The NIH Office of Dietary Supplements specifically cautions that natural products can still cause
harm and recommends discussing supplement use with healthcare professionals.
How to Use Supplements More Safely
A few precautions can reduce unnecessary risk:
- Avoid megadoses unless specifically recommended medically.
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Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all supplements you take.
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Be especially careful with products marketed for rapid weight loss, bodybuilding, or detoxification.
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Choose products from reputable manufacturers.
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Avoid using supplements as substitutes for prescribed treatment.
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If you have liver or kidney disease, discuss supplements before starting them.
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Stop using a supplement and seek
medical advice if you develop concerning symptoms.
The Bottom Line
Most vitamins and supplements are not inherently dangerous when used appropriately.
Problems are more likely when people
take very large doses, use multiple overlapping products, take concentrated herbal extracts, or continue supplements despite underlying liver or kidney disease.
Vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin C, high-dose niacin, iron, concentrated green tea extract, kava, multi-ingredient herbal formulas, and creatine in people with kidney problems all deserve particular attention.
