Bades: risks and side effects

Bades: risks and side effects

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

Biologically active additives (dietary supplements) are concentrates of natural or identical biologically active substances, designed for direct intake with food or introduction into food products. They are not drugs and are not intended for the treatment of any diseases. Their goal is to fill the deficiency of micro- and macroelements, vitamins, amino acids, dietary fibers and other necessary substances in the diet, as well as have a general strengthening effect on the body.

The popularity of dietary supplements is growing from year to year, and this is facilitated by a number of factors:

• Perception as a natural alternative to drugs: Many consumers consider dietary supplements more safe and natural than drugs, perceiving them as food additives, and not as medicines with potential side effects. The emphasis is on plant origin, vitamins and minerals, which creates the illusion of security.
• Wide accessibility: Bad can be purchased in pharmacies, healthy food stores, online stores and even supermarkets. This makes them easily accessible for a wide range of consumers, without requiring a prescription or consultation of a doctor.
• Aggressive marketing: Dietary supplement manufacturers often use aggressive marketing strategies, promising incredible results, such as rapid weight loss, increasing immunity, improving memory and concentration, slowing down aging, and even treatment of chronic diseases. These promises are often exaggerated and do not have a sufficient scientific base. Success stories, celebrity reviews and other belief methods are used.
• Self -medication: Many people resort to dietary supplements in an attempt to independently solve health problems without addressing a doctor. This can be dangerous, since dietary supplements can mask the symptoms of serious diseases or interact with medicines, a worsening state of health.
• Information about deficits: Increased population is growing about the need to replenish the deficiency of vitamins and minerals, especially in the conditions of a modern lifestyle with processed products and an increased level of stress. Bades are presented as a simple and convenient solution to this problem.
• The influence of fashion and trends: A healthy lifestyle is becoming more and more popular, and dietary supplements are perceived as an integral part of this image. Many people accept dietary supplements, following fashion trends and advice from bloggers and influons on social networks.
• Distrust of traditional medicine: Some people are distrusting traditional medicine and are looking for alternative treatment methods, including with the help of dietary supplements. This may be due to the negative experience of treatment, fear of side effects of drugs or faith in the healing properties of natural products.

II. The risks associated with the reception of dietary supplements.

Despite the wide popularity and perception as safe additives, the intake of dietary supplements is associated with a number of risks that you need to know:

1. Insufficient quality control and safety:

   • Lack of strict regulation: Unlike drugs, dietary supplements are not subjected to the same strict control by regulatory authorities. Manufacturers are not required to conduct large -scale clinical trials to confirm the efficiency and safety of their products.
   • Possibility of falsification: The dietary supplement market is subject to falsification. As part of the additives, the ingredients that are not indicated on the label, including drugs, prohibited substances or pollutants, can be found. This can lead to serious side effects and poisoning.
   • Inconsistency with the declared composition: The content of active substances in dietary supplements may not correspond to the label indicated. This may be due to the use of poor -quality raw materials, a violation of production technology or intentional falsification. As a result, the consumer may not get the desired effect or, conversely, get an overdose of certain substances.
   • Heavy metals pollution: Some dietary supplements, especially those that contain plant components, can be contaminated with heavy metals, such as lead, cadmium and mercury. Long -term use of such additives can lead to the accumulation of these substances in the body and the development of chronic diseases.
   • Impurities of pesticides and other chemicals: Plant raw materials used to produce dietary supplements can be treated with pesticides and other chemicals. If the manufacturer does not carefully clean the raw materials, these substances can fall into the final product and pose a health hazard.

2. Side effects and interactions with drugs:

   • Unsceptional reactions: Since the composition of dietary supplements is often complicated and can contain various plant components, it is difficult to predict the body’s reaction to the reception of the additive. Some people may have allergic reactions, digestive disorders, headaches and other side effects.
   • Interaction with drugs: Bades can interact with drugs by changing their effectiveness or increasing side effects. For example, St. John’s wort, often used as an antidepressant, can reduce the effectiveness of contraceptive tablets and other drugs. Vitamin K can reduce the effectiveness of anticoagulants.
   • Strengthening the action of drugs: Some dietary supplements can enhance the effect of drugs, which can lead to an overdose and serious side effects. For example, taking dietary supplements containing gingko biloba, simultaneously with anticoagulants, can increase the risk of bleeding.
   • Reducing the effectiveness of drugs: Some dietary supplements can reduce the effectiveness of drugs, which can worsen the patient’s health. For example, taking dietary supplements containing calcium, simultaneously with antibiotics of a tetracycline series, can reduce their absorption and effectiveness.

