Is Food Supplement Safe (A Closer Look)

Research conducted by an independent group of scientists and consumers issued a comprehensive database on natural medicines. The result of the study that pertains to nearly 1,100 ingredients found in natural medicines and foods supplements was published in U.S. peer-reviewed publication Consumer Reports. The research concluded that about 25 ingredients are linked to serious medical problems.

On the other side of the coin, a trade group representative voicing out answer on behalf of industries producing natural medicines, Andre Shao, PhD, of the Council for Responsible Nutrition, says that the research issued by Consumer Reports is “a little bit sensationalized.” In my own clinical opinion, and to be on the safe side, before finally deciding at taking natural medicines and food supplements, discuss its use with your doctor or health care provider.

The “culprit” ingredients that might affect health and wellbeing were trimmed down from 25 to 12. Consumer Reports advised people to avoid food supplements and natural medicines that contain the following as they may lead to problems.

Aconite, used for joint pain, wounds, gout, and inflammation, but linked with nausea, vomiting, heart rhythm disorders, respiratory system paralysis, and death.

Bitter orange, used for weight loss, allergies, and nasal congestion, but linked with fainting, heart rhythm disorder, heart attack, stroke, and death.

Chaparral, used for weight loss, colds, infections, inflammation, cancer, and detoxification, but linked to kidney and liver problems.

Colloidal silver, used for fungal and other infections, Lyme disease, rosacea, psoriasis, food poisoning, chronic fatigue syndrome, and HIV/AIDS, but linked to bluish skin color, mucous membrane discoloration, neurological problems, and kidney damage.

Coltsfoot, used for cough, sore throat, laryngitis, bronchitis, and asthma, but linked to cancer and liver damage.

Comfrey, used for cough, heavy menstrual periods, chest pain, and cancer, but linked to liver damage and cancer.

Country mallow, used for allergies, asthma, weight loss, bronchitis, and nasal congestion, but linked to heart attack and arrhythmia, stroke, and death.

(To be continued)