens of components.

Section 3: Bad regulation: What is the difference with medicines?

The regulation of dietary supplements is significantly different from the regulation of drugs. In most countries, including Russia, dietary supplements do not go through strict clinical trials as medicines. This means that their effectiveness and safety are not always confirmed by convincing scientific data.

• Medicines: Subject to mandatory registration and control by regulatory authorities. To obtain permission to sell the drug, it is necessary to provide evidence of its effectiveness and safety obtained during clinical trials. Medicine manufacturers are required to indicate the full composition of the drug, dosage, indications, contraindications and possible side effects.
• Bad: They are subject to state registration, but this process is less strict than for drugs. For registration of dietary supplements, it is enough to provide the manufacturer to provide documents confirming its compliance with safety requirements and hygienic standards. Evidence of dietary supplements is usually not required. Information on the Bad packaging should include the composition, method of use and dosage, but it can be less detailed than for drugs.

The lack of strict requirements for the effectiveness and safety of dietary supplements creates risks for consumers. Unscrupulous manufacturers can declare the non -existent properties of dietary supplements or use poor -quality raw materials. In some cases, dietary supplements may contain ingredients not indicated on the packaging, or exceed the permissible concentrations.

Section 4: Allergic reactions to dietary supplements: common allergens and symptoms

Allergic reactions to dietary supplements are not rare. They can be caused by various components that are part of the Bad, including plant extracts, vitamins, minerals, dyes, preservatives and other additives.

Common allergens in dietary supplements:

• Plant components: Echinacea, chamomile, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, aloe vera, propolis, pollen of plants.
• Beekeeping products: Honey, royal jelly, bee wax.
• Fish and seafood: Omega-3 fatty acids, chondroitin and glucosamine (obtained from cartilage of marine animals).
• Dairy products: Lactose, casein.
• Soy: Soy lecithin, soy protein.
• Gluten: In some dietary supplements as a filler.
• Yeast: Beer yeast.
• Dyes and preservatives: Tartrazine (E102), benzoats, sorbatts.

Symptoms of allergies to dietary supplements:

Symptoms of an allergic reaction can vary from lungs to severe and include:

• Skin manifestations:
  • Urticaria (itchy blisters).
  • Eczema (skin inflammation, accompanied by itching and redness).
  • Quincke’s edema (facial edema, lips, tongue, larynx).
  • Itching of the skin.
  • Rash.
• Respiratory symptoms:
  • Runny nose.
  • Nasal congestion.
  • Sneezing.
  • Cough.
  • Dyspnea.
  • Bronchospasm (narrowing of the respiratory tract).
• Gastrointestinal symptoms:
  • Nausea.
  • Vomit.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Stomach ache.
• General symptoms:
  • Weakness.
  • Dizziness.
  • Headache.
  • Anaphylactic shock (severe allergic reaction requiring immediate medical care).

Important! If any symptoms of allergies appear after taking a dietary supplement, it is necessary to stop taking it and consult a doctor.

Diagnosis of allergies to dietary supplements:

The diagnosis of allergies to dietary supplements can be difficult, since the composition of the dietary supplement is often not fully known, and any component can cause an allergic reaction.

• Anamnesis: The doctor collects information about the symptoms, the time of their appearance, the dietary supplements and other drugs, as well as the presence of an allergy in the anamnesis.
• Skin tests: (SKO-test, Scaring test). Small amounts of allergens are applied to the skin, and the skin reaction is estimated.
• Blood test for specific IgE antibodies: Determines the presence of antibodies to certain allergens in the blood.
• Elimination diet: The exclusion from the diet of the suspect dietary supplement and monitoring the disappearance of symptoms.
• Provocative tests: The introduction of an allergen suspect under the supervision of a doctor and monitoring the reaction of the body. (Are rarely carried out and only in a hospital).

