Woman left with ‘dark, yellow, foul-smelling discharge’ after taking hair growth supplement – as docs issue warning

Supplements can help us reach vitamin and mineral recommendations.

But Dr Carol Granger, a registered nutrition practitioner with a degree in biochemistry and a masters in microbiology, warns of many additions to supplements, medications and foods that could cause side effects, and suggests doing your research before buying commercial pills.

She tells Sun Health: “Ingredients like talc, E numbers, and gelatin are all used as bulking agents or as colourings and they can have serious long-term health impacts like heartburn, dizziness, fainting and severe allergic reactions."

Here are the worst culprits:

Magnesium stearate 

Unlike the name suggests, this ingredient contains no magnesium (which may help with sleep, anxiety and bone health).

Dr Granger says: “This is used as a lubricant - it prevents ingredients sticking together and means the machines that make the tablets don’t block.”

But she warns that “high amounts can cause a laxative effect and it can cause inflammation too, especially in those who are sensitive to allergies”.

It’s unlikely the small amount found in supplements is enough to do harm, but it may be worth reconsidering if you have been taking it for a long time. 

Ascorbyl Palmitate 

Ascorbyl palmitate is a form of vitamin C made by combining ascorbic and palmitic acids. 

It’s considered safe in the amounts that are used when added to skincare.

Dr Granger says: “This is used as an antioxidant food additive and preservative meaning things with it in can have a longer use by date.”

But she claims “excess amounts can cause nausea, diarrhoea, and vomiting”. 

Aspartame 

You’ll may be familiar with aspartame, which is a sugar-alternative often used in things like soft drinks, sweetened diet products or other ‘low/no sugar’ foods.

Dr Granger says: “This is a sweetener a lot of people have heard of. 

“It’s a flavour enhancer but because it’s an artificial sweetener, it has been linked to weight gain.”

Studies have found both that sweeteners like aspartame help people lose weight, but also gain weight by potentially increasing appetite. 

Several studies have linked high intakes to more serious health problems such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and dementia but there has been much debate about the results.

But Dr Granger claims: “It can affect metabolism so if you see it on any ingredient list, my advice would be to give it a wide berth.”

Carrageenans 

Carrageenan is an ingredient that has long had concern surrounding it. 

Products with it may be labelled as ‘natural’ because it is derived from seaweed, therefore it is also found in some plant-based/vegan foods.

But Dr Granger says: “The processing used to make some types of carrageenan makes it into something you definitely don’t want to consume. 

“They’re widely used as gelling agent and thickener. They can be used to prevent powder clumping so may be in powder supplements you add to smoothies. 

“But some cause inflammation, are really bad for digestive health and have been linked to ulcers too. 

“Some can also destabilise blood sugar and cause problems with blood sugar balance.”

Calcium Phosphate 

Calcium phosphate is a mineral (calcium and phosphate) which are essential for bone, muscle, blood and nerve health.

Some may benefit from additional calcium, such as menopausal women with weakening bones.

But calcium phosphate is also used as an additive to products, from supplements to toothpaste and fertilizers.

Dr Granger says: “This is used to bulk out and buffer ingredients like vitamin C. 

“Side effects can include kidney problems, loss of appetite and weakness.”