Who is most at risk from the dangers of herbal supplements, and why?

The risks of using herbal supplements increase significantly for certain groups, such as pregnant and breastfeeding women, children, and individuals taking prescription medications. This is due to a lack of research on their safety in these groups, the potential for dangerous drug interactions, and manufacturing quality issues [1].

Why are these groups more sensitive to the risks?

The fundamental issue is that herbal supplements do not undergo the same rigorous testing for safety and efficacy that traditional medicines go through before being marketed [2]. This lack of regulation and testing raises the level of risk, especially for the following groups:

• Pregnant and breastfeeding women: Many herbal supplements have not been tested on pregnant or breastfeeding women. This means that the potential effects of these supplements on the developing fetus or infant are unknown and may be harmful [2].
• Children: Like pregnant and breastfeeding women, there have not been sufficient studies to evaluate the safety of herbal supplements in children. Children's bodies react differently to chemicals compared to adults, making them more susceptible to side effects [2].
• People taking prescription medications: Herbal supplements can interact with the medications a person is taking, which may affect the efficacy of the drug (by increasing or decreasing it) or cause serious side effects. For example, some herbal supplements can interact with heart medications [1].
• People with certain medical conditions or those preparing for surgery: Herbal supplements may pose additional risks for these individuals. For example, some herbs may interfere with lab tests or cause serious complications during surgery [3].

Quality risks and undeclared ingredients

The danger is not limited to biological interactions but extends to the quality of the product itself. Herbal supplements are subject to less strict manufacturing and distribution controls compared to prescription or over-the-counter medications [2]. This means that what is stated on the product label may not actually be what the product contains [2]. In some cases, products marketed as herbal supplements have been found to contain undeclared prescription drugs or other ingredients not listed on the label, some of which may be unsafe [2]. This poses a significant risk, especially to the sensitive groups mentioned above.

Tips for safely handling herbal supplements

It is important not to assume that the term "natural" necessarily means "safe." Some herbs, such as comfrey and ephedra, can cause serious harm [1]. To reduce risks, the following is recommended:

• Consult a healthcare provider: Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or nutritionist before starting any herbal supplement, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking other medications, or have existing health conditions [3].
• Full disclosure: Tell your healthcare provider about all the herbal supplements you are currently taking to avoid potential drug interactions [1].
• Seek reliable information: Get information about herbal supplements from reliable sources and avoid relying on marketing claims [1].
• Report side effects: If you experience any adverse reaction or side effects while taking an herbal supplement, stop using it immediately and seek medical advice [3].

For more details on the balance between the benefits of these products and their precautions, you can view our article on Herbal Medicine: Between Potential Benefits and Hidden Risks (Arabic).

Medical references

• Herbal Medicine
• Dietary and Herbal Supplements
• FDA 101: Dietary Supplements | FDA