Safety concerns of dietary and herbal supplements for typical patients

Abstract

The global dietary cum herbal supplements market crossed 140 billion U.S. dollars in 2020 already. Hence, it is evident that the supplements market is growing very fast globally, including India, one of the best potential markets. Market and marketing are always good for a country’s better economy, but safety management is more critical, while health is a concern. This study aims to assess and understand the various safety concerns of dietary cum herbal supplements available globally, where India has focussed more. Some countries believe in the natural products often consumed as supplements without knowing their indications, contraindications, and drug interactions. Hence, this article was written to understand consumers’ and typical patients’ supplements consumption behaviors irrespective of authors’ perception. Easy keywords and phrases such as ‘common dietary supplements,’ ‘popular herbal supplements,’ ‘indications and contraindication of supplements’ were used for the online searches. Many physicians, dietitians, and medical scientists have already shown the adverse effects of some supplements in pregnancy, lactation, and other critical conditions. Still, on the other hand, there are some positive effects in the chronic health issues, including skin and hair health issues, poor immunity, gastric problems, undernutrition. Selective supplements can also help post-operative recovery, muscle, bone, cognitive development, vitamin deficiency, endocrine disorders, and many more. The study has emphasized the government policies and regulations as applicable irrespective of the country. India is the 2 population-based country globally; hence more vigilance is needed at every level of supplement business for public health safety. Moreover, all authors have put their valuable summary that more awareness is required about indications and contraindications of various types of supplements, particularly for typical patients. It’s not only doctors’ or dietitians’ job but everyone’s concern.