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Study warns about health risks from some dietary supplements
Many people in Germany take so-called nutritional supplements. Researchers have now discovered that some dietary supplements may cause major health problems. For example, the ingredients of supplements can cause allergic reactions and pain.
American scientists found out on behalf of Consumer Reports that certain dietary supplements can be harmful to our health. Some of the ingredients in it even carry significant health risks. For that reason, perhaps we should reconsider the intake of some dietary supplements. These include, for example, vitamin supplements and weight loss agents. The physicians published their study in the journal "Consumer Reports".
Dietary supplements do not automatically have to do good to your health. There are also ingredients that can harm us. In addition, serious consequences due to overdose can not be ruled out. (Image: pat_hastings / fotolia.com) Avoid kava and red rice supplements
Consumer Reports worked with independent physicians and nutrition experts to study the ingredients of dietary supplements for adverse health effects, say the authors. The experts were able to identify fifteen ingredients that consumers should avoid as much as possible. These include, for example, kava, which is usually intended to reduce anxiety, and red rice to lower cholesterol. The Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) also warned against so-called Red Rice dietary supplements.
18-year-old American dies from overdose of caffeine powder
Some of the ingredients are known to have negative effects on the human body. In some cases, for example, they can cause seizures or lead to liver or kidney damage, explain the doctors. There have even been deaths associated with such additives, says Lisa Gill of Consumer Reports. In the United States, an eighteen-year-old man died after taking an overdose of caffeine powder. This had previously acquired the person concerned on the Internet.
Even in Europe there are serious deficiencies in herbal supplements
All of the fifteen harmful ingredients in dietary supplements are available online in America or even offered by major retailers in some countries. More than 150 million Americans take supplements every year, scientists say. For many products, it is not certain that they will work properly or even have a positive effect. All Americans should contact a medical expert to find out about their supplements, Gill says. Serious deficiencies in herbal dietary supplements have also been noted in Europe. Some of the declared herbal ingredients were spiked with chemical agents or specified ingredients were not included at all.
Many nutritional supplements from the USA in Germany are not on the market
In the US many products are available as dietary supplements, which would have to count according to German law to the drugs. Thus, so-called nutritional supplements in Germany may not fulfill any therapeutic benefit. Nevertheless, even in Germany a harmful overdose can not be excluded.
Mixed revenue from supplements can lead to problems
Many experts consider nutritional supplements to be completely superfluous in the right diet. When the body gets everything it needs through nutrition, it's not necessary to take extra nutrients. And especially with the mixed intake of dietary supplements, you should be careful. If you take different products at the same time, you should inform yourself in advance. Health problems can occur due to mixed supplements, warn physicians. (As)