Dietary Supplements and Risks Lurking in Everyday Use

Pharmacovigilance specialists don’t just track adverse reactions from prescription drugs – they often stumble upon unexpected cases involving everyday substances like dietary supplements. Leveraging the DrugCard platform, we’ve unearthed some truly intriguing cases. Today, let’s delve into two standouts: one revolving around caffeine, the world’s favorite stimulant, and the other tied to a trending weight-loss supplement. The findings may change the way you view these standard products.

The Dark Side of Dietary Supplements

Many people crave a cup of coffee for its caffeine boost. This natural stimulant fights fatigue and enhances energy. Coffee ranks among the world’s most widely consumed beverages. According to Statista, nearly 176 million 60-kilogram bags of coffee were consumed globally in 2021/2022, a rise from about 167 million the previous year. However, caffeine does not only exist in coffee. This fact leads us to our first case.

The Caffeine Connection: A Surprising Link to Psychosis

The DrugCard platform recently uncovered a striking case of caffeine-induced psychotic symptoms. A 51-year-old woman with no prior history of psychosis arrived at the Emergency Department after an acute psychotic episode. Excessive caffeine intake triggered her symptoms. She consumed energy drinks with 30 mg of caffeine per 100 mL, drinking up to eight cans daily. This excessive intake caused persecutory delusions, as well as auditory and visual hallucinations. Although she had no history of psychotic disorders, she did have generalized anxiety disorder. After stopping caffeine, her symptoms resolved entirely within five days. Eighteen months later, she remained caffeine- and symptom-free during a follow-up.

Caffeine as a Dietary Supplement and Its Hidden Dangers

This case illustrates that over-the-counter products, like caffeine, often perceived as harmless, can lead to severe psychiatric issues. These issues may resemble conditions such as schizophrenia. The study authors recommend that healthcare providers ask about caffeine intake when patients present with new or worsening psychotic symptoms. They stress the need for further research to determine whether reducing caffeine consumption could benefit individuals with chronic psychotic conditions.

The Dangers of Apple Cider Vinegar: A Cautionary Tale

Another compelling case involves a widely promoted “keto” supplement containing 1,000 mg of apple cider vinegar (ACV) as its main ingredient. Marketers promote these products as natural appetite suppressants, leading many to believe vinegar is a safe daily supplement for weight loss. Some studies suggest that vinegar can increase feelings of fullness, but recognizing the potential risks is crucial. Several cases in the medical literature highlight these dangers, including one identified by the DrugCard platform.

Dietary Supplements and Acute Pancreatitis

An 84-year-old woman with a history of hypertension and osteoarthritis visited the emergency department, reporting severe epigastric pain, nausea, and vomiting for two days. She had taken ibuprofen, metoprolol-succinate, losartan-hydrochlorothiazide, and alprazolam for over a year, with a body mass index of 27. A CT scan revealed mild peripancreatic edema around the pancreatic head, leading to a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. After ruling out common causes such as alcohol use, high triglycerides, elevated calcium, and gallstones, doctors reviewed her medications. They discovered that she had taken a weight-loss supplement, “Ketobites ACV gummies,” daily for the past 30 days.

The Hidden Dangers of Unregulated Supplements

This case highlights how a previously healthy patient developed acute pancreatitis with no apparent cause other than the recent use of an apple cider vinegar supplement. It emphasizes the importance of considering dietary supplements as potential contributors to health issues, especially with the widespread marketing of unregulated products. Cases like this encourage healthcare providers to remain vigilant about the risks associated with supplement use.

What We Learn About Dietary Supplements and Their Risks Afterward

The cases highlighted here serve as powerful reminders of the potential dangers lurking behind commonly consumed dietary supplements. While caffeine and apple cider vinegar may seem innocuous, their effects can lead to severe health consequences, as illustrated by the patients’ experiences we discussed. As the popularity of dietary supplements continues to rise, fueled by aggressive marketing and social media endorsements, it becomes increasingly vital for healthcare providers to approach these products with a critical eye.

Consumers and healthcare professionals must recognize that just because a product is marketed as “natural” or “safe” doesn’t mean it is free from risk. Through continued research and open dialogue, we can navigate the complexities of dietary supplements and promote safer practices for everyone.