Supplemental info on herbal supplement risks
"You are entitled to your opinion. But you are not entitled to your own facts." The phrase is often credited to Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan in a 1994 radio interview, but Senate records indicate that it was said earlier, by James R. Schlesinger, possibly during his 1973 Congressional testimony. Whatever its origin, for herbal supplements it's clear that facts on many of their labels are "alternative" enough to send you to the hospital or worse.
Research published in the Journal of the Association of Public Analysts reveals that many natural and herbal supplements contain "permitted food additives in excess of their limits, contaminants, unauthorized novel food ingredients, unauthorized nutritionally related compounds, excess vitamins, controlled drugs and one instance of the poison strychnine."
For example, herbal weight-loss supplements may pack the now-banned drug sibutramine. Researchers say that it's associated with panic attacks, memory impairments and psychotic episodes, as well as cardiovascular events. Also beware of erectile dysfunction supplements - they often contain active ingredients in prescription ED meds, but in risky doses. And at any dose, guys who take nitrate-containing meds (for angina, for example) can find the combo truly dangerous!
So don't be fooled by claims on herbal supplements' labels. If you're concerned about ED or your weight, go see your doctor! And before using an herbal supplement for any other reason, ask your doc. Also, go to www.FDA.gov to see if there's been action taken against that supplement or similar products. Most manufacturers are honest, but the bad apples tend to keep using bad apples.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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