Before Deciding On Taking Dietary Supplement
November 5, 2008
Clinical studies and case reports of herbal medicines and dietary supplements have recently begun to appear in major medical journals throughout the globe. The clinicians responsible for these publications are apparently unaware that no standards of quality exist for herbal products in this most countries.
The truth about dietary supplements
While most of the herbal drugs have had a history of utilization as fitness promoting agents as well as for variety of health benefits, one aspect that still needs a lot of scientific research as well as validation in their benefits as regular dietary supplements.
A few herbs and the kind of complications they may cause
Although, it is well understood that the dietary supplements can be helpful in weight loss and other health related benefits there are certain cautions and precautions under different physical states of the body which must be observed.
In case of pregnancy, it is better to avoid the consumption of St. John’s wort, which is supposed to be nutritive as well as immune-stimulant, weight loss promoting agent in general. According to a few published reports in literature, it can be presumed that there are a few adverse effects of taking the extracts of this herb, and it would be in the benefit of a healthy pregnancy to avoid the consumption.
Garcinia cambogia, which is considered to be a herb rich in hydroxy citric acid (HCA), the beneficial nutraceutical effects of which have been already defined by us in our previous article, but the truth is that HCA does not exist in the free form in this herb. Therefore, consumption of this herb as a nutraceutical weight loss supplement is not yet justified. Although, the herb may be considered beneficial in weight loss, still there is a need for further exploration in this direction in order to validate its usage.
A lot of such herbal drugs which have been reputed as dietary supplements need a validation, before a final word on their nutraceutical potential. Therefore, it is always advantageous to have a look at the current and evidence based researches on the herbal supplements before you actually begin to use them in your routine.
Good, sound advice. Always approach ANYTHING you put in your body with caution and a bit of skepticism – especially if you happen to be pregnant.