Why "Natural" Doesn't Always Mean Risk-Free
Every day, thousands of Canadians take prescription medications alongside vitamins, herbal remedies or over-the-counter products without giving it a second thought.
After all, if it's sold on a pharmacy shelf or in a health food store, it must be safe. Right?
Not necessarily.
In the latest episode of Beyond the Counter, Steven Hopp, Pharmacy Manager at Rutland Medical Pharmacy, explains why even common vitamins and supplements can interact with prescription medications and why one simple conversation with your pharmacist could help prevent serious health complications.
More than half of adults take supplements
Whether it's vitamin D, zinc, probiotics, fish oil or herbal remedies, supplements have become part of many people's daily routine.
"Many people assume that products sold without a prescription, especially natural health products, are automatically safe," says Hopp. "But they can still affect your body, interact with prescription medications or even cause unwanted side effects on their own."
The biggest concern isn't necessarily taking supplements. It's taking them without letting your healthcare team know.
Natural products can still have powerful effects
Everything we consume is broken down into molecules that affect the body in some way.
"Once your body breaks it down, it doesn't know whether it came from a prescription medication, a vitamin or a natural product," Hopp explains. "It's still a molecule that's creating a response in your body."
That means combining products without professional advice can sometimes increase side effects, reduce the effectiveness of medications or even create dangerous interactions.
Some common examples
One example Hopp often discusses is St. John's Wort, an herbal supplement many people use to support mood.
While it may have benefits for some individuals, it can also speed up liver enzymes responsible for breaking down medications. That means important prescriptions, such as medications used to treat heart conditions, may not work as intended.
Even something as familiar as vitamin A can become a concern.
People taking isotretinoin, commonly known by the former brand name Accutane, for severe acne should be cautious about additional vitamin A supplements because both are processed by the liver. Too much can increase the risk of liver-related side effects.
Other examples include:
- Vitamin K can affect blood-thinning medications such as warfarin.
- Coenzyme Q10 may enhance the effects of blood pressure medications, potentially causing dizziness or increasing the risk of falls.
- Biotin, commonly found in hair and nail supplements, can interfere with certain laboratory blood tests, potentially affecting diagnosis.
Bigger isn't always better
Supplements can also interact with one another.
Hopp points to zinc as a good example. While it's commonly marketed for immune support, taking high doses over a long period can reduce the body's ability to absorb copper, leading to other health concerns. His advice is simple. Don't assume that taking more will produce better results.
Instead, ask yourself why you're taking a supplement in the first place and whether there is good scientific evidence that it will benefit your health.
Buying supplements? Look for an NPN number
With countless brands available online and in stores, choosing a quality supplement can feel overwhelming.
Hop recommends looking for a Natural Product Number (NPN) on Canadian natural health products. Issued by Health Canada, the NPN indicates the product has been assessed for safety, quality and efficacy under Canada's regulatory framework. It's also worth purchasing from reputable manufacturers and discussing new supplements with a healthcare professional before adding them to your routine.
Your pharmacist is one of your best resources
Many people hesitate to ask questions because they don't want to inconvenience a busy pharmacy team. Hopp encourages patients to do exactly the opposite.
Whether you're starting a new prescription, trying a vitamin recommended by a friend or considering an herbal supplement you saw online, your pharmacist can quickly check for potential interactions and help determine whether it's appropriate for you. At Rutland Medical Pharmacy, those conversations are an important part of patient care.
"We're here to help," says Hopp. "Tell us everything you're taking, including prescription medications, vitamins, herbal products and supplements. The more we know, the better we can help keep you safe." Sometimes, a five-minute conversation can prevent a much bigger health problem.