3. The risk of an overdose:

   • Exceeding the recommended dose: Many people, trying to get a quick result, exceed the recommended dose of dietary supplements, not realizing that this can be dangerous to health. An overdose of vitamins and minerals can lead to serious side effects. For example, an overdose of vitamin A can cause nausea, vomiting, headache and liver damage.
   • Accumulative effect: Some vitamins and minerals, for example, vitamin A and iron, can accumulate in the body, which with prolonged administration of dietary supplements in high doses can lead to toxic effects.
   • Individual sensitivity: Individual sensitivity to various substances can vary greatly. The dose that is safe for one person can be toxic to another.

4. Masks of symptoms and a delay in seeing a doctor:

   • Self -medication of dangerous states: Many people use dietary supplements to treat serious diseases without seeing a doctor. This can lead to a postponement of the correct diagnosis and the beginning of adequate treatment, which can worsen the prognosis.
   • Reducing the severity of symptoms: Bades can temporarily reduce the severity of the symptoms of the disease, creating the illusion of improving the state of health. This can lead to the fact that a person will not go to the doctor on time, which can aggravate the disease.
   • Influence on the results of the tests: Some dietary supplements can affect the results of laboratory tests, making it difficult to make a correct diagnosis. For example, taking dietary supplements containing biotin can distort the results of tests for thyroid hormones.

5. Economic risks:

   • High cost: Bades are often expensive, and consumers can spend significant amounts of money on products that do not bring any benefit or even harm health.
   • Unjustified hopes: Marketing promises of dietary supplement manufacturers are often exaggerated, and consumers may be disappointed without getting the desired result.
   • Replacing the necessary treatment: Consumers can abandon the necessary treatment in favor of taking dietary supplements, which can lead to a deterioration in health and increase the costs of treatment in the future.

6. Risk for certain groups of the population:

   • Pregnant and lactating women: The intake of dietary supplements during pregnancy and breastfeeding should be especially careful, since many substances can have a negative effect on the development of the fetus or health of the child. Before taking any dietary supplements, pregnant and nursing women need to consult a doctor.
   • Children: The children’s organism is more sensitive to the effects of various substances, therefore, taking dietary supplements by children should be strictly controlled and prescribed only by a doctor. Some dietary supplements can be dangerous for children.
   • Elderly people: Older people often take several drugs at the same time, which increases the risk of interaction between dietary supplements with medicines. In addition, in the elderly, the function of the liver and kidneys is often reduced, which can slow down the elimination of substances from the body and increase the risk of side effects.
   • People with chronic diseases: People with chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, liver and kidneys, should be especially careful when taking dietary supplements, since they can interact with medicines or worsen the course of the disease.

III. Common side effects of dietary supplements.

Side effects from taking dietary supplements can vary depending on the composition of the additive, dose, individual sensitivity of the body and the presence of concomitant diseases. Some of the most common side effects include:

1. Digestive disorders:

   • Nausea and vomiting: Many dietary supplements, especially those that contain plant components, can cause nausea and vomiting. This may be due to the irritating effect on the mucous membrane of the stomach or intestines.
   • Diarrhea: Some dietary supplements, especially those that contain magnesium or dietary fiber, can cause diarrhea. This is due to an increase in intestinal motility and dilution of the chair.
   • Constipation: Some dietary supplements, especially those that contain iron or calcium, can cause constipation. This is due to the slowdown in the intestinal motility and sealing of the chair.
   • Bloating of the abdomen and gases: Some dietary supplements, especially those that contain dietary fiber or lactose, can cause bloating and gases. This is due to fermentation of carbohydrates in the intestines.
   • Stomach ache: Some dietary supplements can cause abdominal pain, which can be associated with irritation of the mucous membrane of the stomach or intestines, intestinal muscle spasms or other factors.

