I am a pharmacist, and these are the supplements that I do not take

Some do not work, while others come with serious side effects.


Socketfood supplements Can feel like a healthy habit, but experts say that some products can do more harm than good. Indeed, the Food and Drug Administration of the United States (FDA) regulates supplements as a form of food, and not as drugs, they are therefore subject to much less examination than drugs. In fact, their praised advantages and their possible side effects always remain only loose. In the end, consumers end up with incomplete information when they decide supplements to be taken, if that.

This is why we talked about withTessa Spencer, Pharmd, specialist inCommunity pharmacy and functional medicine, to find out what supplements you may want to get from your list. Read the rest to discover what four supplements she would not take personally and why she considers these non -starters popular products.

Read this then:Never take this popular OTC medication for more than 2 days, warns the FDA.

1
Elder supplements to stimulate immunity

Elderberry supplement
Whisper

Spencer says that, in his opinion, the supposed advantages of elder supplements are particularly doubtful. "While some preliminary research suggests that the elderberry canrelieve the symptoms of the flu or other higher respiratory tract infections, other clinical studies show that it does not reduce the duration of flu symptoms, "she saidBetter life. "Studies showing an advantage have been very small and were founded by companies selling elderberries, which is a huge conflict of interest," she adds.

Adding to his concern is the fact that many of these products come with misleading information about their ingredients. "Many elderberries are unclean, diluted or don't even contain elderberries in the product, but rather an extract of black rice," she explains. "If you choose to complete, be sure to buy a product that isUSP verified For purity and power, you therefore not only buy syrup or color tablets, "advises Spencer.

Read this then:This popular OTC medication can easily cause "serious damage", warns the doctor.

2
Biotin for hair, skin and nails

Biotin pills
Whisper

Another supplement that Spencer jumps is biotin, which many people take to improve the appearance and health of their hair, skin and nails. "I think it's just a supplement scam," she said.AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

"In 2017, a meta-analysis examined the supplement of biotin. This analysis showed an improvement in hair and nails growth when supplementing in patients with established biotin deficiency. This is the key. These patients had biotin deficiency, which is actually quite rare in the United States, "says Spencer. She adds that people withalcohol dependence, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or people who have taken medication to treat epilepsy for more than a year are some of the rare groups that can be at a real risk of biotin deficiencies.

"There were no randomized controlled trials to prove the effectiveness of biotin supplementation in normal and healthy individuals to improve growth or force of hair or nails," she noted .

3
Health health oil oil

Image of Bottle of omega 3 fish oil capsules pouring into hand.
istock

Fish oil is a popular supplement that is often used to improve heart health, but Spencer says it is on its list of items that it will not take.

"Most individuals consume fish oil for a source of" healthy fats ". Although long-chain omega-3 is useful, I don't think we should get them fish oil, "she said. Spencer explains that industrial pollutants and insecticides are" commonly Supplements of fish and krill oil ", even those supposed to be free from such contaminants." Instead, I recommend taking 250 mg per day from omega-3 to long-range chain (yeasts or yeasts or algae) of EPA / DHA. "

For more health information sent directly to your reception box,Register for our daily newsletter.

4
Mega-doses of vitamin C to prevent or treat colds

Man holding pills, medication, or vitamins
Whisper

Spencer says that it avoids taking vitamin C, citing its doses of mega and questionable efficiency as concern. “Most vitamin C supplements provide much more vitamin C than people need it. The daily intake recommended for individuals ... is around 65 to 90 mg, and the maximum quantity of vitamins and daily minerals that you can take safely without risk of overdose or serious or serious side effects is 2 000 mg, "she explains." The most used vitamin C supplements are those that have about 1,000 mg of vitamin C in a package. This means that if you have two packages, you are already at your higher limit - and it does not include vitamin C that you cross your diet. "

Even if you do not experience side effects ofToo much vitamin C , Spencer says excess will be wasted. "You just pay for dear urine," she quips. "Personally, I prefer to increase my vitamin C intake by eating whole foods rich in vitamin C throughout the day. I try to eat yellow or red peppers, oranges, kale, strawberries, and I 'also try to include fresh thyme in any dish that I' 'M does to increase these levels of vitamin C. "

Best Life offers the most recent information from high -level experts, new research and health agencies, but our content is not supposed to replace professional advice. Regarding the medication you take or any other health issue you have, always consult your health care provider directly.


These are the states with most people work
These are the states with most people work
7 "Home improvements" that actually ruin your property
7 "Home improvements" that actually ruin your property
This national coffee chain could become more expensive soon
This national coffee chain could become more expensive soon