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Consumer Reports identifies 'dirty dozen': 12 risky supplements
by Sophie Anderson - August 4, 2010 - comments
A recent report published by Consumer Reports in collaboration with the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database suggests that a number of ingredients found in natural supplements have the potency to cause serious side effects that may lead to cardiovascular, kidney, and liver problems.
Dietary supplements have always been acclaimed for the numerous benefits they confer. By just taking the pills and powders one may get a dream body, shed unwanted pounds and be empowered with the unending vigor to gain an edge in sports or in bed.
But watch out. These supplements might not only prove bogus but also rob you off your health, the latest report compiled by Consumer Reports warns.
The report singles out a dozen ingredients in supplements that may have potential health risks, possibly leading to cancer, kidney and liver damage, cardiovascular problems, and death.
The identified ingredients in the report are together termed the "dirty dozen." But Nancy Metcalf, senior program editor at Consumer Reports, said, "the dozen we call out in this report are by no means the only dangerous ingredients."
"They are the ones we chose to highlight."
The report
Experts at the Consumer Reports and the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, an independent research group, scrutinized nearly 1,100 ingredients found in various dietary supplements.
Based on research studies and case reports, the team identified 25 ingredients that had been linked to serious health issues.
From the group of 25 ingredients, the team then decided on the 12 allegedly most dangerous ingredients.
"Supplements are marketed with very seductive and sometimes overblown sales pitches for increasing your performance in the bedroom, slimming down or boosting your athletic prowess," Metcalf said.
The adverse effects, the availability of the ingredients, the marketing of the product containing the ingredient, all were taken into account to arrive at the list of the 12 ingredients that should be avoided.
The ‘dirty dozen’
The 12 identified ingredients particularly said to be dangerous are aconite, bitter orange, chaparral, colloidal silver, coltsfoot, comfrey, country mallow, germanium, greater celandine, kava, lobelia, and yohimbe.
The ingredients hyped as an effective ‘natural’ care for joint pains, erectile dysfunction, depression, weight loss, upset stomach, cough and common cold can result in nausea, vomiting, heart rhythm disorders, respiratory system paralysis, kidney and liver damage and, even death.
Be cautious
"Supplements are marketed with very seductive and sometimes overblown sales pitches for increasing your performance in the bedroom, slimming down or boosting your athletic prowess," Metcalf said.
"And consumers are easily lulled into believing that supplements can do no harm because they're ‘natural’. However, some natural ingredients can be hazardous, and on top of that the FDA has repeatedly found hazardous ingredients, including synthetic prescription drugs, in supplements," Metcalf added.
Consumers are thus advised to be cautious about taking such dietary supplements.
The supplements should be checked with the doctor or pharmacist. Further, one should not overdo supplements and ensure to report any symptoms or adverse effects immediately, the authorities recommend.
Also, consumers should check the "USP Verified" mark on products before buying. The mark indicates that the manufacturer has had its product verified with the United States Pharmacopeia.