\u00a0Supplement
\n\u00a0Concern\/Population At Risk
\n\u00a0Potential Side Effects<\/p>\n
Caffeine-containing supplements\u00a0
\nAt high doses, especially in individuals with preexisting heart conditions
\nHigh blood pressure and palpitations<\/p>\n
Yohimbine
\nIndividuals with preexisting heart conditions, those taking antidepressant medication or during pregnancy\/breastfeeding
\nHigh blood pressure, irregular or rapid heartbeat, heart attack, anxiety and stomach distress
Medication interactions<\/p>\n
Bitter orange
\nIndividuals with preexisting heart conditions, during pregnancy or breastfeeding or while taking certain medications\/herbal supplements
\nHigh blood pressure, elevated heart rate and decreased milk production\u00a0
Medication interactions\u00a0<\/p>\n
Licorice Root
\nAt high doses, especially in people with chronic conditions (e.g., heart, liver and kidney disease), those taking corticosteroids or during pregnancy\/breastfeeding
\nHigh blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, liver and kidney issues and increased risk of premature delivery
Medication interactions<\/p>\n
Magnesium\u00a0
\nAt high doses, especially with certain types like magnesium citrate, magnesium hydroxide and magnesium oxide
\nBloating, diarrhea or nausea<\/p>\n
Vitamin C\u00a0
\nAt high doses
\nBloating, diarrhea or nausea<\/p>\n
Iron\u00a0
\nAt high doses
\nBloating, diarrhea or nausea<\/p>\n
Zinc
\nAt high doses
\nCopper deficiency, frequent illness or unusual infections<\/p>\n
Echinacea
\nPeople with autoimmune disorders, allergies to the Daisy family (e.g., daisies, ragweed), those taking immunosuppressants, individuals with chronic conditions (e.g., kidney or liver disease) or in groups with limited safety data (e.g., pregnant\/lactating women and children)
\nWorsened autoimmune conditions
Medication interactions<\/p>\n
Vitamin D
\nAt high doses, especially when paired with calcium
\nKidney stones and liver toxicity<\/p>\n
Calcium
\nAt high doses, especially when paired with vitamin D
\nKidney stones<\/p>\n
Creatine
\nAt high doses in people with chronic kidney disease
\nWorsened kidney function<\/p>\n
Vitamin A\u00a0
\nAt high doses, especially in pregnant or lactating women or individuals with liver disease
\nLiver damage, birth defects (during pregnancy)<\/p>\n
Kava
\nAt high doses or prolonged use, especially in individuals taking sedatives (e.g., benzodiazepines or alcohol) or medications\/herbal supplements
\nLiver damage, digestive upset, headache and dizziness<\/p>\n
Green tea extract
\nAt high doses
\nLiver damage<\/p>\n
Vitamin B6\u00a0
\nAt high doses
\nNumbness and tingling in the extremities<\/p>\n
Vitamin B3\u00a0
\nAt high doses
\nFlushing, dizziness and mood irritability<\/p>\n
St. John\u2019s Wort
\nNumerous drug interactions, individuals with liver or kidney disease and in populations with limited safety data (i.e., pregnant\/lactating women and children)
\nWorsened kidney or liver function
Numerous medication interactions (e.g., birth control)<\/p>\n
Ginkgo biloba
\nIndividuals taking anticoagulant medications or with bleeding disorders and populations with limited safety data (i.e., pregnant\/lactating women and children)
\nIncreased bleeding risk
Medication interactions (e.g., anticoagulants)<\/p>\n
Fish Oil
\nIndividuals taking anticoagulant or anti-hypertensive medications, seafood allergies or with certain chronic conditions (e.g., type 2 diabetes or liver disease)
\nAllergic reaction, increased bleeding risk
Medication interactions (e.g., anticoagulants)<\/p>\n
These are some of the known concerns and potential side effects with common supplements. This list is not comprehensive, and individual responses can vary. Always talk to a healthcare professional before taking any supplement.\n<\/p>\n
1. Heart Problems <\/p>\n
