Expert Discusses Supplement Risks

Americans who take supplements for a quick fix should remember two things, according to one nutrition and health expert. In many cases, they’re entirely ineffective, and in some cases, they may even be harmful.

Data compiled by the American Association of Poison Control Centers show a steep increase in the number of reported poisonings associated with dietary supplements and similar products, such as vitamins, minerals, essential oils and homeopathic remedies. Some of these even have resulted in death. From 1983 to 2004, there were 230 reported deaths from supplements and related products.

If these grim statistics underscore one fact, it is that Americans should take most supplement claims with a grain of salt. In this streamed interview, Dr. Robert Keith, an Alabama Cooperative Extensions System nutrition and health specialist and Auburn University professor of nutrition and food science, discusses these risks and why Americans continue to be attracted to these products despite repeated problems associated with them. For the past several years, Keith has been working through the media and with Extension agents across Alabama to alert people to the dangers associated with many supplement products. He also offers advice to Americans about how they can use supplements responsibly.

For audio and video podcast versions of this interview, visit http://wms.acesag.auburn.edu/podcasts/.

Posted by Jim Langcuster at March 22, 2007 04:56 PM | TrackBack