Kinetic
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Weight-loss products or energy products were implicated in more than half the emergency department visits for supplement-related adverse events among patients 5 to 19 years of age (51.2%; 95% CI, 44.2 to 58.3) and those 20 to 34 years of age (56.4%; 95% CI, 51.8 to 61.1)
(Figure 2
National Estimates of Emergency Department Visits for Adverse Events Associated with Dietary Supplements, According to Age Group and Product Category (2004–2013).)
Weight-loss products were implicated in 2661 (95% CI, 1995 to 3326) emergency department visits per year for supplement-related adverse events among patients 20 to 34 years of age, a number similar to that for visits associated with all other products combined among patients in each of the older age groups (Table S5 in Supplementary Appendix). Among adults 65 years of age or older, three specific micronutrients (iron, calcium, and potassium) were implicated in almost one third (29.9%; 95% CI, 24.9 to 35.0) of emergency department visits for supplement-related adverse events.
Symptoms
Cardiac symptoms (palpitations, chest pain, or tachycardia) were the most common symptoms associated with weight-loss products (in 42.9% of patients) and energy products (in 46.0% of patients)
(Table 3
National Estimates of Symptoms Documented during Emergency Department Visits for Adverse Events Associated with Dietary Supplements from Selected Product Categories (2004–2013).)
Weight-loss or energy products were implicated in 71.8% (95% CI, 67.6 to 76.1) of all emergency department visits for supplement-related adverse events involving palpitations, chest pain, or tachycardia. Most of the visits for cardiac symptoms (58.0%; 95% CI, 52.2 to 63.7) involved persons 20 to 34 years of age. Cardiac symptoms were also commonly documented in emergency department visits attributed to bodybuilding products (49.8%; 95% CI, 34.5 to 65.0) and sexual-enhancement products (37.3%; 95% CI, 25.3 to 49.3). Most patients with palpitations, chest pain, or tachycardia associated with supplement-related adverse events were discharged from the emergency department (89.9%; 95% CI, 87.2 to 92.6).
Link to study
Interesting study done on links between ER visits and supplements most people - regardless if they work out - have all taken at some point in time. Highlighted are statistics for weight loss and energy supplements, but more can be found at the link.
I know there's a lot of mixed feelings on supplements. Some people swear by them, others think the industry is a complete scam. I'm somewhere in between, but leaning towards focusing my attention on a more balanced diet so as not to feel like I have to rely on supplements.
