PETALING JAYA: A pharmacist and public health expert have warned the public to be wary of supplements sold in pharmacies and online that are not safe to consume due to side effects and misinformation.
Nur Aimah Sakinah Kairulanuar, who has been a practicing pharmacist for 13 years, said she has seen many supplements with misinformation on their labels.
Not all supplements found on drugstore shelves or sold online are safe for consumption. Many of them grossly falsify the effectiveness of the product and trick consumers into buying them.
Nur Aimah said most diet, nutrition and meal supplements can be sold based on laboratory test results provided by manufacturers.
The Ministry of Health issues a notification number based on the owners’ laboratory tests, which allows the sale.
Although having the necessary documentation can give the impression that the product is safe for consumption, it does not guarantee this or the effectiveness of the products.
Only if there are complaints will the ministry independently test the product and ban it if necessary.
For example, Nur Aimah said, while diet biscuits are now sold in pharmacies, not all of them are suitable for the masses due to individual metabolism, dietary preferences, medical conditions and lifestyle.
He said that despite their marketing claims of being low-calorie alternatives and appetite suppressants, many of them contain high levels of sugar and refined carbohydrates, which cause weight gain and other health risks.
Some companies and product owners prioritize profits over consumer health. In highly competitive markets, some companies may focus on short-term profits rather than long-term customer relationships.
He said that relying only on the presence of official seals and documentation is insufficient to guarantee the safety or suitability of products as a health product.
Professor Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh, a specialist in public health medicine at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, said interest in alternative medicine such as herbal remedies is growing in Malaysia.
When pharmaceuticals fall short, a growing number of distressed patients seek solace in alternative medicine.
However, unlike prescription drugs that undergo rigorous testing and regulatory scrutiny before reaching global markets, dietary supplements are not held to the same strict standards.
Also, supplements should not be equated with sweets. Supplements are semi-medical products and, like any medicine, have potential side effects.
Sharifa Ezat said herbal supplements and other products labeled as natural and low in calories are incredibly popular because the public often assumes they are healthier because of their natural origins.
Just because something is natural doesn’t mean it’s safe. Some herbal supplements can cause serious health problems if taken in combination with prescription drugs or if one has certain health problems.
Giving an example, he said that St. John’s wort, which is taken to overcome depression, will make consumers sensitive to sunlight, especially if consumed in excess.
Other side effects may include trouble sleeping, feeling anxious, dry mouth and headaches, experiencing dizziness, stomach problems, and feeling tired.
Ephedra, which is also known as Ma huang, Chinese ephedra, and epitonin, is often marketed as an aid to athletic performance and weight loss.
However, it can cause high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, nerve damage, trouble sleeping, tremors, headaches, and even heart attack, stroke, or death.
Sharifa Ezat said that vigilance and informed decision-making remain paramount to safeguarding health.
Although dietary supplements can offer benefits when used correctly, not all products are created equal. The lack of strict regulations and quality control measures means that some supplements can pose health risks to consumers.
He said to avoid the hidden dangers lurking in pharmacy aisles, the public should stay informed, exercise caution and prioritize their health and well-being.
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