Section 5: Interaction of dietary supplements and drugs: Dangerous combinations

The interaction of dietary supplements and drugs is a serious problem, since it can lead to a decrease in the effectiveness of the medicine, strengthen its side effects or the development of new undesirable reactions. Many people do not inform their doctors about the admission of dietary supplements, which makes it difficult to identify potential interactions.

Mechanisms for the interaction of dietary supplements and drugs:

• Pharmacokinetic interaction: The effect of dietary supplement on absorption, distribution, metabolism or excretion of the drug.
  • Influence on absorption: Some dietary supplements can reduce or increase the absorption of drugs in the intestines. For example, iron preparations can reduce the absorption of tetracycline antibiotics.
  • Influence on metabolism: Some dietary supplements can affect the activity of enzymes involved in the metabolism of drugs in the liver. For example, St. John’s wort can enhance the activity of the CYP3A4 enzyme, accelerating the metabolism of many drugs such as warfarin, digoxin and oral contraceptives, and reducing their effectiveness.
  • Influence on excretion: Some dietary supplements can affect the removal of medicines by kidneys. For example, cranberry juice can increase the excretion of some drugs by changing pH urine.
• Pharmacodynamic interaction: The effect of dietary supplement on the effect of the drug at the level of receptors, enzymes or other mechanisms.
  • Synergism: The joint effect of dietary supplements and medicines can enhance each other’s effect, which can be useful, but also dangerous if it leads to an overdose or increased side effects. For example, the simultaneous intake of ginkgo bilobe and anticoagulants (warfarin, aspirin) can increase the risk of bleeding.
  • Antagonism: Bad can block or weaken the effect of the medicine. For example, vitamin K can reduce the effectiveness of anticoagulants (warfarin).

Examples of dangerous combinations of dietary supplements and medicines:

• St. John’s wort and antidepressants (SIOS): St. John’s wort can enhance the effect of antidepressants, which can lead to the development of serotonin syndrome (agitation, tremor, increase in body temperature, sweating, impaired coordination).
• St. John’s wort and warfarin: St. John’s wort accelerates the metabolism of warfarin, reducing its effectiveness and increasing the risk of blood clots.
• Ginkgo Biloba and Antiques (Warfarin, Aspirin): Ginkgo bilobe has anticoagulant properties and can enhance the effect of anticoagulants, increasing the risk of bleeding.
• Echinacea and immunosuppressants: Echinacea can stimulate the immune system and reduce the effectiveness of immunosuppressants used after organs transplantation.
• Coenzym Q10 and Warfarin: Coenzyme Q10 can reduce the effectiveness of warfarin.
• Red yeast rice and statins: Red yeast rice contains Monacoline K, which is a natural statin. Simultaneous intake of red yeast rice and statins can increase the risk of side effects of statins, such as muscle damage (myopathy).
• Iron and levotiroxin preparations: Iron preparations can reduce the absorption of levotiroxin, thyroid hormone.
• Calcium and tetracycline antibiotics: Calcium can reduce the absorption of tetracycline antibiotics.
• Vitamin K and Warfarin: Vitamin K reduces the effectiveness of warfarin.
• Grapefruit juice and many drugs: Grapefruit juice can inhibit the CYP3A4 enzyme in the intestines, which can lead to an increase in the concentration of some drugs in the blood and increased side effects. This applies to statins, calcium channels, immunosuppressants and other drugs.

Section 6: Risk of Dietary Bank contamination: heavy metals, pesticides and other impurities

The risk of contamination of dietary supplements is a serious problem, especially for dietary supplements containing plant components. Contamination can occur at various stages of production, from growing raw materials to packing the finished product.

