Healthy supplements not so healthy says Consumer Reports study

A recent Consumer Reports survey identified 15 supplements that, contrary to marketing claims, are dangerous to consume. Side effects include organ failure, cancer, and cardiac arrest, for instance, and can vary among supplements.

Yohimbe, for example, was found by a panel of doctors and dietary researchers to raise blood pressure, influence rapid heart rate, and lead to the risk of seizures, liver and kidney damage, heart complications, panic attacks, and possibly death.

Over 900,000 vitamins, probiotics, minerals, herbs, botanicals, and gathering list of so-called “natural” pills currently hog grocery shelves without proof of actual health benefits. An Annals of American Medicine report advised consumers in a 2013 report to “Stop Wasting Money on Vitamin and Mineral Supplements,” drawing attention to their questionable marketing.

Consumer Reports is also now joining the chorus.

One other substance flagged was green tea extract powder touted as a weight loss solution. The Consumer Reports study revealed that it causes dizziness, increases anemia and glaucoma progression, raises blood pressure and heart rate, or damages the liver; consuming it could also lead to death.

Caffeine powder was targeted, which is supposed to assist with concentration, enhance athletic performance, and help with weight loss. This substance has been associated with seizures, heart arrhythmia, cardiac arrest, and even death especially when combined with other stimulants.

The hazards of these supplements depend on pre-existing medical conditions, the amount consumed, and the time at which it was taken. Prescription and over-the-counter drugs also exacerbate side effects.

What makes matters worse, users aren’t required to clear purchases with a pharmacist or doctor who could warn them about potential risks. The products aren’t even approved by the FDA before stocked on shelves. And the manufacturing facilities aren’t regulated like those of pharmaceutical companies.

The Council for Responsible Nutrition, the primary trade group for the supplement industry, responded to Consumer Reports that its products are well-regulated and safe for use.

Their president and CEO Steve Mister admitted, nonetheless, that “There is a small minority of products that do contain ingredients that shouldn’t be in there. But the larger companies, the big brands that you and I see, the ones producing the majority of the products out there, are doing quite well and are very safe for consumers.”

Source: New York Daily News