Bades: side effects and contraindications

I. Bades: General review and classification

1. Dietary Dad Definition: 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 and are not intended for the treatment of diseases. Their goal is to maintain the normal function of organs and systems of the body, optimize metabolic processes, replenish the deficiency of micronutrients and increase the overall resistance to adverse environmental factors.

2. Legal regulation: In various countries, legal regulation of dietary supplements is different. In Russia, they are regulated by the Federal Law “On the quality and safety of food products” and sanitary rules and norms (SanPiN). The production and turnover of dietary supplements are subject to state registration confirming their compliance with security requirements. It is important to note that the regulatory requirements for dietary supplements are much less strict than to drugs. This means that dietary supplement manufacturers are not required to conduct clinical trials confirming their effectiveness and safety, in the same volume as for drugs.

3. Classification of dietary supplements: Bades are classified according to various criteria, including:

   • By composition:

     • Nutricevtiki: They contain essential foods (vitamins, minerals, amino acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, etc.), which are necessary for the normal life of the body and make up for their deficiency in the diet.
     • Parafarmetzetics: They have properties close to medicinal, and are intended for the prevention of diseases, maintaining the functions of organs and systems of the body, as well as to enhance the effectiveness of drug therapy. These include dietary supplements containing plant extracts, probiotics, prebiotics, enzymes and other biologically active substances.
     • Probiotics and prebiotics: They contain living microorganisms (probiotics) or substances that contribute to the growth of beneficial intestinal microflora (prebiotics). They are used to maintain the health of the digestive system and strengthen immunity.

   • By the form of release: Bades are available in various forms: tablets, capsules, powders, solutions, syrups, bars, etc.

   • By origin: Dietary supplements can be plant, animal, mineral or synthetic origin.

4. Popular categories of dietary supplements:

   • Vitamins and minerals: The most common category of dietary supplements, including individual vitamins (A, C, D, E, B-COMPLEX) and minerals (calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc) or their complexes.
   • Omega-3 fatty acids: Popular due to their alleged positive effects on the cardiovascular system, brain and vision.
   • Probiotics: Used to maintain intestinal health and strengthen immunity.
   • Plant extracts: They include a wide range of herbs and plants such as ginseng, echinacea, ginkgo biloba, valerian and others that are used for various purposes, including improving cognitive functions, reducing stress, strengthening immunity and maintaining joint health.
   • Antioxidants: Include vitamins (C, E), minerals (selenium, zinc) and plant extracts (green tea, grape seeds), which help protect the cells from damage to free radicals.
   • Dietary diets for weight loss: They include various substances, such as L-carnitine, chrome, guarana and others, which are claimed to help accelerate metabolism, reduce appetite and burn fat. However, the effectiveness of many of these dietary supplements has not been proven, and some may be dangerous to health.
   • Bad for athletes: They include protein powders, amino acids, creatines and other substances that are used to increase sports results, increase muscle mass and accelerate recovery after training.

II. Side effects of dietary supplements: mechanisms and risk factors

1. Mechanisms of side effects: Side effects from admission of dietary supplements can occur according to various mechanisms:

   • Direct toxic action: Some dietary supplements can be toxic for the body, especially when taking high doses. This may be due to pollution of raw materials, improper production technology or the natural presence of toxic substances in the plant.
   • Allergic reactions: Bades, especially plant origin, can cause allergic reactions in people with increased sensitivity to certain components.
   • Interaction with drugs: Bades can interact with drugs by changing their effectiveness or increasing side effects. For example, some dietary supplements can affect blood coagulation, the metabolism of drugs in the liver or the absorption of drugs in the intestines.
   • Impact on hormonal background: Some dietary supplements containing plant extracts or other substances can affect the hormonal background of the body, which can lead to undesirable effects, especially in women.
   • Violation of the absorption of nutrients: Some dietary supplements can violate the absorption of other nutrients in the intestines, which can lead to a deficiency of these substances.
   • Individual intolerance: Some people may observe individual intolerance to certain dietary supplements, which can manifest itself in the form of various symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, etc.
   • Immune reactions: In rare cases, dietary supplements can cause autoimmune reactions when the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues.

