Health: Dietary Supplements Cause 23,000 ER Visits A Year, Says CDC
By Stephanie Stahl
PHILADELPHIA(CBS) -- Americans spend nearly $15 billion on dietary supplements each year, but a new study from the Centers for Disease Control finds while people take the supplements to improve their health, in many cases the supplements are actually harmful.
Three years ago, Christopher Herrera took green tea extract and other dietary supplements to lose weight.
"After taking the one, I didn't experience pain, so I started taking two a day," Christopher said.
Then 15, Christopher ended up in the hospital with liver problems after family members noticed his eyes were yellow.
"Having to hear the doctor tell me fifty percent chance of dying or not making it, was hurtful," said Christopher's mother, Lourdes Gonzalez.
Herrera's case is extreme, but the new CDC study estimates dietary supplements are responsible for 23,000 emergency room visits each year, and 2,000 hospitalizations. Young adults make up more than a quarter of those visits, with the majority having adverse reactions to weight loss and energy supplements.
"Cardiac symptoms, such as increased heart rate or irregular heartbeats or chest pain, were common among patients with problems from energy or weight loss supplements," said Dr. Andrew Geller, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lead author.
Another 20 percent of the emergency department visits involved young children who got into supplements meant for adults, including multi-vitamins and sleep aids.
For older adults, the biggest problem with supplements was the risk of choking.
Herrera spent months recovering and says if he ever tries losing weight again, it won't be with supplements.
"I would play basketball and start running every day," Christopher said.
Experts say it's important to consult a doctor before taking any supplement.
Unlike pharmaceuticals, companies do not have to prove dietary supplements work or are safe. The FDA can, however, remove a supplement if it is found to be unsafe.
