If you take any nutritional supplements then you should be aware that some of the ingredients that may be included could be dangerous. These supplements are used by a wide range of people. Athletes, bodybuilders, and even those who just want to stay healthy may use one or more nutritional supplements on a regular basis. Weightlifters and those who spend a lot of time in the gym may need supplementation in order to meet their dietary and muscle needs. If the wrong products are chosen then this could end up harming your fitness and health goals instead of helping you achieve these objectives.

There are a number of ingredients that may be found in nutritional supplements that have been shown to be dangerous, and there are others which may not have much scientific evidence and information available or which are just ineffective and do not work as advertised. The right products can help you get gains, stay healthy, and reach your peak physical condition in the shortest time possible.

Some of the Most Common Ingredients That May Be Harmful

Many believe that if a nutrition supplement is offered on the market then all of the ingredients must be safe to take. This is not the case though, and some products may include ingredients that are known to be dangerous. These supplements may not require any government approval and they may not be required to be scientifically validated. That means that you have no guarantees that the product has been tested for safety or effectiveness.

Some ingredients that you should check any nutritional supplement for include:

• Ephedrine
• Epinephrine
• Products with a single amino acid
• Carb blockers
• Androstendione
• Gamma-butyrolactone or GBL
• Usnic acid
• Designer Steroids
• Caffeine

The Dangers of Ephedrine and Epinephrine

Ephedrine and epinephrine can both be very effective when it comes to burning fat, increasing alertness, and providing more energy. Ephedra was banned by the FDA but ephedrine is still legally available in nutritional supplements. The actual name is Ephedrine HCL, and it is an extract from the ephedra. Both ephedrine and epinephrine can have dangerous side effects with some individuals. When either of these substances are used with other dietary aids, stimulants, or diuretics then problems can occur.

What You Need to Know About Single Amino Acid Products

It is a bad idea to use any single amino acid product. Your muscles need both essential and non essential amino acids. If you choose a nutritional supplement that does not provide more than one amino acid then your muscle tissues may not have the nutrients required to grow larger. You could also end up with deficiencies that could impact both your physical fitness and your health. Single amino acid products except for glutamine may not seem dangerous but they can give you a false sense of security and your nutritional needs may not be met.

What are Carb Blockers and Why Are They Harmful?

Carbohydrate blockers are ingredients used in order to prevent carb absorption and to keep these substances from being metabolized by the body. If you want to lose weight or melt off fat faster then you may be tempted to use nutritional supplements that include carb blockers. These ingredients can be extremely harmful in some cases though, and there are also a number of undesired side effects that you may experience. Carb blockers can cause:

• Excessive gas
• Diarrhea
• Upset stomach
• Nausea
• Heartburn
• Nutrient absorption interference

Why is Androstenedione Dangerous?

Androstenedione may be found as an ingredient in some nutritional supplements. This substance has some very unpleasant side effects and can be dangerous in some cases. The long term effects are not documented, and the short term effects can vary. Hair loss on your scalp, aggressiveness, acne that ranges from light to very severe, and irritability have all been seen with the use of nutritional supplements that include Androstenedione. When this ingredient is used for an extended period your estrogen levels may be elevated. In some women the use of this ingredient may cause facial hair to appear. Older men may experience enlargement of their prostate, and this substance may increase cancer risks in all ages.

What is Gamma Butyrolactone?

Gamma Butyrolactone, also frequently called GBL, is not a safe ingredient in any situation. This ingredient is banned in the USA but some supplements from other countries may include this ingredient. Purchasing nutritional supplements that have been manufactured in the USA can help you avoid this substance. There are some serious side effects that can occur and there have been reports of deaths that were the result of GBL use. Potential side effects include:

• Vomiting
• Agitation
• Heart problems
• Respiratory difficulty and arrest
• Seizures
• Coma
• Being unable to control your bowels
• Fainting
• Becoming combative
• Death

Usnic Acid Concerns

Usnic acid is legal to purchase and use in the United States, and some nutritional supplements that are designed to boost your fat burning abilities may contain this ingredient. It may cause liver damage and other dangerous medical conditions and it should be avoided.

What are Designer Steroids?

Designer steroids are very dangerous substances, but what is a designer steroid? First appearing in 2002, these are substances that attempt to stimulate the same effects that a steroid has but that can not be detected with the current drug tests used. These ingredients may go by names like Desoxymethyltestosterone, THG, or Norbolethone among others. These compounds usually have the same side effects as illegal steroids, and this can include irritability, extreme aggressions, and thoughts of harming yourself or others. They are dangerous in other ways as well, and can cause organ and tissue damage over time.

Is Caffeine Dangerous?

Everyone knows what caffeine is. This ingredient can be found in many foods, drinks, and supplement products. Is caffeine dangerous though? It can be in large amounts or in certain other situations. Some nutritional supplements may contain massive amounts of this ingredient. One of the effects that caffeine has is to raise your heart rate and your blood pressure. If you have any heart problems or undiagnosed medical problems then too much of this ingredient could be serious or even life threatening.

Source

http://www.webmd.com/diet/news/20100803/danger-may-lurk-in-some-dietary-supplements

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/catavoid.htm