Nutritional Supplements: Are They Really Safe?

You might remember the television drama Providence. In one episode Joanie, who cared for her elderly father, gave him an herb called ginkgo biloba in order to improve his mental functioning. When he was diagnosed with ulcers, Joanie's older sister Sidney, a doctor, found out Joanie had been giving their dad the nutritional supplement. Sidney angrily explained to Joanie that ginkgo biloba increases the risk of developing ulcers. Joanie had just assumed it was safe to use, since it was a natural herb available at the drug store without a prescription.

Many such nutritional supplements are perfectly harmless and many are indeed beneficial to our health. Some, though, can be harmful, especially if you have certain medical conditions or are on certain medications. Even if they are all-natural products, they can have side effects. If you have any medical problems or are on medication, it is always a good idea to talk with your doctor or pharmacist before trying any sort of nutritional supplement, even the stuff you can buy at the grocery store without a prescription.

Take ginkgo biloba, for instance. It increases the risk of bleeding and should not be used by anyone with a clotting disorder or anyone on a blood-thinning medication. It can cause digestive problems like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, increases the risk of ulcers, and can also cause headaches.

On a positive note, it has been shown to increase blood flow to the brain and to improve memory and mental functioning. (It may also decrease cholesterol, treat skin disorders, and help treat infertility in males. These claims have not been proven yet.) It might be a useful supplement for you, but talk to your doctor first.

Echinacea is another commonly-used herb. It is often taken to treat colds, flu, and other such ailments. Some studies have found that, when combined with vitamin C and zinc lozenges, it is effective in treating colds. However, it can be dangerous if people with certain health condition use it.