| p>Nutritional supplements can be bought | | | | body can pose major problems. For example, high |
| over-the-counter--which means you do not need to | | | | doses of iron and vitamin D can result to kidney |
| get a prescription to avail of them. They are | | | | damage; too much vitamin A can cause headaches, |
| generally perceived as safe by the general public, | | | | diarrhea, nausea, and possible damage to the bones |
| even though most of them are not acknowledged | | | | and liver. |
| and regulated by the Food and Drug Administration | | | | 2. Medical history |
| Board. How much do we really know about the | | | | Some nutritional supplements side effects are |
| nutritional supplements we take? Are there any | | | | triggered by your pre-existing health conditions, |
| nutritional supplements side effects? Here are some | | | | medical history, or treatment. For example, some |
| things to think about: | | | | people with asthma may be allergic to a higher |
| 1. Dosage and topical application | | | | dosage of Vitamin C. Family history should also be |
| Anything taken in excess is not good for health. The | | | | considered; those with a family history of diabetes, |
| same is true with nutritional supplements. A study | | | | high blood pressure/hypertension, kidney stones, and |
| made by the Frederick W. Fraunfelder, M.D., | | | | reflux nephropathy are at risk of nutritional |
| researcher and ophthalmology professor in OHSU | | | | supplements side effects such as kidney failure when |
| listed dry eyes, temporary visual loss, and retinal | | | | taking supplements like creatine. |
| hemorrhages as some of the ocular nutritional | | | | TIP: It is still best to consult a physician regarding the |
| supplements side effects of some nutritional and | | | | intake of nutritional supplements; this is especially |
| herbal supplements. Most nutritional supplements side | | | | important for patients undergoing any type of |
| effects were associated with topical application and | | | | medication or recuperation, or for those in special |
| high dosages. While there were no reported cases of | | | | circumstances, such as pregnant women. |
| permanent damage, there is still a possibility for it, | | | | It is also helpful to read medical guides, brochures, |
| should the patient continue the use of the product. | | | | and consumer reports to gather information on |
| Of more than 300 reported cases, his study reported | | | | certain nutritional supplements, whether they have |
| 8 variables associated with ocular side effects: | | | | any side effects. You can also look into the Food and |
| Echinacea purpurea, ginkgo biloba, chamomile, | | | | Drug Association Board World Health Organization |
| canthaxanthine, licorice, Datura, vitamin A, and niacin. | | | | database for any banned or discouraged nutritional |
| Some of these products, particularly gingko biloba, | | | | supplements. Remember that some supplements |
| show nutritional supplements side effects when | | | | contain additives that can harm you. Make sure that |
| taken with other medicines such as aspirin and | | | | the manufacturer of your supplement is |
| Ibuprofen. | | | | pharmaceutical GMP compliant - this will guarantee |
| Multivitamins should be taken in moderation-- | | | | that their product is devoid of damaging fillers. |
| overdose of vitamins that are not excreted by the | | | | |