Safety and risk You are more likely to have side effects from dietary supplements if you take them in high doses or instead of prescription drugs, or if you take many different supplements. Some supplements may increase the risk of bleeding or, if taken before surgery, may change the response to anesthesia. From everyday vitamins to bodybuilding products, it's important to note that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn't regulate supplements in the same way as medications. Therefore, consider the health benefits and risks before taking a dietary supplement.
Gold suggests that supplements that have a positive result usually become regulated drugs. As a result, they are better studied, doses are better understood, and risks are clearly identified. For that reason, he seeks to use medications, rather than over-the-counter supplements, to help his patients achieve a health goal. Gold has seen first-hand the harmful effects of bodybuilding supplements.
Many of them contain creatine, an amino acid that can build muscle, but can also damage the kidneys. He also found that many of these supplements have high levels of caffeine, which can cause muscle breakdown, hyperactivity, and agitation. According to Gold, people often don't share with their healthcare provider what supplements they're taking. UCLA Health provides patient care focused on preventing, diagnosing, and treating health problems.