Patriot Health Digest
More people these days are popping and consuming supplements in the hope of helping their health, their immunity or their physique. But some of these popular formulations that we take to feel better can really leave you actually feeling worse, and in some rare cases, can even lead to dangerous effects.
Here are some of the worst side effects from three popular supplements (all chosen from ConsumerLab’s 2021 list of the most popular supplements). Read on to discover these issues.
1 — Whey Protein
Possible side effect: Diarrhea
The popular supplement can be hard for some folks to stomach. (Maybe it is no surprise, because it is derived from milk.) Drinking down whey protein can cause some uncomfortable GI problems, including bloating, gas, diarrhea and nausea. If whey is too hard on your digestive system, going for plant-based protein powder could be a better option.
2 — Vitamin D
Possible side effect: Toxicity
Vitamin D was the top supplement bought during 2020, according to ConsumerLab’s numbers. And it is no wonder: The vitamin got a lot of publicity during the covid pandemic, starting with news reports about many people with severe coronavirus having lower levels of the vitamin. Having good Vitamin-D is a very good thing for your immunity, but try not to go overboard. It is a fat-soluble vitamin, meaning that excess amounts are not excreted in your urine but stored inside your body. Taking too much can lead to calcium to build up inside your blood, a possibly serious condition known as hypercalcemia. It is rare but a good reason to take these supplements only as recommended.
3 — Apple Cider Vinegar
Possible side effect: Tooth enamel loss
Apple cider vinegar is not a top supplement right now, outranked by even collagen and whey protein in the ConsumerLab report. ACV is available in gummies and capsules, but many people take the liquid formula straight from the bottle, putting it into hot water, juice, or just using a spoonful straight-up. Experts say you should not do this too often, as ACV is very acidic and can weaken your tooth enamel, leading to the risk of tooth decay. Mix it in water to dilute the acid, and if you do take it straight, wait at least 30 minutes before you brush your teeth.
Author: Blake Ambrose
