This article will explore some common dietary supplements’ benefits and risks and what you need to know.
What are the Advantages of Dietary Supplements?
Most people can get all the nutrition they need by eating a healthy, balanced diet. However, some are prone to deficiencies and must add nutrients to their diets in the form of supplements. High-risk groups include older adults, those with chronic medical conditions, pregnant people, and individuals who follow special diets, such as vegans.
Many people also take supplements believing they will improve their health and help prevent conditions like heart disease, osteoporosis and cancer. Some of the most popular dietary supplements include:
- Ikaria Lean Belly Juice.
- Alpilean Supplement.
- B vitamins.
- Vitamin C.
- Vitamin D.
- Calcium.
- Iron.
- Herbal remedies, such as St. John’s wort and ginkgo.
- Probiotics.
- Fish oils.
- Glucosamine.
Some of these supplements’ benefits are well-known. For example, vitamin B12 is necessary for healthy nerves, and blood cells, calcium and vitamin D keep the bones strong and omega-3 fish oils play a role in protecting the heart.
However, many supplements do not have enough evidence to support their use. Furthermore, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not recognize them as medicines. Therefore, supplement manufacturers cannot claim their products to cure, treat or prevent any specific disease. They can only state that their supplements may help support certain health aspects.
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The Risks and Side Effects
More than 50% of Americans take dietary supplements daily or occasionally. These include vitamins, minerals, amino acids, herbs, probiotics and other products like fish oils and glucosamine.
These supplements have many potential benefits, and most are considered safe. However, some can cause side effects, especially when taken in high doses or used alongside other medicines.
Many people assume that dietary supplements are safe. However, this is not necessarily true and some supplements can cause serious side effects.
These side effects are most likely to occur when people take high doses, combine several different supplements, mix them with other medicines, or substitute supplements for prescribed medication.
Here are some of the possible side effects of popular dietary supplements:
Ikaria Lean Belly Juice
This supplement is an effective weight loss diet supplement made up of effective ingredients that can aid in you losing weight; helping you shed belly fat and excess weight. All ingredients are pure, natural, and carefully sourced.
Alpilean Supplement
If you're looking for healthy weight loss, the Alpilean supplement is a great choice. This supplement is a blend of 6 powerful alpine nutrients and plants.
Vitamin A
Taking too much vitamin A can cause headaches, reduce bone strength, and damage the liver. Taking vitamin A supplements while pregnant can cause birth defects.
Vitamin B6
Taking high doses of vitamin B6 for extended periods can cause nerve damage. This supplement can also interact with some medications, reducing their effectiveness.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is relatively safe, but when taken at very high doses, the body cannot absorb it, leading to diarrhea. It can also reduce the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs that are used to treat cancer.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E supplements have been linked with an increased risk of prostate cancer. They can also reduce the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K affects blood clotting and supplements can interact with blood-thinning drugs like warfarin.
Calcium
Eating a calcium-rich diet is thought to protect the cardiovascular system. However, calcium supplements have been linked with an increased risk of heart disease.
Iron
Iron supplements can cause digestive symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and constipation. They could also damage the liver and other organs when taken in high doses for a long time.
St. John’s Wort
St. John’s wort interacts with many different medications. It causes the body to break down the other drugs more quickly and reduces their effectiveness.
Gingko
Ginkgo supplements can interact with blood thinners like warfarin, increasing their effects on the body.
Fish Oils
Fish oil supplements can cause digestive side effects, such as nausea, heartburn, and diarrhea. They may also cause bad breath or a fishy taste in the mouth.
Things You Must Know About Dietary Supplements
Aside from the dietary supplements listed above, there are many more that can cause side effects when taken inappropriately. Therefore, it is essential to consider the following before taking a supplement for the first time:
- Research the benefits and risks of a dietary supplement thoroughly before use.
- Consult a healthcare professional to ensure the supplement is suitable for you.
- If you are taking any supplements, tell your doctor before surgery or starting a new medicine.
- Follow the supplement manufacturer’s instructions carefully, and do not exceed the recommended dose.
- Keep a record of all the supplements you are taking and their ingredients.
- Be cautious when combining supplements, as some may contain similar ingredients.
- Ensure you buy your supplements from a reputable company that follows good manufacturing practices (GMPs).
- If you experience side effects, report them to your doctor and stop taking the supplement immediately.
To learn more about specific dietary supplements and their benefits and risks, you can consult the dietary supplements fact sheets provided by the National Institutes of Health. If you're experiencing hair loss, a hair growth supplement may be something to look into.