2. The most common side effects:

   • Gastrointestinal disorders: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, bloating. These symptoms are often associated with the irritating effect of dietary supplements on the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract.
   • Allergic reactions: Skin rash, itching, urticaria, Quincke’s edema, anaphylactic shock. Allergic reactions can be caused by any component of dietary supplements, but most often they are associated with plant extracts.
   • Headache and dizziness: Can be caused by the influence of dietary supplements on the vessels of the brain or nervous system.
   • Sleep disorders: Insomnia, drowsiness, nightmares. Some dietary supplements containing caffeine or other stimulants can cause insomnia, while others, containing sedative components, can cause drowsiness.
   • Improving blood pressure: Some dietary supplements containing stimulants, such as caffeine or ephedra, can increase blood pressure, which can be dangerous for people with hypertension.
   • Heart rhythm disturbances: Tachycardia, arrhythmia. Some dietary supplements containing stimulants can cause heart rhythm disturbances, which can be dangerous for people with heart diseases.
   • Bleeding: Some dietary supplements, such as ginkgo biloba and garlic, can dilute blood and increase the risk of bleeding, especially when taking anticoagulants simultaneously.
   • Liver defeat: In rare cases, some dietary supplements can cause liver damage, which can manifest itself in the form of jaundice, increasing the level of liver enzymes and other symptoms.
   • Kidney damage: Some dietary supplements can have a toxic effect on the kidneys, which can lead to the development of renal failure.

3. Factors affecting the risk of side effects:

   • Dose: The higher the dose of dietary supplements, the higher the risk of side effects.
   • Duration of admission: Long -term dietary supplement increases the risk of side effects.
   • Individual sensitivity: Some people are more sensitive to certain dietary supplements than others.
   • Age: Children and elderly people are more susceptible to side effects from admission of dietary supplements.
   • The presence of concomitant diseases: People with concomitant diseases, such as liver diseases, kidneys, heart, gastrointestinal tract or autoimmune diseases, are more susceptible to side effects of dietary supplements.
   • Simultaneous intake with drugs: Simultaneous intake of dietary supplements with drugs increases the risk of interaction between them and the development of side effects.
   • Quality of dietary supplements: The low quality of dietary supplements associated with pollution of raw materials, improper production technology or falsification increases the risk of side effects.

4. Signs and symptoms requiring the termination of dietary supplement and seeing a doctor:

   • Any unusual or inexplicable symptoms that arose after the start of admission of dietary supplements.
   • Severe allergic reactions, such as Quincke’s edema or anaphylactic shock.
   • Jaundice or other signs of liver damage.
   • Blood in the urine or other signs of kidney damage.
   • Severe abdominal pain, vomiting or diarrhea.
   • Heart rhythm disturbances or a strong increase in blood pressure.
   • Inexplicable bleeding or bruises.

III. Contraindications to receive dietary supplements

1. General contraindications:

   • Individual intolerance: The presence of allergies or individual intolerance to any component of dietary supplements is an absolute contraindication to its reception.
   • Pregnancy and lactation period: Most dietary supplements are not recommended to be taken during pregnancy and breastfeeding, since their safety is not proven for the mother and baby. Some dietary supplements can have a teratogenic effect (cause malformations in the fetus) or penetrate into breast milk and have a negative effect on the baby.
   • Childhood: Most dietary supplements are not intended for children, since their body is not yet fully formed and more sensitive to the effects of biologically active substances. The use of dietary supplements in children should be carried out only as prescribed by a doctor.
   • Severe liver and kidney diseases: In severe diseases of the liver and kidneys, metabolism and elimination of biologically active substances from the body are disrupted, which can lead to their accumulation and enhance side effects.
   • Autoimmune diseases: Some dietary supplements can stimulate the immune system and aggravate the course of autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and others.

2. Specific contraindications: For various categories of dietary supplements, there are specific contraindications associated with their composition and mechanism of action.

   • Dietary diets for weight loss: Many dietary supplements for weight loss contain stimulants, such as caffeine or ephedra, which are contraindicated in diseases of the heart, hypertension, glaucoma, thyroid diseases and anxiety disorders.
   • Bades affecting blood coagulation: Bades containing ginkgo bilobe, garlic, ginger and other substances that thin the blood are contraindicated in case of blood coagulation, before operations and taking anticoagulants.
   • Dietary supplements containing iron: Dietary supplements containing iron are contraindicated in hemochromatosis (an excess of iron in the body) and other diseases associated with impaired iron metabolism.
   • Iodine dietary supplements: The dietary supplements containing iodine are contraindicated in hyperthyroidism (excessive thyroid function).
   • Calcium dietary supplements: Calcium dietary supplements are contraindicated in hypercalcemia (excess calcium in the blood) and urolithiasis.
   • Probiotics: Probiotics are contraindicated in severe immunodeficiency states.

