There are more than 100,000 supplements on the US market capsules, powders, tablets and gummies sold to improve or maintain health. Supplements can contain vitamins, minerals, botanicals and amino acids on their own or in various combinations. The consumption of these products is surging. But it's a common misunderstanding that these products are entirely safe, says Dr Pieter Cohen, an internist and associate professor at Harvard Medical School.
Americans are currently besotted with protein. It's touted as being good for muscle growth, weight loss, skincare, mental acuity, longevity, and much else besides. It's sold to men, women, children, the elderly- you can even buy protein for your pets. The protein supplement market alone is worth $21 billion and growing-and extra protein is being added to coffee, cereal, pasta, beer, ice cream, and popcorn.
The supplements were: Artri King, Nhan Sam Tuyet Lien, and Linsen Double Caulis Plus. All are known to contain unlisted glucocorticoids, according to the Food and Drug Administration. And testing of two of the man's supplements by the hospital confirmed the presence of the steroids. Doctors determined that the man had essentially overdosed on the glucocorticoids-he had taken doses that exceeded the normal levels of glucocorticoids in the body.
We live in an era obsessed with protein. It's not just about eating steak and eggs for breakfast anymore; they're selling ludicrous snacks like protein potato chips and protein cereal, stuff that has you wondering what was wrong with an old fashioned bar. Your gym probably has a little kiosk selling them in the hopes you snag a protein goodie before you head out the door.
I love investigating and debunking things that are trending on social media. As a former Scientific American intern, Youmshajekian has an affinity for reporting stories on consumer health that pique her personal curiosity: I think you ask better questions when you're in the shoes of your reader because you want the same questions answered. You want to get to the bottom of things.
