Smart Supplement Shopping
Supplements aren't regulated by the federal government the way medications are, so it's buyer beware. According to a study, while some come with health benefits, others may be a danger. Here are some reported side effects and drug interactions of five common supplements.
Source: National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
| Supplement | Warnings and Interactions |
| Saint-John's-wort | Interacts with many medications, including antidepressants, birth control pills, digoxin, ciclosporine, warfarin, anti-seizure drugs, and HIV medications. |
| Echinacea | May cause allergic reactions, such as rash, increased asthma, anaphylaxis (a life-threatening reaction), and gastrointestinal side effects. |
| Garlic | Can thin the blood as aspirin does, which may be problematic before and after surgery. Interferes with the HIV medication saquinavir. |
| Asian ginseng | May lower blood glucose levels. May cause irregular menstruation and high blood pressure. |
| Ginkgo | May increase bleeding risk, so people taking anticoagulants, those with bleeding disorders, or those going into surgery shouldn't take it without a doctor's guidance. Raw ginkgo seeds may cause an allergic reaction ending in seizures or death. |
