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No. Just because it is natural, it does not mean it is safe. It is important to know the chemical makeup of the supplement, how it is prepared and how it works in the body as some can damage the liver. For example, the kava plant is a member of the pepper family but it can cause liver disease (Using Dietary Supplements Wisely, n.d.).

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no as some supplements may interact with other medications one is taking or pose risk to certain medical conditions such as liver disease

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No. This is because, supplements even if they are natural will need some processing to ensure that the supplement has a longer shelf life, thus meaning that chemical exposure may occur during the process

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No, as it can still involved in side effects due to some of the nature of plants which does not help to enhance and have any preventive benefits which in fact may cause more harm to the body. It is also taken into account that everything including natural sources are made up of chemicals that could contain toxins that are present in natural sources such as herbal & dietary supplements.

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no, as supplements contain active ingredients which can have strong effect in body and there are side effects when taking supplements.

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No. I feel that it cannot be solely determines by just saying they are natural. It is indeed that some supplements are from natural sources but I don’t think natural does not always mean safe.

The supplement safety depends on many factors such as the ingredients used, the number of dosage, the process of making the supplements and also personal’s health condition. So before we conclude that the supplement is safe to consume, it is better to consult a healthcare professional before taking any supplement.

Some supplements can carry risk such as adverse effected, and possibilities of contamination. Many people do not take this into consideration even across the world, which really emphasis that there is a need for people to be more careful of it and make informed decisions. Even though vitamins are used in supplement form, it is critical to consider the several factors such as the quality and dosage. The fat soluble  sun vitamin can accumulate in the body and lead to toxicity symptoms. So certain interactions between vitamins and supplements may occur.

An example of a supplement that is considered natural but not sage is ephedra (known as ma huang). It is a plant-derived supplement that contains ephedrine alkaloids. It is a supplement that is commonly used for weight loss and performance enhancing supplements. It is not safe because it is associated with serious health risk linked to cardiovascular adverse effects such as stoke and hypertension. People who are pregnant or have diabetes mellitus should be caution about this supplement. In 2004, the U.S Food and Drug Administration banned the sales of ephedra-containing dietary supplement due to safety concerns. Despite that it is taken from a natural source, the supplement shows significant risk and was considered unsafe for use. This example highlights the importance of knowing that natural does not always be safe to consume when it comes to supplement.

Reference: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/ephedra-sinica

https://www.drugs.com/npc/ma-huang.html#:~:text=Side%20Effects%20Ephedra%20use%20has%20been%20linked%20to,women%20who%20are%20pregnant%20should%20exercise%20particular%20caution

Therefore, I feel that not all supplements are safe to consume as everyone has different body type. Also, not all natural things are always safe, there are many factors behind it like a contamination So it will be good to consult a healthcare professional before deeming that the supplement is safe to consume.

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Many people want a magic pill to boost energy and promote weight loss.

The plant ephedra gained popularity as a possible candidate in the 1990s and became a common ingredient in dietary supplements until the mid-2000s.

While some studies showed it could boost metabolism and weight loss, safety concerns were noted as well.

This article tells you what you need to know about ephedra's effects on weight loss, as well as its potential dangers and legal status.

Ephedra sinica, also called ma huang, is a plant native to Asia, though it also grows in other areas around the world. It's been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years (, ).

While the plant contains multiple chemical compounds, the major effects of ephedra are likely caused by the molecule ephedrine ().

Ephedrine exerts multiple effects within your body, such as increasing metabolic rate and fat burning (, ).

For these reasons, ephedrine has been studied for its ability to reduce body weight and body fat. In the past, it gained substantial popularity in weight loss supplements.

However, due to safety concerns, supplements containing specific types of compounds found in ephedra - called ephedrine alkaloids - have been banned in several countries, including the United States ().

Summary
The plant ephedra ( ma huang) contains multiple chemical compounds, but the most notable is ephedrine. This molecule impacts several bodily processes and was used as a popular dietary supplement ingredient prior to being banned in several countries.

Much of the studies examining the effects of ephedra on weight loss occurred between the 1980s and early 2000s - before supplements containing ephedrine were banned.

Although multiple components of ephedra may impact your body, the most notable effects are likely due to ephedrine.

Several studies showed that ephedrine increases resting metabolic rate - the number of calories your body burns at rest - which may be due to an increase in the number of calories burned by your muscles (, ).

Ephedrine can also boost the fat-burning process in your body (, ).

One study found that the number of calories burned over 24 hours was 3.6% greater when healthy adults took ephedrine compared to when they took a placebo ().

Another study observed that when obese individuals went on a very-low-calorie diet, their metabolic rate dropped. However, this was partially prevented by taking ephedrine ().