Many people turn to supplements hoping to boost energy, improve athletic performance or support weight loss, but what\u2019s often overlooked are the potential effects on the heart. \u201cStimulant-like supplements such as high-dose caffeine, yohimbine, bitter orange or licorice root can trigger palpitations, elevated heart rate and spikes in blood pressure. For people with underlying heart disease, even \u2018natural\u2019 energizers can raise the risk of arrhythmia or stroke,\u201d warns Pinkey Patel, Pharm.D, NASM-CPT<\/a>.\n<\/p>\n Patel warns that if a supplement makes your heart pound, causes a change in blood pressure or triggers other unusual side effects, you should discontinue use and consult a medical professional.\n<\/p>\n 2. Digestive Issues <\/p>\n Dealing with ongoing digestive discomfort<\/a>? Certain high-dose vitamin and mineral supplements may be to blame. \u201cBloating, diarrhea, or nausea are common when taking high doses of supplements like magnesium, vitamin C or iron. While mild discomfort may seem harmless, persistent digestive issues can affect nutrient absorption and hydration,\u201d says Fay Kazzi, Ph.D, M.S., RD<\/a>, a registered dietitian.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n For example, certain types of magnesium in supplements\u2014like magnesium citrate, hydroxide and oxide\u2014can have a laxative effect<\/a>, which may lead to dehydration if ignored.\n<\/p>\n 3. Altered Immune Function <\/p>\n When it comes to taking supplements to support your immune system<\/a>, more isn\u2019t always better. \u201cVery high doses of zinc, for instance, can suppress immune response and cause copper deficiency. Similarly, echinacea or other immune \u2018boosters\u2019 may overstimulate the immune system, worsening autoimmune conditions,\u201d says Patel.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n She cautions that if you suddenly feel \u201crun down\u201d with frequent illness or unusual infections after starting a supplement, it may be working against you.\n<\/p>\n 4. Kidney Dysfunction <\/p>\n \u201cThe kidneys are responsible for filtering excess nutrients. So they can be put under strain with chronic overuse of certain supplements,\u201d says Kazzi. For example, she explains that excess vitamin D or calcium can contribute to kidney stones. Additionally, high doses of creatine may worsen kidney function in people with pre-existing kidney disease.\n<\/p>\n As a result, she emphasizes that symptoms like unexplained lower back pain, swelling or changes in urination should be taken very seriously.\n<\/p>\n 5. Liver Damage <\/p>\n The liver plays a crucial role in detoxification and processing nutrients\u2014including supplements. However, when supplements are consumed in excess, this additional burden can lead to harm. \u201cHerbal blends like kava, green tea extract (in concentrated pill form) or high-dose vitamin A have been linked to liver injury,\u201d says Patel.\n<\/p>\n She adds that if the liver becomes too overwhelmed, this can result in signs of liver damage, such as yellowing of the skin, dark or brownish urine, nausea and unexplained fatigue. If you experience any of these symptoms or other unexplained changes in your health, discontinue use and seek medical attention.\n<\/p>\n 6. Neurological Changes <\/p>\n Despite being marketed to stimulate the mind or boost attention, some supplements can have unexpected side effects on the nervous system. For example, \u201cexcess vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) can cause nerve damage leading to numbness or tingling in the extremities. High doses of vitamin B3 (niacin) may trigger flushing, dizziness and mood irritability,\u201d explains Patel.\n<\/p>\n She notes that the brain is highly sensitive to changes in chemical balance. Therefore, supplements that cause symptoms like mental fog, irritability or neuropathy deserve immediate attention.\n<\/p>\n 7. Medication Interactions <\/p>\n \u201cOne of the most overlooked risks of supplements is how they interact with medications. St. John\u2019s Wort, a popular herb for mood, can reduce the effectiveness of birth control, antidepressants and even chemotherapy drugs,\u201d Kazzi explains.\n<\/p>\n She also shares that supplements like ginkgo biloba and fish oil can thin the blood and increase bleeding risk when combined with anticoagulants (\u201cblood thinners\u201d). For these reasons, you should always openly discuss any supplements you\u2019re currently taking or considering with your healthcare provider to avoid drug-nutrient interactions.