Question 257 of 433
Which supplements can actually hurt me?
The short answer
High-dose vitamin E, beta-carotene in smokers, too much calcium in pills, excess vitamin A, and herbal blends that affect the liver or interact with medicines.
High-dose vitamin E raised prostate cancer and bleeding stroke risk in trials.
Beta-carotene raised lung cancer in smokers.
Calcium pills in large doses may raise kidney stones and possibly heart risk. Get calcium from food when you can.
Green tea extract, kava, ashwagandha, and concentrated turmeric have each been tied to liver injury in some people.
St. John’s wort interferes with dozens of medications.
Red yeast rice is an unregulated statin of unknown dose.
“Natural” does not mean safe. Hemlock is natural.
“This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship.” From the book’s medical disclaimer. Full disclaimer
ROBUST SAFETY SIGNALS — Supplement harms depend on compound, dose, comorbidity, and interactions.Evidence grade (draft mapping)ARobust human trialsPart 17, Q257 · Part sources
From Longevity Unmasked by Afshine Ash Emrani, MD, FACC. Medical disclaimer. This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship. Nothing here is meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Medicine is personal: a test, drug, supplement, or exercise plan that helps one person can harm another. Do not start, stop, or change any medication or treatment because of something you read in these pages. Talk with a licensed clinician who knows your history first. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911. The author disclaims responsibility for any loss or harm arising from use of the information in this book.