7 Popular Supplements That May Have Hidden Dangers

Are you also among those people who depend on supplements for those necessary vitamins and minerals? But do you know these supplements can pose some hidden dangers? Well, yes, you heard us right!

People are often told that vitamin supplements are an easy way to get the vitamins and minerals your body needs without worrying about eating a healthy diet. However, did you know that some of these supplements are bad for your health? You might think giving your body vitamins daily is good for it. Still, there are times when you act in a way that goes against what you say your goals are.

Research shows that vitamins and supplements don't have the benefits people say they do, and in the worst cases, they may even be harmful. Want to make sure that your "healthy" supplements aren't making you sick? Here are the seven most dangerous supplements you should never take. Keep reading to protect your health and the health of others.

7 Popular Supplements that may pose Hidden Dangers

There is a lot of exaggeration about supplements' benefits, making it hard to figure out which claims are true. Our bodies need vitamins and minerals, but that doesn't mean we need to take them in pill, capsule, or powder form, especially in large amounts.

One problem is that supplements can interact with each other and even with over-the-counter and prescription drugs. Another difference is that the FDA cannot test dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness before they go on sale. Manufacturers are responsible for ensuring their products are free of any impurities or contaminants, have correct labels, and only contain the ingredients they say they do.

Put another way, nutritional supplements are regulated much less than pharmaceuticals. Even though there are always new trends in the supplement industry, seven supplements have stayed popular over the years.

Vitamin D

This vitamin could help prevent bone problems like osteoporosis by making our bones stronger. Vitamin D3 is important for human health, but it can be hard to get enough from food.

Conversely, Megadoses are dangerous; in healthy people, concentrations above 100 ng/mL might cause more calcium to be absorbed. Taking too much, you could get kidney stones, stomachaches, mood swings, and sore muscles. There may also be a higher chance of heart disease or stroke.

Calcium

Calcium helps bones stay strong, but too much of it can be dangerous. If you are between 19 and 50 years old, you shouldn't take more than 2,500 milligrams daily.

Too much calcium has been linked to an increased risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease. Even though there are different opinions, the best way to get calcium is through food.

Omega-3 or Fish Oil Supplement

Some risks could happen if you eat a lot of fish oil or omega-3 fatty acids. Possible side effects include a stroke, heart attack, bleeding, high or low blood pressure, diarrhea, or acid reflux. The best way to get enough omega-3s safely is to eat foods high in omega-3s.

Ginkgo

Ginkgo has been shown to help with several conditions, including anxiety, glaucoma, dementia, and macular degeneration. It has also been linked to having a better memory. But if you also take other supplements or drugs, the bad effects of ginkgo might soon outweigh the good ones.

Since ginkgo may lower blood pressure, taking it with drugs for high blood pressure could cause dangerously low blood pressure. If you have diabetes, you shouldn't eat ginkgo because it affects your blood sugar. If you take any kind of medicine or supplement, including ginkgo, you should talk to your doctor before using it.

Kava

Kava might not work well with medicines broken down by the liver, such as anticonvulsants, anti-anxiety drugs, and others. The hospital also tells people who use kava not to drink alcohol because it can hurt the liver.

The NCCIH also warns that the supplement could cause "digestive discomfort, headache, disorientation, and other negative effects." If you choose to use kava to treat your anxiety, keep a close eye on the amount you take and how often you take it to avoid any long-term side effects.

Soy Isolate

Soy products like tofu, tempeh, and soy milk are good sources of fiber, protein, and other nutrients for vegans. Isoflavones, found in soy, are similar to estrogen and have been shown to ease menopausal symptoms in some women. These women take soy as a supplement to help with their symptoms. But some doctors worry that the isoflavones in soy supplements could increase the risk of breast cancer in women.

The jury is still out on whether or not eating whole soy foods increases the risk of getting breast cancer, but early results are good. Talking to your healthcare team about the pros and cons of adding a new supplement to your health and wellness routine is important.

Beta Carotene

Kaiser Permanente says that beta-carotene is a popular supplement because it is "an antioxidant and a boost for the immune system." But you should never take a synthetic beta-carotene supplement if you smoke or have a higher risk of lung cancer.

If you smoke cigarettes or work with asbestos and take beta-carotene, your risk of getting lung cancer may increase even more. If you use tobacco or have a high risk of getting lung cancer, don't take beta carotene in your daily supplements.

Conclusion

Medical care providers should make it a standard practice to inquire about the usage of dietary and nutritional supplements and recommend that patients stop taking them when there is no clear medical need for them.

Suggest that products be screened to include a logo/endorsement from a credible, nonprofit laboratory, like USP Quality Supplements and Consumer Lab, to assure patients that what is on the label is in the bottle. This is especially important for patients who insist on taking supplements, such as prenatal vitamins, fish oil, vitamin D, and other necessary dietary supplements.