Some Bioactive Supplements May Be Dangerous for Health: New Study

Over the past 30 years, interest in bioactive supplements (dietary supplements containing biologically active ingredients—vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, and other substances designed to complement a normal diet) has increased significantly. More than half of adults in the United States use supplements to address various health issues.

Social media widely circulates information about the supposed positive effects of various bioactive supplements. Content creators often advertise results such as accelerated metabolism, improved gut health, and enhanced longevity. These claims, however, largely lack scientific backing and frequently haven't undergone appropriate clinical trials.

Evidence indicates that supplements often cause more harm than benefit. In the past 25 years, there has been a significant increase in cases of liver damage and liver failure associated with supplement use. Patients also experience other side effects including mood swings, gastrointestinal problems, fatigue, kidney stones, hair loss, and high blood pressure.

Three factors underlie these problems: the proliferation of supplements rich in toxic compounds, harmful drug interactions, and overdosing—taking quantities exceeding the recommended limits. While 84 percent of consumers believe these products are safe and effective, the majority of the tens of thousands of supplements on the market have not undergone efficacy or safety testing.

Experts recommend consulting with a doctor, obtaining supplements from reliable suppliers, avoiding overdosing, checking for possible drug interactions, and remembering that supplements cannot replace a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.