Adverse effects of nutritional supplements.. What types should you beware of?

 With hundreds of nutritional supplements on the market promising to cure bad skin, insomnia, and other issues people face, it's no surprise that there is confusion about the different types, how safe and effective they are, and whether they're worth your money.

"It is important that you speak with your doctor before taking any type of supplement, especially since unregulated supplements pose a risk if taken with other medications in excessive amounts, or taken to treat an uncertain medical problem," said internal medicine specialist Ronan Factora. What this website mentioned.

fulvic acid

Fulvic acid, a natural compound found in soil, is believed to have significant health benefits, but not all experts are convinced.

1. Fulvic acid supplements have antioxidant capabilities, but they also have oxidative capabilities, and so can cause damage rather than prevent it, according to functional medicine specialist Elizabeth Bradley.

2- “If you are taking a supplement that contains acid and do not know how pure it is, you may be taking heavy metals such as mercury and arsenic.”

3- The doctor advised to "look for other products that will create similar results, rather than resorting to fulvic acid, because the studies were not 100 percent conclusive as to how much you should take."

Herbal Supplements for Weight Loss

Doctors warn that purported weight-loss supplements can have dangerous side effects. In this regard, Bariatric Doctor Shweta Dewakar said:

1- “Liver injuries caused by herbal and dietary supplements, account for about 20 percent of liver damage cases in the United States.”

2. “The main components associated with these conditions, include anabolic steroids and green tea extract.”

3- “Many weight loss supplements that are considered unsafe can be found on the Internet.”

protein for kids

Experts warn that taking protein supplements for children is "unnecessary and potentially harmful". Sports nutritionist, Diana Schnee, said:

1. “Consuming more protein – especially from protein supplements – is not necessarily healthy or beneficial, and this is especially true for children.”

2- “Excess protein intake does not lead to more muscle growth, but instead can stress the liver and kidneys and increase the risk of dehydration.”

3. “In most Western countries, children already get 2-3 times the protein they need per day, and it is uncommon for a child to need more.”

Sleep aids

Doctors say if you have trouble sleeping and regularly take a sleep aid supplement, watch out for side effects.

1- “It should not be taken in the long term, but if you experience a difficult night full of insomnia from time to time,” according to a sleep expert and professor at Harvard Medical School, Lawrence Epstein.

2- When the body gets used to these supplements, they no longer work with the same effect, and there is no clear data about what could happen if they are used for long periods.

3- There is a possibility that antihistamines may cause side effects in the elderly, such as confusion and falls.

4- Most sleep problems can be corrected without medication, but it may take longer.