2. Allergic reactions:

   • Skin rash and itching: Many dietary supplements, especially those that contain plant components, can cause skin rash and itching. This is due to an allergic reaction to one or more additive ingredients.
   • Hives: Urticaria is a skin reaction characterized by the appearance of blisters, accompanied by itching. The urticaria can be caused by an allergic reaction to dietary supplements.
   • Quincke’s edema: Quincke’s edema is swelling of the skin and mucous membranes, which can lead to difficulty breathing. Quincke’s edema is a serious allergic reaction and requires immediate medical care.
   • Anaphylactic shock: Anaphylactic shock is a severe allergic reaction that can lead to death. Anaphylactic shock is characterized by a sharp drop in blood pressure, difficulty of breathing and loss of consciousness. Anaphylactic shock requires immediate medical care.

3. Impact on the nervous system:

   • Headache: Some dietary supplements can cause headache. This may be due to the vasodilating or vasoconstrictive effect of the additive, a change in blood pressure or other factors.
   • Dizziness: Some dietary supplements can cause dizziness. This may be due to a decrease in blood pressure, circulatory disorders in the brain or other factors.
   • Insomnia: Some dietary supplements, especially those that contain caffeine or other stimulants, can cause insomnia.
   • Anxiety and nervousness: Some dietary supplements, especially those that contain caffeine or other stimulants, can cause anxiety and nervousness.
   • Irritability: Some dietary supplements can cause irritability. This may be due to a violation of the hormonal balance, exposure to the nervous system or other factors.

4. Impact on the cardiovascular system:

   • Improving blood pressure: Some dietary supplements can increase blood pressure. This may be due to the vasoconstrictive effect of the additive, stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system or other factors.
   • Improving heart rate: Some dietary supplements can increase heart rate. This may be due to the stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system or other factors.
   • Arrhythmia: Some dietary supplements can cause arrhythmias (heart rhythm violation). This may be due to the impact on the electrical activity of the heart or other factors.

5. Impact on the liver and kidneys:

   • Improving the level of hepatic enzymes: Some dietary supplements can cause an increase in the level of liver enzymes in the blood, which may indicate damage to the liver.
   • Liver damage: In rare cases, dietary supplements can cause liver damage, which can manifest itself in the form of jaundice, pain in the right hypochondrium, nausea and vomiting.
   • Improving the level of creatinine: Some dietary supplements can cause an increase in the level of creatinine in the blood, which may indicate impaired renal function.
   • Kidney damage: In rare cases, dietary supplements can cause kidney damage, which can occur in the form of edema, changes in urine color and a decrease in the amount of urine.

6. Other side effects:

   • Muscle weakness: Some dietary supplements can cause muscle weakness.
   • Dry mouth: Some dietary supplements can cause dry mouth.
   • Change in taste: Some dietary supplements can cause a change in taste.
   • Hair loss: In rare cases, dietary supplements can cause hair loss.
   • Menstrual cycle violation: Some dietary supplements can cause menstrual cycle violation in women.
   • Impotence: In rare cases, dietary supplements can cause impotence in men.

IV. Examples of dietary supplements and their potential risks and side effects.

Consider the risks and side effects of specific, popular categories of dietary supplements.

1. Vitamins:

   • Vitamin A: An overdose of vitamin A can cause nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, visual impairment, dry skin, hair loss and liver damage. During pregnancy, high doses of vitamin A can lead to malformations of the fetus.
   • Vitamin D: An overdose of vitamin D can cause nausea, vomiting, constipation, weakness, loss of appetite, an increase in blood calcium and kidney damage.
   • Vitamin E: High doses of vitamin E can increase the risk of bleeding, especially in people taking anticoagulants.
   • Vitamin C: High doses of vitamin C can cause diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain and kidney stones.
   • B vitamins B: An overdose of group B vitamins can cause various side effects, depending on a specific vitamin. For example, an overdose of vitamin B3 (niacin) can cause redness of the skin, itching, nausea and damage to the liver.

2. Minerals:

   • Iron: An overdose of iron can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, constipation, liver damage and even death. Children are especially sensitive to the toxic effects of iron.
   • Calcium: High doses of calcium can cause constipation, nausea, abdominal pain, increasing blood calcium levels and kidney stones.
   • Magnesium: High doses of magnesium can cause diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain and decrease in blood pressure.
   • Zinc: High doses of zinc can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and a decrease in immunity.
   • Selenium: An overdose of selenium can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hair loss, fragility of nails and damage to the nervous system.

