DeepSummary
The episode begins with a medical mystery in Texas involving a pathologist, Dr. Chelia Marginian, who examines biopsy samples weekly. One case from September 2022 alarmed her due to the abnormal tissue she observed under the microscope, indicating potential viral hepatitis or drug-induced injury. Upon investigation, Marginian discovered the patient had been taking a menopause supplement, and after stopping it, her liver function tests returned to normal within days.
Anahad O'Connor, a health columnist at The Washington Post, discusses the widespread use of dietary supplements in the United States, with a majority of Americans taking them regularly. He highlights the lack of regulation and testing for these products before they reach the market, contrary to the perception that they are rigorously evaluated for safety and efficacy. O'Connor emphasizes the potential risks and side effects, including liver injuries, associated with some supplements, particularly herbal ones.
O'Connor provides guidance on being smarter about supplement usage. He advises consulting doctors, looking for third-party verification logos like USP or NSF, and checking sources like ConsumerLab.com to evaluate the quality and safety of specific products. He also suggests considering the necessity of supplements, especially if one already has a balanced diet, and being mindful of potential interactions with prescription medications.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Dietary supplements are widely used by a majority of Americans, but they lack the same level of regulation and testing as prescription drugs.
- Some supplements, particularly herbal ones, have been linked to potential side effects and health issues, such as liver injuries.
- Consumers should be cautious about supplements and consult with doctors, as well as rely on third-party verification sources to evaluate product quality and safety.
- It is important to consider the necessity of supplements, especially if one has a balanced diet, and be mindful of potential interactions with prescription medications.
- Medical professionals often encounter cases of supplement-related adverse effects, but these incidents are likely underreported.
- The supplement industry argues that their products are regulated, but experts contend that the oversight is limited and occurs mainly after products reach the market.
- Consumers should carefully read supplement labels, understand the ingredients, and be aware that the listed dosages may not be accurate.
- Consulting resources like ConsumerLab.com can help evaluate the quality and safety of specific supplement products.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “I'm a pathologist, and I practice gastrointestinal and liver pathology. Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas.“ by Chelia Marginian
- “The vast majority of patients in my office seem to prefer taking supplements to FDA approved medications.“ by Howard Lux
- “The issue is just that, you know, if you talk to most experts, they will tell you that there's not a lot of regulation. And there have been studies that have raised some costs for concern.“ by Anahad O'Connor
Entities
Organization
Company
Product
Person
Episode Information
Post Reports
The Washington Post
6/13/24
Dietary supplements are enormously popular in the United States. A new federal survey found that a majority of Americans are taking them, with many consuming multiple kinds on a regular basis.
And yet, supplements are shrouded in misconceptions. Supplements have less oversight than pharmaceutical drugs and are regulated differently. While people may take them to be healthier, we often don’t think about possible side effects or interactions. We also assume we know what we’re getting.
Today, host Martine Powers talks with the Post’s Well+Being columnist, Anahad O’Connor, about how to be smarter about the supplements we take to improve our health.
Today’s show was produced by Elana Gordon. It was edited by Lucy Perkins and mixed by Sean Carter.
Subscribe to The Washington Post here.