Tuesday, January 31, 2012
All-natural does not necessarily mean safe
People are inundated with claims on television, radio, internet, and store advertisements that products labeled as “all natural” are safer alternatives to those which may have been chemically manufactured.
However, when it comes to medications and supplements, such as vitamins and herbs, is it really safe to say that what grows naturally is always safe?
Probably not. That’s why Backus Hospital is offering a free community education program, “Know Your Meds, Supplements, and Vitamins,” on Thursday, Feb. 16, from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Plainfield Recreation Center. To register, call 860-889-8331, ext. 6381. The presentation, part of the ongoing Enjoy LIFE (Lifelong Investment in Fitness and Exercise), will be made by Backus Hospital pharmacists Michael Smith and Kate Wheeler.
Prescription and over-the-counter medications, such as Advil or Tylenol, are manufactured by companies responsible for proving that their product is safe and effective at the labeled dose when taken according to the labeled instructions. These companies must also prove that each dose contains the labeled ingredients and will remain stable, safe, and effective until the labeled expiration date. All of this information must be submitted to the Food and Drug Administration for evaluation to ensure that what is being produced is appropriate for marketing and availability to the consumer.
Unfortunately, the same is not true for vitamins and herbal medications that can be bought over-the-counter. The manufacturers of these products are not required to follow quality and safety standards, and are not required to prove that the product is effective for the stated claim (i.e. relieve insomnia, improve memory).
As the consumer, it is impossible to evaluate consistency from tablet to tablet, and bottle to bottle. One cannot be sure exactly what is being taken with each dose.
This is not to say, however, that vitamins and herbal medications do not play an important role in overall health.
It is important to remember that vitamins and herbals should be treated just like other prescription and over-the-counter medications.
When thinking of starting a new product, it is vital to be informed as to the potential benefits, while also the risks.
Having a discussion with your physician or community pharmacist about the medications you are currently taking, as well as your medical conditions, can help narrow down which products are best for you.
Some vitamins and herbal medications, although “all natural," can and do interact with many prescription drugs and increased monitoring may be needed.
It is important to remember that all natural does not necessarily mean safe. The human body does not differentiate between an “all-natural” product and one that is man made, thus the body breaks down and processes both products in a similar fashion. A discussion with your physician and/or community pharmacist is the best way to determine which products, whether prescription or over-the-counter, are best for you, taking into account all medical conditions and current medications.
Jillian Asselin, PharmD, is a pharmacist at The William W. Backus Hospital. This column should not replace advice or instruction from your personal physician. If you want to comment on this column or others, visit the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs or e-mail Ms. Asselin or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org
