Safety of Supplements under Question

Diet Supplement Pill and Drinks Potential Health Risks

You might want to think twice before taking that diet supplement pill and drinks. Consumer Reports released a study about the potential health risks by some ingredients found in many supplements consumers are taking as part of their diet and exercise regimen.

The study, done with Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, an independent research group, identified 12 ingredients that may potentially cause kidney, cardiovascular, or liver health problems.

The ingredients, some of which have previous Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warnings issued against them, were identified as: aconite, bitter orange, chaparral, colloidal silver, coltsfoot, comfrey, country mallow, germanium, greater celandine, kava, lobelia, and yohimbe.

The report also said that the FDA are not doing enough within its mandate under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act, to limit the use if not totally ban these potentially harmful ingredients from use.

"Supplements are marketed with very seductive and sometimes overblown sales pitches for increasing your performance in the bedroom, slimming down or boosting your athletic prowess," said Nancy Metcalf, senior program editor for Consumer Reports.

Metcalf said consumers are deceived by advertisements promoting these products as “natural”. But Metcalf said that, “some natural ingredients can be hazardous, and on top of that the FDA has repeatedly found hazardous ingredients, including synthetic prescription drugs, in supplements."

The FDA was also criticized for not inspecting Chinese factories where many of these ingredients are sourced from.

Consumers have always been advised by the FDA to consult their physician or pharmacist about taking supplements, and to be especially wary of those products that promise weight loss, libido enhancement, or strength-building.

Posted by George Daniels on Thursday August 05 2010, 11:02 AM EDT. All trademarks acknowledged. Filed under Featured News, Health. Comments and Trackbacks closed. Follow responses: RSS 2.0