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Sub-Category:

Dietary Supplement and Nutraceutical Toxicity

Number of Conditions: 1

Toxic effects of unregulated supplements

Specialty: Toxicology

Category: Miscellaneous Toxicological Conditions

Sub-category: Dietary Supplement and Nutraceutical Toxicity

Symptoms:
nausea; vomiting; liver dysfunction; kidney damage; cardiac arrhythmias; neurological symptoms; metabolic imbalances

Root Cause:
Adverse reactions to unregulated dietary supplements due to contamination, overdoses of active ingredients, or interactions with other medications.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Comprehensive clinical history, including supplement usage; blood tests for liver and kidney function; toxicology screening for contaminants or active substances.

Treatment:
Immediate cessation of the supplement; supportive care for organ damage; treatment of specific toxicities (e.g., electrolyte management for metabolic imbalances).

Medications:
Treatment depends on the toxicity but may include N-acetylcysteine for liver injury (e.g., acetaminophen-like toxicity), activated charcoal for acute ingestions, or electrolyte replacement therapies.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Growing prevalence due to the global increase in dietary supplement use, with up to 25% of users experiencing some adverse effects.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Use of supplements from unregulated sources, lack of proper dosing information, concurrent use of multiple supplements, pre-existing medical conditions, and inadequate consumer education.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Most cases are reversible with early intervention; severe or prolonged exposure may lead to lasting organ damage or increased mortality.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Liver failure, acute kidney injury, cardiotoxicity, metabolic disturbances, allergic reactions, and interaction-induced adverse effects with prescription medications.