Experts have voiced concern over the safety of skin, hair and nail supplements, after a woman developed a nasty vaginal infection as a result of taking the vitamin pills.

After just a few weeks on the daily supplements, which contain a host of nutrients including vitamin C, collagen and calcium, the 64 year-old began to experience a burning sensation when she went to the toilet.

Around the same time, in February this year, she noticed a dark, yellow, foul-smelling discharge in her underwear. 

Both symptoms are consistent with thrush, a common genital infection caused by the overgrowth of Candida yeast.

Reporting the case in the Journal of Medical Case Reports, the scientists from Purdue University College of Pharmacy in Indiana noted that the problems vanished as soon as the woman stopped taking the supplement.

There is no published evidence to suggest the vitamins and minerals in the product can trigger thrush, so the experts theorised that the problem was likely caused by inactive components or preservatives in the pills.

These could have altered the vaginal pH, leading to an environment in which the Candida yeast can thrive, the researchers wrote.

It is believed the woman is a unique case as there have been no other previous reports of the same incident occurring.

A 64-year-old woman caught a nasty vaginal yeast infection after using a common health supplement meant for the skin, hair and nails manufactured by vitamins brand Spring Valley

A 64-year-old woman caught a nasty vaginal yeast infection after using a common health supplement meant for the skin, hair and nails manufactured by vitamins brand Spring Valley

Meanwhile there are six supplements claiming to boost immune health and energy that could actually lead to irreversible liver damage, a Michigan study suggests

Meanwhile there are six supplements claiming to boost immune health and energy that could actually lead to irreversible liver damage, a Michigan study suggests

The beauty capsules, which cost around £30, are said to improve the health and appearance of hair, skin and nails by providing nutrients known to be vital for cells in those tissues to thrive.

They typically contain a blend of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients including vitamins A, B, C, D, E, folate, zinc, rutin, inositol and collagen. 

Hair, skin, and nail supplements are not regulated by health chiefs, such as the Food and Drug Administration in the US, or the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), and so are not tested for safety and efficacy, which limits the knowledge of negative effects.

The researchers urged that common, readily available supplements can have little-known, unpleasant side effects.

It follows a 2024 US review published in JAMA Network Open that suggested six commonly taken ‘immune boosting’  supplements could lead to irreversible liver damage.

These were turmeric, green tea extract, garcinia cambogia, black cohosh, red yeast rice, and ashwagandha. 

The scientists, from the University of Michigain, highlighted evidence showing these common supplements may contain ingredients that lead to permanent liver injuries and organ failure.

They warned that the effects ‘can be not only severe’ but also lead to ‘death or liver transplantation.’

They also noted that drug-induced liver injury, also called drug-induced hepatoxicity, specifically from supplements has increased and accounts for 20 per cent of these injuries in the US.

Despite little to no scientific backed evidence to support supplements, around half of UK adults take them and by 2030, the industry is expected to be worth around £251.5bn, up from £136.5bn today. 

***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk