The Dangers of Diet Supplements

Just because something is "natural" doesn't mean it's harmless. There are dangers associated with several diet supplements on the market. Even vitamins and minerals that are good for you in proper amounts can be dangerous if you take too much.

Interfering with Prescription Medications

• Some diet supplements may interfere with the absorption of prescription medications. For instance, St. John's wort is sometimes taken for depression and can lessen the effect of blood thinners, birth control pills and other medications.

Affects on the Heart

• Dietary supplements that promise to provide energy, help lose weight or increase sex drive may hurt the heart directly or indirectly by increasing blood pressure. Examples include yohimbe and ephedra.

Damage to Other Organs

• Some supplements have been linked to kidney or liver damage, especially in high doses. Supplements linked to organ damage include comfrey, kava, pennyroyal oil and megadoses of iron.

Overdose of Fat-Soluble Vitamins

• Water-soluble vitamins are excreted if you take too much, but fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, D and E build up in the body and can cause symptoms from nausea to neurological damage.

Overdosing on Mineral Supplements

• Diet supplements containing megadoses of certain minerals can also be toxic. Overdosing on selenium, for instance, can cause poisoning symptoms such as nausea and muscle weakness.