Are there dietary supplement side effects?

Dietary supplements have risks and side effects, in the same way that medicines do. Many supplements contain active ingredients that have strong biological effects in the body. This could make them unsafe, in some situations. E.g., the following actions could lead to harmful, even life-threatening consequences, combining supplements, taking supplements with other medication, (whether prescription or over-the-counter), or substituting supplements for prescription medicines. Also, taking too much of some supplements, such as vitamin A, vitamin D, or iron, can have serious complications. Some supplements can also have unwanted effects before, during, and after surgery.

There is no current requirement for research studies to verify the safety of a dietary supplement. Unlike many medicines which require a doctor’s prescription, supplements are largely self - prescribed. This means that there is no informed medical guidance from a medical source such as a doctor, nurse or pharmacist. In 2013 exposures to supplements, (including vitamins, herbs, protein powders, and botanicals), accounted for a hundred thousand calls to US poison control centres. Most people suffering from unexpected side effects, illnesses, or drug interactions from dietary supplement sources, do not call a poison control centre, or report the adverse reaction to the manufacturer of the supplement. This would indicate that the quoted figure is a very low estimate of actual adverse side effects.
Although the side effects of dietary supplements can be serious and even fatal, consumers, in general, do not appreciate the risks. Diet and workout supplements are among the most popular consumed, and can also be some of the most dangerous. Diet supplements often contain stimulants, of which, an over-dose could raise the blood pressure to dangerously high levels, risking heart attack or stroke.

The use of the term “natural” on the product label, often fools many into believing that the product is safe, and can do them no harm. The small print on the label is usually ignored. In addition to this, supplement manufacturers, are not legally bound to indicate potential side effects, on the product label. There is no doubt that supplements can be beneficial to many users, but individuals react differently. Side effects can not only be experienced when using too higher dose of a product, but when taking the recommended, or even a smaller dose. Dangerous side effects can be experienced, when supplements are taken with other supplements, and or drugs, or when undergoing a medical procedure. Some supplements are marketed as having “almost no side effects”, but when combined with others, or taken frequently, can become toxic.