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n Who\u2019s Most at Risk? <\/p>\n For certain groups of people, the risk of serious supplement side effects<\/a> is even higher. Both experts note that people with increased risk include:\n<\/p>\n Those Who Are Pregnant or Lactating. \u201cEven common herbs like ginseng or excessive vitamin A can be unsafe during pregnancy. The placenta and infant metabolism are highly sensitive,\u201d says Patel.Older Adults. Patel notes that age alters how the body metabolizes drugs and supplements, which can increase the risk of liver and kidney problems, as well as drug-nutrient interactions.People With Chronic Conditions. People with chronic conditions\u2014such as kidney disease, liver disease or autoimmune disorders\u2014should be especially cautious with supplements, as their bodies may process nutrients differently and be more vulnerable to side effects, cautions Kazzi.People Taking Multiple Medications. \u201cPolypharmacy [taking multiple medications] plus supplements is a common recipe for adverse interactions,\u201d says Patel. Be sure to mention any supplements you\u2019re taking or are considering when visiting your healthcare provider.Children. With more supplements available in \u201cgummy\u201d form, Patel warns this raises concern over children accidentally thinking they\u2019re candy. She explains that smaller bodies are more vulnerable to overdose, which is why it is crucial to store supplements safely out of reach of children.Athletes Taking Unregulated Supplements. Kazzi shares that athletes and fitness enthusiasts who experiment with high-dose or unregulated performance supplements are at risk of hidden contaminants and organ strain. To stay safe, she advises double-checking to make sure the supplement is independently tested.<\/p>\n How to Supplement Safely <\/p>\n First and foremost, Kazzi explains that supplementation should never replace a balanced diet<\/a> but rather fill in gaps that food alone can\u2019t cover. \u201cI recommend starting with lab work to identify deficiencies before adding any new supplement\u2014this helps you avoid unnecessary or excessive use,\u201d she adds.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n Both dietitians also advise following evidence-based dosages rather than marketing claims, and being cautious of anything labeled as \u201cmega-dose.\u201d To ensure safety and purity, look for independently tested supplements. \u201cReputable seals like USP, NSF or ConsumerLab reduce (but don\u2019t eliminate) risks of contamination or inaccurate labeling,\u201d Patel explains.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n Most importantly, Kazzi shares that you should always keep your healthcare provider in the loop about what supplements you\u2019re taking\u2014especially if you\u2019re taking prescription medications, are pregnant or lactating or have certain chronic conditions such as heart, liver or kidney disease.\n<\/p>\n Our Expert Take <\/p>\n Supplements are becoming increasingly popular with more people including them in their daily routines. While many can support health, some carry risks that shouldn\u2019t be ignored\u2014such as heart problems, digestive or neurological issues, altered immune function, liver toxicity, kidney dysfunction and medication interactions<\/a>. Taking appropriate doses, paying attention to your body and consulting a healthcare professional before starting a new supplement are simple steps you can take to protect your health.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"\u00a0Supplement \u00a0Concern\/Population At Risk \u00a0Potential Side Effects Caffeine-containing supplements\u00a0 At high doses, especially in individuals with preexisting heart…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":144710,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[45],"tags":[102,6636,56,54,55],"class_list":{"0":"post-144709","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-nutrition","8":"tag-health","9":"tag-nutrition","10":"tag-uk","11":"tag-united-kingdom","12":"tag-unitedkingdom"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/144709","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=144709"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/144709\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/144710"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=144709"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=144709"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=144709"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}