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New Report Underlines Dangers of Certain Supplements

Are you on any medications?

No.

A routine question and answer … yet a slight change in the wording, might elicit a response that would alert providers to potentially dangerous supplements or medication/supplement combinations being regularly consumed by patients.

Are you taking any medications or nutritional supplements such as vitamins?

Well, I take a multivitamin every day plus some B12, bitter orange for my allergies and an iron tablet on occasion.

When simply asked about medications, patients typically don’t count the supplements. And really, why should they since the federal government doesn’t ‘count’ them either when it comes industry regulation?

Yet, some of these ‘natural’ products have the potential to cause serious damage on their own or in combination with a prescription medicine. The September 2010 issue of Consumer Reports outlines the “dirty dozen,” 12 supplement ingredients that have potentially dangerous health side effects and should be avoided. The report, which was created in cooperation with experts from the independent research organization Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, was based on clinical studies and case reports.

• Aconite: The root of the plant is often used for joint pain or inflammation. The plant is thought to improve circulation, but it also includes chemicals that adversely impact the heart, muscles and nerves. Taken orally, aconite carries the possible risk of toxicity, vomiting and nausea, low blood pressure, heart rhythm disorders, respiratory system paralysis, and death.
 
• Bitter Orange: The peel, flower, leaf, fruit and fruit juice of this plant are all used in supplements. The plant has chemicals that affect the nervous system and is also used for weight loss, nasal congestion and allergies. While safe when eaten as food, it is thought to be potentially dangerous as a supplement, particularly when combined with caffeine. When taken in conjunction with caffeine or caffeine-containing herbs, it increases the risk for high blood pressure, fainting, heart attack and stroke.
 
• Chaparral: Used for weight loss, inflammation, detoxification, cancer, colds and infections, the chemicals in the chaparral plant are thought to act as antioxidants. However, potential risks include liver damage and kidney problems.
 
• Colloidal Silver: This mineral has been used to combat chronic fatigue syndrome, Lyme disease, HIV/AIDS, psoriasis and fungal infections. However, it can cause skin to turn a permanent bluish color, neurological issues and kidney damage.
 
• Coltsfoot: Often used to for respiratory issues including cough, sore throat, bronchitis, asthma and laryngitis. It has been linked to cancer and liver damage when used in high doses.
 
• Comfrey: The plant is taken for cough, chest pain, heavy menstrual cycles and cancer. It’s also thought that the chemicals in the plant might have a healing effect and reduce inflammation when applied to the skin, but it also has toxic chemicals that can be absorbed through the skin. Taken orally, it can cause liver damage and cancer. It seems to be safest if applied topically to unbroken skin in small amounts for less than 10 days.
 
• Country Mallow: Used for weight loss and respiratory ailments including allergies, asthma and bronchitis. This plant contains ephedrine and is considered unsafe for any use. Its risks include heart attack, arrhythmia, stroke and death. It is banned in the United States.
 
• Germanium: A chemical element used for pain, infections, arthritis, osteoporosis, glaucoma, heart disease, HIV/AIDS, cancer and liver problems, but usage has been linked to anemia, muscle weakness, nerve problems, kidney damage and death.
 
• Greater Celandine: Most commonly used for liver disorders, upset stomach and irritable bowel syndrome, the plant has a potential risk of liver damage.
 
• Kava: The root of this South Pacific plant is used to curb anxiety, but it has been linked to liver damage and other severe illness even when used in the recommended dose for short periods of time.
 
• Lobelia: A ‘natural’ smoking cessation aid that is also used for asthma, coughing and bronchitis, an overdose can cause a very fast heartbeat, low blood pressure, coma and possibly death.
 
• Yohimbe: The bark of the yohimbe tree is used as an aphrodisiac and purported solution for erectile dysfunction; it is also used for chest pain, depression and diabetic complications. It appears to be fairly safe for adults using it under the supervision of a healthcare professional. However, improper, unsupervised use has been linked to severe low blood pressure, heart problems and potentially death. 

Although the Food and Drug Administration has limited power over supplements, the agency has issued some type of warning about eight of these 12: chaparral, colloidal silver, comfrey, country mallow, germanium, kava, lobelia and yohimbe. With few exceptions, these supplements, which appear under a variety of different names, are still readily available.

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