The second major anti-supplement “study” to be released August 2010 was about the ‘Dirty Dozen’- a list of supplements that consumers should avoid. This list was assembled by Consumer Reports and The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database and identified ingredients that are linked to serious events by clinical research or case reports. The dozen are aconite, bitter orange, chaparral, colloidal silver, coltsfoot, comfrey, country mallow, germanium, greater celandine, kava, lobelia, and yohimbe.

While I feel it is necessary to report and inform consumers about the potential adverse effects of supplements, just as for pharmaceutical drugs, I often feel that the dangers of particular supplements are exaggerated or misleading. It is not to say that these particular ingredients haven’t caused adverse effects in individuals; but often it is difficult in case reports to determine what truly caused a reaction or adverse event. One also needs to consider that there has been a great deal of issues related to quality control and inspection that has led to supplements contaminated with heavy metals, pesticides or prescription drugs being sold to unsuspecting consumers that could have led to an adverse effect and not the particular herb or ingredient.

It is important to remember however, that just because a supplement is “natural” does not mean that it is safe; but just because an ingredient isn’t recognized as beneficial or has had research conducted on it, doesn’t mean it’s useless either. A great number of our pharmaceutical drugs have their origins from plants and a lot of now well-known remedies were once considered nothing more than “folk medicine” until modern day science investigated them and then they were taken more seriously. Ultimately, the responsibility falls upon each individual to figure out what works for them and what they decide to take.

A few things to look out for when you are choosing a supplement is that if there are outrageous and exaggerated claims – if it is too good to true, chances are it is. This would be a red flag! Remember no supplement can claim to diagnose, prevent, cure or treat any disease! Also the source of the raw material; is important, is it coming from a country with laidback or nonexistent regulations?

The fact is, a lot of supplements do not have a great deal of research regarding their use, benefits, side-effects and safety and many are used because of anecdotal reports and this is where we as consumers need to take responsibility into our own hands. I think the biggest message to take from an article and report such as this is that we are all different and have dietary and nutritional needs and each herb, just like OTC or pharmaceutical drugs, will have a different affect on each person. Educate yourself well on what you are going to take; not on wikipedia or random blogs, but on reputable sites- those that end in .gov, or .edu are usually great references; as well as, other credible sites such as; University of Maryland Medical Center, nhiondemand.com, and pdrhealth.com to name just a few. Most importantly, talk to your healthcare provider.

If you do take a supplement and begin to experience side-effects or adverse events, stop taking it immediately and contact your practitioner.