The main types of contaminants of dietary supplements:

• Heavy metals: Lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic. Heavy metals can enter plants from soil, water or air. Long -term exposure to heavy metals can lead to various diseases, including damage to the nervous system, kidneys and bones.
• Pesticides: Insecticides, herbicides, fungicides. Pesticides are used to protect plants from pests and diseases. The remains of pesticides can remain in plants and get into dietary supplements. Long -term exposure to pesticides can lead to various diseases, including cancer, impaired reproductive function and damage to the nervous system.
• Microorganisms: Bacteria, fungi, viruses. Microorganisms can fall into dietary supplements from polluted raw materials or in the production process. Some microorganisms can cause infections and poisoning.
• Radioactive substances: Radioactive isotopes can fall into plants from contaminated soil or water.
• Falsification of drugs: Unscrupulous manufacturers can add drugs to dietary supplements to enhance their effect. This can be especially dangerous if the consumer does not know about the presence of the drug in the Bad and takes it simultaneously with other drugs.
• Other impurities: Plastic, glass, other extraneous substances.

Causes of contamination of dietary supplements:

• Poor raw materials: The use of contaminated raw materials grown in environmentally dysfunctional areas or using prohibited pesticides.
• Violation of the technological process: Non -compliance with sanitary norms and hygiene rules in the production process.
• Lack of proper quality control: Insufficient control over the quality of raw materials and finished products.
• Falsification: Deliberate adding prohibited substances to dietary supplements or replacing expensive ingredients with cheaper ones.

Risks associated with contamination of dietary supplements:

• Poisoning: Contaminated dietary supplements can cause poisoning with various symptoms, depending on the type of contaminant and its quantity.
• Chronic diseases: Long -term exposure to low doses of contaminants can lead to the development of chronic diseases.
• Allergic reactions: Some contaminants can cause allergic reactions.
• Interaction with drugs: Contaminants can interact with drugs by changing their effectiveness or increasing their side effects.

How to reduce the risk of contamination of dietary supplements:

• Choose dietary supplements from trusted manufacturers: Give preference to manufacturers with a good reputation and quality certificates.
• Study the composition of the dietary supplement: Pay attention to the composition of the Bad and avoid products containing suspicious ingredients.
• Take a doctor before the dietary supplement: Consult a doctor before starting a dietary supplement, especially if you have any diseases or take medications.
• Inform the doctor about the admission of dietary supplements: Inform the doctor about all the dietary supplements so that he can take them into account when prescribing drugs.
• Report side effects: If any side effects appear after taking the dietary supplement, it is necessary to stop taking it and inform the doctor about it.

Section 7: Special risk groups: who should be especially careful with dietary supplements

Some groups of people should be especially careful with the intake of dietary supplements due to increased risk of side effects and interactions with drugs.

• Pregnant and lactating women: Many dietary supplements were not studied for safety for pregnant and lactating women. Some dietary supplements can be toxic for the fetus or child.
• Children: The children’s organism is more susceptible to the effects of various substances, therefore, taking dietary supplements in children should be especially careful and only as prescribed by a doctor.
• Elderly people: In older people, a decrease in the function of the liver and kidneys is often observed, which can lead to a slowdown in metabolism and the removal of drugs and dietary supplements. In addition, older people often take several drugs at the same time, which increases the risk of interactions.
• People with chronic diseases: In people with chronic diseases such as liver, kidney, heart, diabetes mellitus, risk of developing side effects from dietary supplements and drug interactions increases.
• People preparing for the operation: Some dietary supplements, such as ginkgo biloba, ginseng and vitamin E, can increase the risk of bleeding, so their intake should be stopped a few weeks before surgery.
• People with allergies: People with allergies should be especially careful with the use of dietary supplements containing plant components or other potential allergens.

Recommendations for risk groups:

• Consult a doctor before taking any dietary supplements.
• To inform the doctor about all the medications and dietary supplements.
• Carefully study the composition of dietary supplements and avoid products containing ingredients that you have allergies.
• Start taking a dose with a small dose and gradually increase it if there are no side effects.
• Stop taking dietary supplements when any side effects appear.
• Choose dietary supplements from trusted manufacturers with a good reputation and quality certificates.
• Avoid taking dietary supplements if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy.
• Do not give dietary supplements to children without a doctor’s prescription.

