Supplements offer so much promise. Anything can be fixed by just taking one supplement a day. At least, that’s what supplement manufacturers want consumers to think.
This $46 billion dollar industry has convinced millions of people that they need to take supplements on a daily basis, but this practice could actually be very harmful. Many types of supplements are sold today for a variety of “health benefits,” yet there are people losing their lives because of them.
Are All Supplements Bad?
Not all supplements negatively impact human health. Some supplements really are beneficial for promoting a healthy lifestyle, but it’s necessary to know which supplements have deadly side effects.
The Food and Drug Administration advises consumers to speak with healthcare providers before taking a new supplement to ensure safety and discuss potential side effects. There’s always a risk involved with taking supplements since they do not need to be tested by the FDA before being sold to the public. The FDA reviews new supplements for safety, but is not required to approve them for the market. It’s up to the supplement manufacturer to properly test their product for any potential dangers.
Supplements are commonly marketed using false advertising, so shoppers should be especially wary of the supplements they choose. The FDA suggests avoiding supplements that sound “too good to be true” or those that don’t list any side effects. People can also search the FDA website to see if there have been any adverse effects reported for the supplement.
Even though supplement manufacturers don’t need to get products approved by the FDA, they do have to report if there have been any negative reactions or incidents related to their product. The FDA can also take supplements off the market if they pose significant health risks or use misleading terms.
Which Supplements Pose the Most Risk?
Cesium Chloride
The FDA has sent out multiple alerts to consumers of dietary supplements containing cesium chloride, a mineral known to cause serious heart problems. Animal studies have shown that cesium chloride can cause irregular heartbeats. It is also associated with lowering potassium in the blood, which is needed for normal heart functioning. These side effects are especially dangerous for cancer patients who often take cesium chloride as an alternative treatment.
The FDA has already identified 23 reports of serious adverse events associated with cesium, including heart problems. Some of the reported reactions associated with cesium chloride use are:
- Seizures
- Low potassium
- Fainting
- Potentially fatal arrhythmias
- Cardiac Arrest
- Death
No scientific studies show that cesium chloride is an effective cancer treatment or even safe to use. While it is not being widely sold, there are still a few dietary supplements containing cesium salts on the market. The FDA recommends consumers check that their supplements do not contain cesium, and avoid purchasing supplements with this ingredient.
Testosterone Supplements
Despite the FDA’s warning that testosterone supplements can cause blood clots, testosterone therapy is still used for health issues such as hypogonadism. Testosterone supplements can come in many forms, including:
- Skin Patch
- Gel
- Mouth patch
- Injection or implant
A 2019 study from the University of Minnesota found that supplements used for testosterone therapy can increase the risk of developing a deep vein blood clot within six months. Researchers found testosterone treatment increases red blood cell count and thickens the blood, making it flow more slowly. Due to these risks, it’s recommended that men who receive testosterone therapy should be closely monitored by health physicians for blood clots.
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Greed of Supplement Manufacturers
Cesium chloride and testosterone likely aren’t the only supplements with potentially harmful side effects. The supplement industry is highly profitable, and manufacturers may make false promises in order to sell their product.
Because the FDA doesn’t have to approve supplements that go on the market, manufacturers may be able to find ways to sell unsafe products just to make a profit. It may not always be the greed of manufacturers that puts these dangerous products on store shelves, but consumers should always be cautious.
Pintas & Mullins Can Help
If you or one of your loved ones suffered a serious illness from daily supplements usage, we can help. Let our team of experienced lawyers assist you in making a legal claim. You may be entitled to significant compensation for your injuries. Call us for a free legal consultation today.
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