There are a lot of supplements out there that promise to improve your health in a number of ways. In many cases, they can, indeed, be beneficial to your wellbeing. However, just like anything else you’re putting into your body, these products also come with their fair share of downsides. In fact, many come with hidden risks that could do some serious damage to your health. Certain options, for example, could irritate your stomach lining, leading to discomfort, heartburn, and even ulcers. This can be especially detrimental to anyone with a sensitive stomach or existing digestive issues.
To shed some light on a few potentially harmful options, we spoke to family nurse practitioner Monelle Burrus. She told us that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), iron supplements, and fish oil could damage your stomach lining. Learn more about the risks of each below.
1. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, are popular for pain relief. However, they may do more harm than good in some cases. These painkillers can damage your stomach if used too frequently for an extended period of time. "Long-term use is known to cause irritation of the stomach lining and ulcers since it reduces the amount of protective mucus produced by the stomach," Burrus warns. This makes NSAIDs particularly harmful for anyone who relies on them frequently. It's best to use alternative methods for pain relief.
2. Iron Supplements
Iron is crucial to your health, and if you are anemic or simply aren't getting enough of this mineral in your diet, supplements often serve as a good option. However, iron supplements can be rough on the stomach. Burrus warns that they "may lead to ulceration" and "can also corrode with the acids in the stomach, which would lead to irritation." To support iron levels, she suggests consuming natural sources like "spinach, beans, and lean meats," ideally combined with foods high in vitamin C to improve absorption.
3. Fish Oil
Fish oil can target a number of health needs thanks to the fact that it offers up health omega-3 fatty acids. Unfortunately, Burrus warns that it can upset the stomach. "High doses of Omega 3 fatty acids are healthy for the heart; however, they can cause stomach upset, heartburn, and can also cause bleeding problems mostly among those who are already taking blood thinner products," she explains. For a gentler option, she recommends choosing "enteric-coated capsules" or getting omega-3s from whole foods like walnuts and flaxseeds.
READ MORE: 8 Supplements With Hidden Dangers, From Liver Damage To Cardiovascular Risks, Experts Warn