Section 8: Tips for safe reception of dietary supplements: how to minimize risks

Safe intake of dietary supplements requires a conscious approach and compliance with several simple rules.

1. Consult a doctor or pharmacist: Before you start taking any dietary supplement, especially if you already take medicines or have any diseases, be sure to consult a doctor or pharmacist. They can evaluate your individual risks and recommend the most suitable product, as well as warn about possible interactions with drugs.
2. Carefully study the composition of the product: Carefully read the information on the Bad package and make sure that you understand all the ingredients that are part of it. If you have an allergy to any substances, avoid taking dietary supplements containing these substances.
3. Choose reliable manufacturers: Give preference to dietary supplements from well -known and trusted manufacturers who have a good reputation and quality certificates. Avoid buying darts from dubious sellers or on the Internet without preliminary verification.
4. Follow the recommended dosage: Do not exceed the recommended dosage indicated on the Bad package. Large doses do not always mean the best effect, but can increase the risk of side effects.
5. Pay attention to warnings and contraindications: Carefully read the warnings and contraindications indicated on the package of Bad. Some dietary supplements can be contraindicated in certain diseases or conditions.
6. Report the doctor about all the dietary supplements: Inform your doctor about all the dietary supplements that you take, especially if you are prescribed any medicines. This will help the doctor evaluate possible interactions and avoid undesirable consequences.
7. Pay attention to side effects: Carefully monitor your well -being during a dietary supplement and pay attention to any unusual symptoms or side effects. If you notice any undesirable reactions, stop taking the dietary supplement and consult a doctor.
8. Do not replace dietary supplements with full food: Bades should not replace full and balanced diet. They can be useful to replenish the deficiency of certain nutrients, but cannot replace all the necessary vitamins, minerals and other beneficial substances contained in food.
9. Keep dietary supplements in no way for children: Bades must be stored in an inaccessible place for children to avoid accidental reception.
10. Be realistic about expectations: Do not expect miraculous healing or instant improvement of health from dietary supplements. Most dietary supplements have a mild and gradual effect on the body.

Compliance with these simple rules will help you minimize the risks and get the maximum benefit from the reception of dietary supplements.

Section 9: Prospects for research and regulation of dietary supplements: What awaits us in the future?

Prospects for research and regulation of dietary supplements remain an important topic for discussion. It is necessary to increase the level of scientific research in order to get more evidence about the effectiveness and safety of dietary supplements.

• More stringent registration and control requirements: It is necessary to tighten the requirements for registration and control of dietary supplements in order to ensure consumer safety and prevent the market for poor -quality and falsified products.
• Strengthening the responsibility of manufacturers: It is necessary to strengthen the responsibility of dietary supplement manufacturers for the quality of their products and for the reliability of the information provided to consumers.
• Wider consumer informing: It is necessary to ensure a wider informing of consumers about risks and advantages of receiving dietary supplements, as well as about the rules of safe use.
• Conducting clinical research: It is necessary to conduct more clinical studies to assess the effectiveness and safety of dietary supplements, as well as to identify possible interactions with drugs.
• Development of clear effectiveness criteria: It is necessary to develop clear criteria for the effectiveness of dietary supplements so that consumers can make a conscious decision on the need to receive them.
• International cooperation: It is necessary to develop international cooperation in the field of dietary supplement regulation in order to harmonize requirements and standards and prevent cross -border trade in poor -quality products.
• Using modern technologies: It is necessary to use modern technologies, such as genomics, proteomics and metabolomics, to study the mechanisms of the action of dietary supplements and identify potential risks.
• Development of personalized nutrition: It is necessary to develop personalized nutrition in order to develop individual recommendations for taking dietary supplements, taking into account the genetic characteristics, health status and lifestyle of each person.

In conclusion, dietary supplements can be useful to maintain health, but their reception requires a conscious approach and compliance with safety rules. Consult a doctor, choose reliable manufacturers, study the composition of the product and follow your well -being. Only in this case you can minimize risks and get the maximum benefit from the reception of dietary supplements.