Dietary Supplements can be dangerous
(April 04, 2004)

WASHINGTON Despite known hazards, many potentially dangerous dietary supplements are readily available for purchase in stores and on the Internet, according to a new report from Consumer Reports. The magazine released its "dirty dozen" list of dietary supplements that it says are too dangerous to be on the market, reports Webmd.

The list includes yohimbe, bitter orange, chaparral, and andro. But researchers say the supplements are sold under many names, which makes it hard for consumers to know what they're getting. Many of the supplements that made the list have already been
banned in other countries. But researchers say regulatory barriers created by Congress have prevented the FDA from taking similar actions to protect consumers in this country.

Researchers from the consumer magazine say the supplements that made its "dirty dozen" list may cause cancer, severe liver or kidney damage, heart problems, or even death.

For example, they say the herb aristolochia has been conclusively linked to kidney failure and cancer in China, Europe, Japan, and the U.S. Yohimbe, a supplement marketed as a sexual stimulant and herbal Viagra, has been linked to heart and respiratory problems.

Many of these dietary supplements are sold in both single and combination products marketed for a wide variety of uses, from building muscle and losing weight to easing stress and arthritis.

Since the brand names of the products containing the dirty dozen supplement ingredients vary widely, researchers say consumers should read ingredient labels carefully and look for the following:

Aristolochic acid (Aristolochia, birthwort, snakeroot, snakeweed, snagree root, sangrel, serpentary, wild ginger) have caused documented human cancers, and it is linked to kidney failure.

Other ingredients that are harmful and lead to abnormal liver function are comfrey (Symphytum officinale, ass ear, black root, blackwort, bruisewort, consolidae radix, consound, gum plant, healing herb, knitback, knitbone, salsify, slippery root, symphytum radix, wallwort.

While androstenedione (4-androstene-3, 17-dione, andro, androstene) lead to increased cancer risks and decreases in "good" HDL cholesterol according to the report.

Experts say it's important to tell your doctor about any dietary supplement you may be taking. Not only do many supplements have significant side effects, but they may also interfere with the effectiveness of prescribed medications, such as birth control pills. (ANI)