The risks of DIY supplementation
A lot of people look at supplements in their local pharmacy (or from online sources) or health food shop and assume they’re pretty safe.
Sadly, that’s not the case.
There are fairly regular reports in the media of serious health issues caused by D-I-Y supplementation of various types – from magnesium to melatonin and vitamin B6.
The latest one is a warning from Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Authority about quality issues with imported melatonin supplements – supplements commonly used to deal with sleep issues.
“Of the 18 samples tested, 5 were found to have an acceptable average content (90.0% – 110.0% of label claim) and variation of melatonin (greater than 6.0%).
Twelve of the samples were found to have an average melatonin content significantly different to the label claim, with five of these samples deviating from the labelled amount by more than 50%. “
And in 2022, the TGA reported on excessive – and harmful – amounts of Vitamin B6 in over-the-counter supplements – particularly when multiple supplements were being taken. The result was (sometimes permanent) tingling, burning or numbness in hands and feet. Other symptoms may be dizziness, nausea and brain fog among a range of other concerns.
“…the TGA has continued to receive adverse event reports that suggest some people are not aware that vitamin B6 can cause peripheral neuropathy and do not realise this vitamin is in many health supplements, including multivitamin and mineral preparations.”
Health supplements containing vitamin B6 can cause peripheral neuropathy
Are you taking multiple supplements without checking the fine print?
Doing your own thing with supplements – particularly using them over a long period of time – can come with risks.
Some key risk reduction strategies are:
- Read the label CAREFULLY – make sure you’re aware of the dosage you’re getting of EVERYTHING in the supplement (not just the feature ingredient).
- Read the labels on ALL your supplements and add up the contents.
- Review any long term supplement you’re taking regularly – with supervision from a health professional with relevant expertise and experience.
- Research the companies who manufacture the supplements for integrity and quality control
“The dose makes the poison” (Paracelsus). As a Naturopath, I assess people individually to prescribe the lowest useful dose of any supplement or herbal medicine. Higher doses may not be helpful and may be problematic. We are trained to understand the interactions of numerous supplements ad herbal medicines as well as medical drugs. ‘Less is more’ is a term I like to put in practice to keep people safe.
Nutrition is a biochemical process – and supplements have risks as well as benefits.
So be careful about long term D-I-Y supplementation – and get some expert advice from your friendly naturopath if you are confused or uncertain.