3. Interaction with drugs: contraindications and warnings: With the simultaneous administration of dietary supplements with drugs, it is necessary to take into account the possible interaction between them.

   • Anticoagulants (warfarin, heparin): Bades containing ginkgo bilobe, garlic, ginger and other substances that thinning blood enhance the effect of anticoagulants and increase the risk of bleeding.
   • Antiagragash (aspirin, blopidognosidel): Similarly, anticoagulants, dietary supplements, enhance the effect of antiplatelets and increase the risk of bleeding.
   • Antidepressants (MAO inhibitors, SIOS): Bades containing St. John’s wort can interact with antidepressants and cause serotonin syndrome (increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which can lead to anxiety, excitement, tremor, muscle spasm and other symptoms).
   • Anticonvulsants: Bades containing ginkgo bilobe can reduce the effectiveness of anticonvulsants.
   • Drugs for the treatment of diabetes: Dietary dietary supplements can reduce blood sugar and enhance the effect of drugs for the treatment of diabetes, which can lead to hypoglycemia (a decrease in blood sugar).
   • Preparations for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases: Some dietary supplements can affect the effectiveness of drugs for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, such as beta-blockers, diuretics and ACE inhibitors.
   • Hormonal drugs: Some dietary supplements can influence hormonal background and interact with hormonal drugs, such as contraceptives, thyroid hormones and glucocorticoids.

4. Recommendations for the use of dietary supplements for different population groups:

   • Children: The use of dietary supplements in children should be limited and carried out only as prescribed by a doctor. It is necessary to strictly observe the dosage and take into account the age characteristics of the child.
   • Teenagers: Teenagers often use dietary supplements to improve sports results or weight loss. It is necessary to inform adolescents about possible risks and side effects from taking dietary supplements and call them for consultation with a doctor before the start of the appointment.
   • Pregnant and lactating women: The intake of dietary supplements during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not recommended, except when it is necessary for medical reasons and under the supervision of a doctor. It is necessary to choose dietary supplements whose safety is proved for the mother and child.
   • Elderly people: Elderly people are more susceptible to side effects from taking dietary supplements due to age-related changes in the body and the presence of concomitant diseases. It is necessary to carefully evaluate the risks and advantages from taking dietary supplements in the elderly and select a dosage, taking into account their individual characteristics.
   • People with chronic diseases: People with chronic diseases need to consult a doctor before taking dietary supplements in order to avoid interaction with drugs and deterioration in the course of the disease.
   • Athletes: Athletes need to be careful when choosing dietary supplements, as some of them may contain substances prohibited for use in sports. It is necessary to choose dietary supplements that have been tested for doping.

IV. How to minimize the risk of side effects and contraindications

1. Consultation with a doctor: Before taking any dietary supplement, you need to consult a doctor to discuss possible risks and contraindications, especially if you have concomitant diseases or you take medicines.

2. The choice of high -quality dietary supplements: Buy dietary supplements only from reliable manufacturers and in trusted pharmacies or stores. Pay attention to the presence of a certificate of quality and compliance with safety requirements. Avoid buying dietary supplements in doubtful online stores or from individuals.

3. Studying the composition and instructions: Before taking dietary supplement, carefully study the composition and instructions for use. Make sure that you do not have an allergy or individual intolerance to dietary supplements. Follow the recommendations for the dosage and duration of the reception.

4. Start with low doses: Start taking dietary supplements with low doses to evaluate your tolerance and avoid the development of side effects. Gradually increase the dose to the recommended if there are no undesirable reactions.

5. Health monitoring: During the use of dietary supplements, carefully monitor your health status and mark any unusual or inexplicable symptoms. When side effects appear, immediately stop taking dietary supplements and consult a doctor.

6. Avoiding simultaneous drug use: If possible, avoid simultaneous intake of dietary supplements with drugs, especially if you take drugs affecting blood coagulation, hormonal background, blood sugar or blood pressure. If the simultaneous intake of dietary supplements and drugs is necessary, consult a doctor to evaluate the possible interaction and choose a dosage.

