Risks of dietary supplements: Warning of bleeding and organ failure
Amidst the growing global and local demand for health products, general surgeon Dr. Talal Mohammed warned of the serious consequences of the indiscriminate use of dietary supplements without close medical supervision. He emphasized that this behavior, which has become a worrying social phenomenon, is based on the misconception that the availability of these products without a prescription means they are completely safe, a notion that contradicts medical and scientific reality.
The illusion of safety and serious side effects
Dr. Talal explained that dietary supplements are not merely marginal additives, but rather chemical and pharmaceutical compounds with profound physiological effects on vital bodily functions. He pointed out that the misuse of these compounds can transform them into a "silent threat" to human life. For example, excessive intake of high doses of vitamin D can lead to a state of toxicity, causing calcium deposits in the kidneys and blood vessels, resulting in kidney stones and serious heart rhythm disturbances.
He added that increased iron levels in the body beyond the normal limit may cause damage to liver cells and increase the chances of developing chronic inflammation, while excessive consumption of magnesium may lead to a sharp drop in blood pressure and a slow pulse, which poses a risk to life.
The trap of drug and herbal interactions
In a related context, the doctor highlighted the dangers of natural herbs marketed as safe alternatives. He cited the well-known herb Ginkgo biloba as an example, explaining that it can interact dangerously with blood thinning medications, increasing the risk of internal bleeding, or interfere with the effectiveness of heart and blood pressure medications, leading to treatment failures without the patient or doctor realizing the underlying cause of the deteriorating condition.
Hidden polydrug phenomenon
The specialist pointed to a growing problem known medically as "hidden polydrug use," where people take a mix of supplements, vitamins, and herbs simultaneously, unaware of how these substances chemically interact within their bodies. This behavior places an enormous burden on the liver and kidneys—the organs responsible for filtering toxins—which can lead to chronic fatigue, neurological disorders, and, in advanced cases, organ failure.
Tests are the standard
In concluding his remarks to Al-Youm, Dr. Talal emphasized the need to change prevailing attitudes, stressing that the golden rule is "no supplements without testing." He stressed that no dietary supplement should be taken except to address a laboratory-proven deficiency, and only in specific doses, timing, and quantities, under the supervision of a qualified professional. He also warned against the dangers of being misled by deceptive marketing campaigns that falsely claim supplements are a substitute for proper nutrition, urging increased health awareness to avoid the serious harm that can result from attempting to promote health through misguided methods.