In addition to the short-term changes in metabolism, some studies show that ephedrine can promote weight and fat loss over longer time periods.

In five studies of ephedrine compared to a placebo, ephedrine led to weight loss of 3 pounds (1.3 kg) per month more than a placebo - for up to four months (, ).

However, long-term data on the usefulness of ephedrine for weight loss is lacking ().

Additionally, many ephedrine studies examine the combination of ephedrine and caffeine rather than ephedrine alone ().

Summary
Ephedrine, a major component of ephedra, can increase the number of calories your body burns. Research has shown this results in greater weight and fat loss over weeks to months, though long-term studies are limited.

Many studies examining the weight loss effects of ephedrine have combined this ingredient with caffeine.

The combination of ephedrine and caffeine appears to exert greater effects on your body than either ingredient alone (, ).

For example, ephedrine plus caffeine increases metabolic rate more than ephedrine alone ().

In one study in healthy overweight and obese adults, the combination of 70 mg of caffeine and 24 mg of ephedra increased the metabolic rate by 8% over 2 hours, compared to placebo ().

Some research has even reported that caffeine and ephedrine individually had no effects on weight loss, while the combination of the two did produce weight loss ().

Over 12 weeks, ingesting a combination of ephedra and caffeine 3 times per day led to a reduction of 7.9% of body fat as compared to only 1.9% with a placebo ().

Another 6-month study in 167 overweight and obese people compared a supplement containing ephedrine and caffeine to a placebo during a weight loss program ().

The group taking ephedrine lost 9.5 pounds (4.3 kg) of fat compared to the placebo group, which only lost 5.9 pounds (2.7 kg) of fat.

The ephedrine group also decreased body weight and LDL (bad) cholesterol more than the placebo group.

Overall, the available evidence indicates that ephedrine-containing products - particularly when paired with caffeine - may increase weight and fat loss.

Summary
Ephedrine plus caffeine may increase metabolic rate and fat loss more than either ingredient alone. Studies show the combination of ephedrine and caffeine produces greater weight and fat loss than a placebo.

Doses of ephedrine used in research vary, with intakes of less than 20 mg per day considered low, 40-90 mg daily considered moderate, and doses of 100-150 mg per day considered high.

Although some positive effects on metabolism and body weight have been seen across a variety of doses, many have questioned the safety of ephedrine.

Individual studies have shown mixed results regarding the safety and side effects of this substance across a variety of doses.

Some have reported no significant side effects, while others indicate a variety of side effects that even caused participants to withdraw from the studies (, , ).

In-depth reports have combined the results of multiple studies to better understand concerns associated with ephedrine consumption.

One analysis of 52 different clinical trials found no serious adverse events such as death or heart attack in studies on ephedrine - with or without caffeine ().

Yet, the same analysis found these products were associated with a two- to threefold increased risk of nausea, vomiting, heart palpitations, and psychiatric problems.

Additionally, when individual cases were examined, several deaths, heart attacks, and psychiatric episodes were potentially linked to ephedra ().

Based on the evidence, potential safety concerns were significant enough to prompt legal action in the United States and elsewhere ().

Summary
While some individual studies did not demonstrate serious side effects of ephedra or ephedrine consumption, mild to highly concerning side effects became apparent upon examination of all available research.

While the ephedra herb and products like ma huang tea are available for purchase, dietary supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids are not.

Due to safety concerns, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned products containing ephedrine in 2004 (, ).

Some ephedrine-containing medications are still available over the counter, though regulations on the purchase of these products can vary by state.

Due to the substantial popularity of ephedrine-containing products prior to the FDA's ban, some individuals still try to find weight loss products with this ingredient.

For this reason, some dietary supplement manufacturers will market weight loss products that contain other compounds found in ephedra, but not ephedrine alkaloids.

These products may not have the safety concerns observed for products containing ephedrine - but they may also be less effective.

While some countries outside of the United States have also banned ephedrine-containing products, the specific regulations vary.

Summary
Dietary supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids were banned by the FDA in 2004. Medications containing ephedrine and the ephedra plant are still available for purchase, though regulations may vary by location.

The plant ephedra has long been used in Asian medicine.

Ephedrine, one of the main components in ephedra, can boost metabolism and cause weight loss - especially in combination with caffeine.

Still, due to safety concerns, dietary supplements containing ephedrine - but not necessarily other compounds in ephedra - are currently banned in the United States and elsewhere.

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Ephedra (Ma Huang): Weight Loss, Dangers, and Legal Status

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Many people want a magic pill to boost energy and promote weight loss. The plant ephedra gained popularity as a possible candidate in the 1990s and became a common ingredient in dietary supplements until the mid-2000s. While some studies showed it could boost metabolism and weight loss, safety concerns were noted as well.