7. Information of the doctor: Always inform your doctor about the admission of dietary supplements, especially before operations or other medical procedures.

8. Compliance with a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle: Bad is not a replacement for a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Try to receive all the necessary nutrients from food, regularly engage in physical exercises, spill out and avoid stress. Bad can be useful as an addition to a healthy lifestyle, but should not be its basis.

9. Caution with new and unknown dietary supplements: Be careful with new and unknown dietary supplements, especially if they promise miraculous effects. Do not trust advertising and unverified information. Look for reviews and scientific research about these dietary supplements before starting their reception.

10. Storage of dietary supplements in the right conditions: Keep the dietary supplement in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, in an inaccessible place for children. Do not use dietary supplements with an expired shelf life.

V. Research and evidence -based base and safety base of dietary supplements

1. Limited clinical research: Unlike drugs, dietary supplements are not subject to mandatory clinical trials in the same volume. This means that the evidence base of efficiency and safety of dietary supplements is often limited or absent. Many dietary supplements have a small sampling size, poor -quality design or financed by manufacturers, which can lead to a distortion of results.

2. Meta-analyzes and systematic reviews: The most reliable information about the efficiency and safety of dietary supplements can be obtained from meta analyzes and systematic reviews that combine the results of several studies. However, even in these cases, it is necessary to critically evaluate the quality of research and take into account possible sources of displacement.

3. Examples of dietary supplements with proven effectiveness:

   • Folic acid for the prevention of defects in the nerve tube in the fetus: Taking folic acid during pregnancy is an effective means of preventing defects of the nervous tube in the fetus.
   • Vitamin D for the prevention of rickets in children and osteoporosis in adults: Taking vitamin D is necessary to maintain bone health and the prevention of rickets in children and osteoporosis in adults, especially in regions with low insolation.
   • Omega-3 fatty acids for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases: Reception of omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attack and stroke.
   • Probiotics for the treatment and prevention of diarrhea associated with antibiotics: Probiotics can help restore the intestinal microflora and reduce the risk of diarrhea associated with antibiotics.

4. Examples of dietary supplements with insufficient evidence base or potential risks:

   • Dietary diets for weight loss: The effectiveness of most dietary supplements for weight loss has not been proven, and some of them can be dangerous to health.
   • Bades to improve memory and cognitive functions: Evidence of the effectiveness of dietary supplements to improve memory and cognitive functions are often contradictory and unconvincing.
   • Bad for cancer treatment: There is no evidence that dietary supplements can treat cancer. Some dietary supplements can even worsen the course of the disease or interact with drug therapy.
   • Bades containing heavy metals: Some dietary supplements, especially produced in countries with a low level of quality control, may contain heavy metals, such as lead, cadmium and mercury, which are toxic for the body.

5. The role of state and independent organizations in assessing the effectiveness and safety of dietary supplements: State health authorities and independent organizations assess the effectiveness and safety of dietary supplements, publish recommendations and warnings for consumers. When choosing dietary supplements, it is recommended to focus on the information provided by these organizations.

VI. Alternatives to receive dietary supplements

1. Balanced nutrition: The best way to get all the necessary nutrients is a balanced and diverse diet, including fruits, vegetables, whole grain products, protein products and healthy fats. Try to avoid processed products, fast food and sweet drinks.

2. Healthy lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular physical exercises, a sufficient amount of sleep, stress management and abandoning bad habits, is an important factor in maintaining health and well -being.

3. Medicines: In the presence of diseases or a deficiency of nutrients, you must consult a doctor to prescribe medicines or specialized diets. Do not self -medicate and do not replace dietary supplements.

4. Individual dietary consultations: Contact a nutritionist or nutritionist to obtain individual nutrition recommendations that take into account your needs and health status.

5. Fitotherapy (use of medicinal plants): Phytotherapy can be an effective way to treat and prevent certain diseases, but requires knowledge and experience. Consult with a phytotherapist before using medicinal plants.

VII. Final recommendations

Reception of dietary supplements can be useful in certain situations, but it is necessary to remember possible risks and contraindications. Always consult a doctor before taking any dietary supplements, choose quality products, follow the instructions for use and carefully monitor your health status. Do not consider dietary supplement as a replacement for a balanced diet, a healthy lifestyle or medicinal product. Take the choice of dietary supplements consciously and responsibly, based on scientific data and the recommendations of doctors.