Energy-boosting supplements may be deadly, new research suggests.
‘The 12 most popular dietary supplements’ for improved energy all contain thyroid hormones, while seven have at least one steroid hormone, a study found.
Excessive thyroid hormone intake can lead to fatal heart problems, as well as bone damage, excessive weight loss, tremors and agitation, according to study author Dr Halis Kaan Akturk, from the University of Colorado.
Steroid hormones can cause the adrenal glands to shut down, which can be life-threatening, as well as leading to depression, acne and hair loss, Dr Akturk added.
None of the supplements, which were not named in the study, list thyroid or steroid hormones on their labels, the research adds.
According to the researchers, most supplements are bought without a doctor’s recommendation, with people relying on product labeling or promotions to decide which to take.
Dr Akturk said: Patients should be aware that any supplement that is sold as “natural”, “organic”, “herbal”, “plant-based”, may not be safe. These words give patients a false reassurance.’
Energy-boosting supplements may be deadly, new research suggests (stock)
Low energy is better treated with lifestyle changes
Result further suggest every supplement analysed contains a small amount of a thyroid hormone known as triiodothyronine.
Seven of the tablets contain at least one steroid hormone, with pregnenolone being in five.
It is unclear what dose of these hormones, or how frequently they are taken, may cause side effects, according to Dr Pieter Cohen, from Harvard University, who was not involved in the study.
He added, however: ‘There is no question that if you take too much hormones they can have serious adverse effects.
‘My recommendation is to stick to the vitamin and mineral supplements that a physician recommends
‘If someone is feeling generally fatigued or low energy but doesn’t yet feel the need to see a physician, I would recommend trying to eat healthier, get additional exercise and get some extra sleep as the next best step rather than looking for a solution in a bottle of supplements.’
How the research was carried out
The researchers analysed 12 supplements that claim to boost energy, improve metabolism and provide ‘adrenal support’.
The supplements were bought from a ‘very well-known online shopping website’.
Eight of the supplements were capsules, three were tablets and one was a liquid.
The adrenal gland produces hormones, such as cortisol, that regulates metabolism and manages stress, as well as aldosterone, which controls blood pressure.
The findings were published in the journal Mayo Clinic Proceedings.
Supplement boosts memory, speech and strength in stroke survivors
This comes after research released last December suggested an over-the-counter supplement found on the High Street boosts memory, muscle strength and speech in stroke survivors.
The herbal supplement ginkgo biloba, which is thought to relieve depression and headaches, prevents cell death in the brain by improving its blood flow, previous studies suggest.
When taken with aspirin, which prevents further clots by thinning the blood, ginkgo biloba also improves stroke sufferers’ attention, reflexes and language skills in as little as 12 weeks, the new research adds.
Ginkgo biloba also causes few side effects, the study found.
Study author Dr Yun Xu, from Nanjing University in China, said: ‘In the UK, Europe, Canada and the USA, Ginkgo biloba extract is a commercially available food supplement available without prescription.
‘The study demonstrated patients with stroke who received ginkgo biloba extract manifested better memory function, executive functions, neurological function and daily life.’