Checkout potential risks of taking dietary supplements

Dietary supplements can be beneficial when used properly, but they also carry risks, especially when taken in high doses or instead of prescribed medicines.

Some supplements can interact with certain medications, making them less effective or causing harmful side effects.

For example, antioxidants like vitamins C and E can make some chemotherapy medicines less effective.

Vitamin K can reduce the effectiveness of blood thinners like Coumadin (warfarin), while vitamin E can increase the action of blood thinners.

Some supplements can cause allergic reactions or interact with existing health conditions.

In some cases, supplements can even cause severe health events, especially in children and young adults.

Supplements sold for weight loss, muscle building, and energy were associated with almost three times the risk for severe medical outcomes compared to vitamins.

It is important to note that dietary supplements are not regulated in the same way as medicines by the FDA.

Many supplements, even multivitamins, haven’t been studied in a scientific way, so their risks and benefits are not well understood.

Therefore, it is crucial to talk to a healthcare provider before taking any dietary supplement to determine its potential benefits and safety risks.

While dietary supplements can be beneficial, they also carry risks, especially when taken in high doses or instead of prescribed medicines.