3. Plant dietary supplements:

   • St. John’s wort: St. John’s wort can interact with many drugs, including antidepressants, contraceptive tablets, anticoagulants and immunosuppressants, reducing their effectiveness or enhancing side effects. St. John’s wort can also cause photosensitization (increased skin sensitivity to sunlight).
   • SOUTINATEA: Echinacea can cause allergic reactions, nausea, abdominal pain and headache. People with autoimmune diseases should avoid taking echinacea.
   • Gingko Biloba: Gingko Biloba can increase the risk of bleeding, especially in people taking anticoagulants. Gingko Biloba can also cause headache, dizziness and digestive disorders.
   • Ginseng: Ginseng can cause insomnia, nervousness, headache, increased blood pressure and digestive disorder. Ginseng can interact with anticoagulants and antidepressants.
   • Garlic: Garlic can increase the risk of bleeding, especially in people taking anticoagulants. Garlic can also cause digestive disorders and unpleasant odor from the mouth.

4. Dietary diets for weight loss:

   • Sibutramin (prohibited substance): Some dietary supplements for weight loss contain sibutramin, which was prohibited in many countries due to serious side effects, such as increasing blood pressure, heart rate, insomnia, anxiety and stroke.
   • Orlistat: Orlistat is a drug that is sometimes used in dietary supplements for weight loss. Orlistat blocks the absorption of fats in the intestines, which can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain and fecal incontinence.
   • Caffeine and other stimulants: Many dietary supplements for weight loss contain caffeines and other stimulants that can cause insomnia, nervousness, anxiety, heart rate and increase blood pressure.
   • Laxatives: Some dietary supplements for weight loss contain laxatives, which can cause diarrhea, dehydration and violation of electrolyte balance.
   • Diuretics: Some dietary supplements for weight loss contain diuretics that can cause dehydration and violation of electrolyte balance.

5. Bad for athletes:

   • Creatine: Creatine can cause water retention in the body, which can lead to weight gain. Creatine can also cause digestive disorders and muscle cramps.
   • Protein supplements: Protein additives can cause digestive disorders, especially in people with lactose intolerance. High protein consumption can also have a negative effect on the renal function.
   • Amino acids: Some amino acids, such as BCAA, can interact with drugs and cause side effects.
   • Stimulants (for example, caffeine): Stimulants, often used in dietary supplements for athletes, can cause insomnia, nervousness, anxiety, increased heart rhythm and an increase in blood pressure. Some stimulants, such as DMAA, were banned in many countries due to serious side effects.

V. How to minimize risks when taking dietary supplements.

Although the risks associated with the reception of dietary supplements exist, they can be minimized by following several recommendations:

1. Consultation with a doctor:

   • Mandatory consultation: Before taking any dietary supplements, you need to consult a doctor. The doctor will be able to evaluate the state of health, identify possible contraindications and interactions with drugs, as well as determine the feasibility of taking a specific additive.
   • Information of the doctor: It is necessary to inform the doctor about all the drugs taken, including prescription, over -the -counter and plant agents, as well as about the dietary supplements that you plan to accept.
   • Following the doctor’s recommendations: It is necessary to strictly follow the recommendations of the doctor regarding the dosage and duration of dietary supplements.

2. The choice of reliable manufacturers and suppliers:

   • Reputation check: Before buying a dietary supplement, you need to check the reputation of the manufacturer and supplier. Choose companies that have a good reputation and meet quality standards.
   • Search for quality certificates: Look for quality certification signs on the Bad packaging, such as GMP (good manufacturing practice) or NSF International. These certificates indicate that the product is produced in accordance with established standards.
   • Buying in reliable places: Buy dietary supplements only in reliable places such as pharmacies, healthy food stores with a good reputation or official websites of manufacturers. Avoid buying dietary supplements from unverified sellers or on the Internet.

3. A careful study of the label:

   • Composition: Carefully study the composition of the dietary supplement indicated on the label. Make sure that there are no ingredients for which you are allergic or intolerance to.
   • Dosage: Pay attention to the recommended dosage and do not exceed it.
   • Warning and contraindications: Read all the warnings and contraindications indicated on the label. If you have any diseases or you take medications, make sure that dietary supplements are not contraindicated in your case.
   • Best before date: Make sure that dietary supplements have not expired.