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it's a myth that all supplements are safe because they are natural. Even though the nutrients come from natural, when manufacturers process them into a pill form, they eventually become unnatural.

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No. We have been blessed by nature. Aspirin, morphine, and other plant-based medications were gifts from nature. Plants have long been used as medicines to treat disease and have also contributed significantly to advancing human health.

Majority of the supplement are made artificially. Just because it has the word 'natural' doesn't necessarily mean its safe. For example, the Kava plant is a member of the pepper family but taking kava supplements can cause liver disease. It's a well-liked beverage that's utilized to unwind during ceremonies. The Polynesian word "awa," which signifies bitter, is where the word "kava" originates. The brain and other central nervous system organs are impacted by kava. The effects of kava are thought to be caused by substances called kavalactones that are present in the plant. Kava consumption has been connected to cases of liver damage and even a few fatalities. As a result, in the early 2000s, kava was removed from the market in Europe and Canada.

Another example is that there a number of significant research on the herb echinacea failed to show any support for its use in preventing the common cold. Ginkgo studies, including a sizable trial with more than 3,000 elderly participants, have revealed that ginkgo supplements do not prevent or slow dementia or cognitive decline.

KAVA: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews (webmd.com)
Should You Take Dietary Supplements? | NIH News in Health
Natural Doesn't Necessarily Mean Safer, or Better | NCCIH (nih.gov)

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KAVA: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

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Learn more about KAVA uses, effectiveness, possible side effects, interactions, dosage, user ratings and products that contain KAVA.

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No, there are also toxic chemicals in natural items as well. Natural medication such as herbal and dietary supplements are made of up chemicals too. Some natural sources may also include ingredients that may not be safe for the body as well.

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no, as there are herbs/ingredients in supplements that when taken in large amounts that can hurt parts of the body or when reacting with other medication an individual may take.  one example is the herbal supplement St. John’s wort, which makes many medications less effective.

for example, kava supplements can cause liver damage, even though the kava plant is part of the pepper family. ephedra has been used for centuries for colds, fever, and other conditions but it is associated with heart problems and risk of death as well. it's also used as a weight loss supplement.

even though they are considered 'natural', supplements can also contain chemicals that we are not aware of and all of the ingredients may not be known to us. some companies producing supplements also tend to lie about their products so that they will sell better, which is could be detrimental.

Natural Doesn't Necessarily Mean Safer, or Better | NCCIH (nih.gov)
Using Dietary Supplements Wisely | NCCIH (nih.gov)

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A lot of people believe that when it comes to medicine, "natural" is better, healthier, and safer than "unnatural" or synthetic drugs.

In fact, researchers have looked at some of the reasons why people have that belief. What they found is that a person's preference for natural things involves a range of ideas, including the belief that nature is pure and inherently superior to humans. Researchers have also found that these beliefs, or biases, affect the decisions people make about their health.

Nature has been good to us. Nature gave us aspirin and morphine, and other medicines derived from plants. The use of plants as medicines has a long history in the treatment of disease, and plants have played an important role in improving our health.

But not all products from nature have been shown to be effective.

Some dietary and herbal supplements have failed to show a benefit when scientists have studied them. For example, several major studies of the herb Echinacea did not find evidence of benefit against the common cold. Studies of ginkgo, including a large study that enrolled more than 3,000 older adults, found that ginkgo supplements don't help prevent or slow dementia or cognitive decline.

And "natural" medicines, contrary to what many may think, are not without side effects. Some can even have serious safety concerns.

For example, kava, a plant native to the islands of the South Pacific, and often used as a dietary supplement for anxiety, may be associated with severe liver damage. Ephedra, an evergreen shrub-like plant native to central Asia and Mongolia that has been used for centuries for colds, fever, and other conditions, is associated with heart problems and risk of death. In 2004, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration banned the sale of dietary supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids for safety reasons.

Some people also believe that "natural" products are safe because they believe these medicines are free of chemicals.

For many, the word "chemical" has come to mean toxic or synthetic, something to be avoided. But everything is made of chemicals-the apple on your kitchen countertop, the ceramic mug in your cupboard, and even the air that you breathe. In fact, you are made up of chemicals, too.

Some chemicals are harmful. Toxic chemicals are substances that may be harmful to the environment or hazardous to your health if inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin. Chlorine and isopropyl alcohol are examples of some of the toxic chemicals commonly used in certain industries. But there are many toxic chemicals that occur in nature as well-mercury, snake venom, arsenic, and ricin from castor beans. Some chemicals, like iron and oxygen, are necessary for us to live, but at high doses are toxic and can even cause death. Natural medicines such as herbal and dietary supplements are made up of chemicals, too, just like everything else.

