While television commercials clarify that not all medications are safe with a long list of potential serious side effects at the end of the ad, this is not the case with dietary supplements, as supplements can provide beneficial results, especially when it comes to vitamin deficiencies, but this does not mean they are risk-free and effective. Many of them may cause harmful side effects according to a group of specialists, according to the specialized medical site «eat this not that».

These supplements that may pose a health risk according to experts are summarized as follows:

Vitamin "B17"

Dr. Kelly Johnson-Arbor, a medical toxicologist at "FACMT" and co-medical director of the Toxicology Center, tells us: "This vitamin actually contains amygdalin, which is broken down into cyanide inside the human body. B-17 is sometimes described as an alternative cancer treatment; it is more commonly known as a potent poison due to its cyanide production, and people have suffered severe cyanide poisoning and death after taking vitamin B17 to treat cancer."

Turmeric without added piperine

Dr. Johnson-Arbor explains that turmeric is used as a natural treatment for inflammation, cancer, and infections. The main active ingredient in turmeric (curcumin) is poorly absorbed by the human digestive system, so piperine (a component of black pepper) is often added to turmeric formulations to enhance intestinal absorption of the medicine; in one study, curcumin was undetectable in human blood when given orally alone. But the addition of piperine increased bioavailability by 2000%. Essentially, if people take turmeric without piperine, the human body does not absorb it, and fortunately, many turmeric preparations also contain piperine.

Iron supplements

According to Dr. Jacob Haskalovichi, while iron supplements can benefit people with anemia, the benefit of iron and copper supplements decreases rapidly for women after the age of fifty.

In fact, these supplements may increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease and heart diseases, so it is advised to avoid them after the age of fifty. Instead, copper and iron can be obtained from some meats, leafy vegetables, beans, and nuts.

Vitamin B3

Dr. Jordan Mastrodomenico, clinical director at "ChoicePoint," says that vitamin B3 is known as niacin. It is used to control cholesterol levels in patients with a history of cardiovascular diseases. However, it increases the chances of hypotension and is harmful; it causes blurred vision by increasing fluid in the eye, as well as causing fatigue, nausea, and diarrhea.

Folic acid

Mastrodomenico explains: "Folic acid is not recommended for postmenopausal women because it lowers plasma levels and promotes hot flashes. In general, folic acid causes intestinal disorders such as nausea, gas, stomach pain, and bloating. It also leads to electrolyte imbalance and malnutrition. Additionally, folic acid increases the chances of sleep and memory disorders."