Herbal products can pose unexpected risks because many supplements contain active ingredients that have strong effects on the body. For example, taking a combination of herbal supplements or using supplements along with prescription drugs could lead to harmful and even life-threatening results. While the findings of the study are annual estimates based on emergency department visits to a relatively small number of hospitals, they reflect the increasing use of dietary supplements and micronutrients. These products are widely available over the counter and are advertised as alternatives or supplements to therapeutically prescribed pharmaceutical drugs.
As a result, dietary or herbal supplements are widely perceived as natural and safe. The most recent figures indicate that there are more than 55,000 such products available in the United States. It is a common belief that natural is safer or better than artificial or refined substances. This is not only not always true, but some natural products can be harmful even if used as instructed.
For example, comfrey and kava can damage the liver. Many supplements contain active ingredients that have strong biological effects on the body. This could make them unsafe in some situations and harm or complicate their health. For example, the following actions could lead to harmful, even life-threatening consequences.
Although many people can use them as medicines, herbal supplements aren't regulated by the FDA like prescription and over-the-counter drugs are. For this reason, some potentially dangerous herbs may be available in stores, online, and even at local coffee shops. You take them at your own risk. Before taking any herb, be sure to research it and talk to your health care providers: doctors, pharmacists, and anyone else involved in your health care.
Millstine, noting that research shows that calcium is better absorbed through food than through supplements. As its resources allow, FDA reviews supplement labels and other information, such as leaflets, claims, and online advertisements. I agree with most of the answers above, and it IS unfair to warn people against all supplements bundled together. The Dietary Supplement Label Database, a project of the National Institutes of Health, has all the information found on the labels of many dietary supplement brands marketed in the United States.
Unlike medicines, supplements are not allowed to be marketed for the purpose of treating, diagnosing, preventing or curing diseases. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires supplement companies to label ingredients in their products. In the United States and other parts of the world, there are reports of liver inflammation related to the use of herbal supplements. Botanical supplements (such as garlic, ginger, ginkgo biloba, echinacea and others) are made from plant material, so many of them are sold as “natural” products.
For them, reports the National Academy of Medicine, vitamin D supplements prescribed by a doctor are beneficial. This is not a complete list of all potentially dangerous herbs or other supplements; it simply shows that some very risky substances are available to anyone without a prescription. Some companies don't follow FDA rules about making claims and labeling supplements correctly. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not determine whether dietary supplements are effective before they are marketed.
In addition to vitamins, dietary supplements may contain minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and many other ingredients. Tell everyone involved in your health care (physical and mental health) that you are considering taking an herbal supplement. If you take vitamins, supplements, or herbal products, always read the safety labels that come with the packaging. .