But it's important to understand that although many herbal or dietary supplements (and some prescription drugs) come from natural sources, "natural" does not always mean that it's a safer or better option for your health. An herbal supplement may contain dozens of chemical compounds, and all of its ingredients may not be known. Scientists are studying many of these products to identify what ingredients may be active and to better understand their effects in the body.

For more information about the safety and effectiveness of natural products such as herbal or dietary supplements, check out our Herbs at a Glance series on our Web site and our Know the Science initiative. When you know the science, you can make informed decisions about your health.

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Natural Doesn't Necessarily Mean Safer, or Better

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When you know the science, you can make informed decisions about your health.

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No, not all natural sources mean they are safer or a good option for your body. Some may contain chemical compounds

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no. even though they come from natural sources they are not 100% safe as it can pose risks and side effects

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no. it depends on an individual’s health conditions and the different medications that they take. Some natural substances can also be toxic and will cause harmful effects to the body when combined with other medications.

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I do not really agree that ALL supplements are safe just because they are natural. Some supplements may cause potential health risk and serious side effects and hence, harms our body's safety. When an individual consumes too much supplements or health supplements, it can cause nutrient overload as it can lead to nutrient imbalances or toxicities. Overtime, excessive nutrient consumption can cause unwanted weight gain/loss, allergies, affects on metabolic process and again, increase the risk of of nutritional toxicities.

For example, although Vitamin A is said to be essential for vision, immune function and cell growth, excessive consumption of vitamin A, especially from certain medicines or supplements, however, may cause severe headache, blurred vision, nausea, dizziness, muscle aches, and problems with coordination. In severe cases, getting too much preformed vitamin A can even lead to coma and death. Not only that, it can cause the skin to turn yellow-orange. This is supported by an article/ reference from (Office of Dietary Supplements - Vitamin A, n.d.).

Another example would be Vitamin D where it is necessary to maintain healthy bones and also immune function. However, too much Vitamin D may cause cause nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, confusion, pain, loss of appetite, dehydration, excessive urination and thirst, and kidney stones. Furthermore, it can also cause kidney failure, irregular heartbeat and even death. This is supported from the reference of (Office of Dietary Supplements - Vitamin D, n.d.).

Overall, there may be some supplements or health supplements that may really bring benefit to some. But different people, different thing. Some supplements may be suitable for some people but others may experience allergic reaction, changes in skin and nails, vomiting and etc.

It is important to follow the recommended intake of such supplements or consult a health professional.

References:
- Office of Dietary Supplements - Vitamin A. (n.d.). Ods.od.nih.gov. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminA-Consumer/#:~:text=Getting%20too%20much%20preformed%20vitamin
- Office of Dietary Supplements - Vitamin D. (n.d.). Ods.od.nih.gov. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-Consumer/#:~:text=Yes%2C%20getting%20too%20much%20vitamin

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No, this is because natural does not mean they are safe. Supplements may interact with other medications you are taking and affect your health especially if you have certain medical conditions. Based on my research, they also mentioned that certain products which are marketed as dietary supplements contain prescription drugs in them - drugs that are not allowed in the supplement. For example, vitamin A supplement can increase the risk of lung cancer in smokers.

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no, not all supplements are safe. supplements are not distributed and prescribed as strictly as pharmaceutical drugs which means that the quality and safety can vary. on top of that, supplements may have the proclivity to contain errors in labelling, contaminants and more which can be of potential health risk. lastly, in the case whereby an individual mixes prescribed medication and supplements, there may be adverse effects. for example, if an individual is taking a melatonin supplement as well as a antihistamines, this may cause excess drowsiness and sedation which is unsafe. therefore, not all supplements are safe.

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no as certain dietary supplements can have side effects if taken in high does and instead of prescribed medications. some can increase the risk of bleeding or change your response to anesthesia if taken before surgery. (NIH gov factsheet)

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No, there are side effects if it is taken at a high dosage and may harm organs.

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no, it can have harmful effects to the body if taken excessively

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Just because all supplements are natural that does not necessarily mean safe as some all-natural botanical products such as kava and comfrey can harm the liver. Apart from that, the supplements that we take have a possiblity of interacting with other medication and pose risks if one has certain medical conditions such as kidney or liver disease. Lastly, not all ingredients of the supplements such as vitamin k, ginko which increases blood thinning and vitamin A may be listed on the label and this increases health risks.

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No, there can be other side effects

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Not all supplements are safe as the ingredients might have some unidentified stuff in the supplements which can cause potential health risks and serious side effects