Experts warn of the health risks that some nutritional supplements may pose to diabetics

There are many different nutritional supplements — including vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, and probiotics — designed to fill nutritional gaps and support overall health. Some target specific functions, such as immune support, muscle recovery, and bone health, according to multiple medical sources.

Unlike prescription medications and Non-prescription medicationsDietary supplements are usually not approved by the Food and Drug Administration before they are marketed, but the FDA regulates them and can take action against unsafe or misbranded products.

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For people with diabetes, the following supplements can pose serious health risks, because they can affect blood glucose levels or interact with medications, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Unlike prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications, dietary supplements are not usually approved by the Food and Drug Administration before they are marketed. (Istock)

St. John’s wort

People with diabetes should avoid taking St. John’s wort as a supplement, says Dawn Menning, a California-based registered dietitian and certified diabetes care and education specialist with Nutu, a healthy lifestyle app.

It is primarily prescribed as a natural treatment for Mild to moderate depressionSt. John’s wort can have additional benefits for anxiety, sleep problems, and symptoms associated with menopause or PMS.

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“This herbal remedy can interfere with many diabetes medications by affecting the way the body breaks them down,” Mining told Fox News Digital. “This can make medications less effective and blood sugar management more difficult.”

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This supplement is often marketed for its ability to improve blood sugar regulation in people with diabetes Type 2 diabetesMining noted that there is limited evidence and the research is “mixed.”

“Taking this supplement with insulin or oral diabetes medications may increase the risk of hypoglycemia,” she warned. This condition can increase the risk of dizziness, fatigue and fainting, according to Healthline.

For people with diabetes, some supplements can pose health risks, because they can affect blood glucose levels or interact with medications. (Istock)

Bitter melon supplements

They are often taken to help reduce blood sugar levels People with diabetesMining noted.

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“It contains compounds like polypeptide-p, which may act like insulin,” she said. “Taking this with diabetes medications can increase the risk of hypoglycemia.”

Niacin (Vitamin B3)

This supplement is sometimes used to help manage cholesterol levels – but in people with diabetes, it may also raise blood sugar levels, increasing the risk of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).

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“I would caution against using niacin supplements in high doses because it can raise blood sugar levels significantly and make it difficult to maintain your A1c in the optimal range,” said Michelle Rothenstein, a preventive cardiologist at Harvard University. EntirelyNourished.com In New York, Fox News Digital said.

Ginseng

Asian ginseng has been linked to increased energy, focus, and activity Immune system health. It also contains antioxidants, which can provide cellular protection, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

While it has also been linked to improving cardio-metabolic factors for those with prediabetes and prediabetes, some evidence suggests that ginseng can lower blood sugar levels when combined with diabetes medications.

Β-carotene

This supplement is primarily used as an antioxidant and source of Vitamin A to support vision, immune and overall eye function Skin health.

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“The American Diabetes Association recommends against beta-carotene supplements for people with diabetes because of their association with an increased risk of lung cancer and risk of death from cardiovascular disease,” Jordan Hill, a registered dietitian with Top Nutrition Coaching in Colorado, told Fox News Digital.

High dose of cinnamon (Cassia cinnamon)

Cinnamon is often promoted as a supplement for diabetes management and Weight lossSome research has also shown that it can help lower blood sugar and reduce insulin resistance.

For most supplements, one expert said, “There is no evidence to support their beneficial effect on diabetes or its complications.” (Istock)

However, eating large amounts of cinnamon can enhance the effects of diabetes and cause blood sugar levels to drop too low, which may cause hypoglycemia, Healthline warns.

Cinnamon also contains a compound called coumarin, which can cause liver damage if taken in large quantities.

Niacin (high dose vitamin B3)

This supplement can help with promotion Healthy digestionSkin and nervous system function, according to the Mayo Clinic.

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The National Institutes of Health warns that high doses of nicotinic acid (a form of niacin) can raise blood sugar levels and interfere with the effectiveness of diabetes medications.

“These doses can raise blood sugar levels in people who do not have diabetes,” says the National Institutes of Health.

Aloe vera

Oral aloe vera is often promoted for treating diabetes, weight loss, and Inflammatory bowel disease.

However, when combined with diabetes medications, it can cause low blood sugar levels and increase the risk of hypoglycemia with the medications, according to the National Institutes of Health. It can also cause side effects on the digestive system.

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For most supplements, “there is no evidence to support a beneficial effect on diabetes or its complications,” Menning noted.

“The main concern with most dietary supplements is not direct harm, but rather the lack of regulatory oversight.”

The US Standards of Diabetes Care states: “Without an underlying deficiency, there are no benefits from herbal or nonherbal supplements (i.e., vitamins or minerals) for people with diabetes.”

The American Association of Clinical Endocrinology advises caution with anything unregulated Nutritional supplements “Because of inconsistent formulation and quality and potential for damage,” Hill said.

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“The main concern with most nutritional supplements is not direct harm, but damage Lack of regulatory oversightHe told Fox News Digital.

Experts recommend speaking with a doctor before starting any supplement to understand how it may affect your blood sugar levels, medications, or overall diabetes management.