If you eat a balanced diet, you probably won’t need a dietary supplement, but vitamin deficiencies can occur, especially with certain health conditions such as Crohn’s disease, which can make it difficult to absorb essential nutrients needed. Taking a supplement can be beneficial, but it is always recommended to talk to a doctor first because many can cause harmful side effects or are simply not effective. Eat this, not that! Health spoke with doctors who share six supplements avoid and why. As always, consult with your health care provider for medical advice. Read on and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure signs you’ve already had COVID.
Kelly Johnson-Arbor, MD, FACEP, FUHM, FACMT Medical Toxicologist and Co-Medical Director of the National Capital Poison Center explains: “Hawthorn is a species of hawthorn; the root of the plant is often dried and sold as a weight-loss supplement. While the hawthorn plant itself is associated with minimal toxicity, it has been reported that The use of tejocote root as a dietary supplement can cause gastrointestinal upset, chest pain, and other unwanted symptoms. analysis of tejocote root supplements found that some of them are contaminated with toxic chemicals, including oleander.”
Dr. Johnson-Arbor says: “Although the name ‘velvet moose’ sounds like a dreamy Disney character, the term actually refers to the fine hair (or ‘velvet’) that covers regenerating deer antlers. Elk antler velvet (sometimes called ‘moose antler velvet’ or ‘deer velvet’) is a dietary supplement containing powdered antler velvet and is often marketed as an immune-enhancing supplement, increase athletic performance and improve sexual function. This supplement is potentially dangerous because deer or elk antlers may contain prions. prions It is believed to be the cause of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, a rare but almost always fatal brain disorder. Since elk antler velvet may contain prions, humans may be at risk of prion-borne diseases if they take elk antler velvet supplements.”
Dr. Johnson-Arbor shares: “Apoaequorin is a protein that is derived from bioluminescent jellyfish and is reported to improve memory by increasing calcium activity in the brain. While that sounds intriguing, there is no data to suggest that this protein is absorbed in the brain.” human body after digestion, or that is capable of entering the brain.
Dr. Jacob Hascalovici MD, PhD Of course The medical director says: “Often touted as being good for bones, calcium taken as supplement has been linked to an increased risk of heart attacks. As scientists learn more about calcium supplementation, it appears that it may be smarter to get calcium through food rather than stand-alone supplementation. Even if you’re concerned about osteoporosis, it’s a good idea to check with a medical professional to make sure calcium supplements is the right answer for you.”
Dr. Hascalovici tells us: “Ginkgo biloba is natural and is often considered beneficial for memory and blood flow. However, ginkgo biloba it can interfere with many common medications, including medications for mood disorders, diabetes, and pain, sometimes with very negative consequences. People with epilepsy should generally avoid ginkgo biloba, as it can trigger seizures.”
According to Dr. Hascalovici, “beta-carotene, which produces vitamin A, can unfortunately be exaggerated. In A studythe researchers found that among men, beta carotene supplementation was associated with an increased risk of lung cancer. It’s best to get your beta-carotene and vitamin A from sweet potatoes, carrots, and other brilliant greens.”
Dr. Johnson-Arbor urges: “People who have unwanted or unexpected symptoms after using vitamins or supplements should contact poison control for expert advice. There are two ways to contact poison control in United States: online at www.poison.org or by phone at 1-800-222-1222. Both options are free, confidential and available 24 hours a day.”
heather newgen
Heather Newgen has two decades of experience reporting and writing on health, fitness, entertainment and travel. Heather currently works as a freelancer for various publications. Read more about Heather