4. Caution when taking new dietary supplements:

   • Start with a low dose: At the first administration of the new diet, start with a low dose and gradually increase it to evaluate the reaction of the body.
   • Careful observation of the condition: Carefully follow your health state after taking Bad. If you notice any side effects, stop taking and consult a doctor.

5. Information about side effects:

   • Side effects message: If you notice any side effects after taking Bad, inform your doctor and regulatory authorities. This will help to identify potentially dangerous products and protect other consumers.

6. A conscious approach to receiving dietary supplements:

   • Not replacing good nutrition: Bades should not replace full and balanced diet. They are only an addition to the diet and cannot compensate for the deficiency of nutrients caused by improper nutrition.
   • Realistic expectations: Do not expect wonderful results from dietary supplements. They can provide certain benefits for health, but are not a panacea from all diseases.
   • Healthy lifestyle: The best way to maintain health is a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular physical exercises, a sufficient sleep and rejection of bad habits.

VI. Regulation of dietary supplements in various countries.

The regulation of dietary supplements varies significantly in different countries. In some countries, such as the United States, dietary supplements are regulated as food, and not as drugs, which means that they are not subjected to the same strict control as medicines. In other countries, such as Canada and Australia, dietary supplements are regulated more strictly, and manufacturers should provide evidence of the effectiveness and safety of their products. In the European Union, the regulation of dietary supplements is carried out at the level of individual member countries, which leads to differences in quality requirements, safety and marking.

• USA: In the United States, dietary supplements are regulated by FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in accordance with the Law on Food Addles, Health and Education (Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act – DSHEA) from 1994. This law defines dietary supplements as food, not medicine, and does not require manufacturers of obtaining the approval of FDA before the production of products on the market. FDA can take measures against dietary supplements only if they pose a danger to health or contain false or misleading information.
• European Union: In the European Union, the regulation of dietary supplements is carried out at the level of individual member countries. However, there are a number of general rules regarding the safety and labeling of dietary supplements. The European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) evaluates the safety of food products, including dietary supplements, and gives the recommendations of the European Commission.
• Canada: In Canada, dietary supplements are regulated by the Canadian Ministry of Health in accordance with the rules regarding natural health products (NHPR). Bad manufacturers must receive a license to sell their products and provide evidence of efficiency and safety.
• Australia: In Australia, dietary supplements are regulated by Therapeutic Goods Administration – TGA in accordance with the Therapeutic Goods Act Law). Bad manufacturers must register their products and provide evidence of efficiency and safety.
• Russia: In Russia, dietary supplements are regulated by the Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Welfare (Rospotrebnadzor). Dad manufacturers must receive a certificate of state registration of products and provide security evidence.

VII. Future trends in the regulation and use of dietary supplements.

In the future, we can expect toughening the regulation of dietary supplements in many countries. This is due to growing concern about the safety and effectiveness of dietary supplements, as well as with an increase in the number of cases of side effects and interactions with drugs.

• More strict quality control: The regulatory authorities will pay more attention to quality control of dietary supplements in order to guarantee that they correspond to the declared composition and do not contain harmful impurities.
• Requirements for evidence of effectiveness: Dad manufacturers will be required to provide more convincing evidence of the effectiveness of their products based on the results of clinical tests.
• Improving marking: The marking of dietary supplements will become more understandable and informative so that consumers can make a conscious choice. The labels will indicate the full composition of the product, the recommended dosage, warning and contraindications.
• Expansion of consumer rights: Consumers will have more rights to receive information about dietary supplements and protection against unscrupulous advertising and marketing.
• Development of a personalized approach: In the future, a personalized approach to receiving dietary supplements, based on individual needs and characteristics of the body, will become possible. This will require additional research and the development of new technologies.
• Integration with traditional medicine: Bades can be integrated into complex treatment and prevention programs developed by doctors. This will require cooperation between doctors and dietary supplements.

In conclusion, it is important to emphasize that dietary supplements are not harmless additives, and their reception is associated with certain risks. Before taking any dietary supplements, you need to consult a doctor, choose a reliable manufacturer and supplier, carefully study the label and follow the dosage recommendations. Treat the reception of dietary supplements consciously and do not replace them with a full nutrition and a healthy lifestyle.