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[Adverse effects from food supplements]
Kirsten Pilegaard1, Lea Bredsdorff2, Gitte Ravn-Haren1
1Forskningsgruppen for Helhedsvurdering, DTU Fødevareinstituttet.
Ugeskrift for Laeger
|December 9, 2025
Summary
Reporting adverse effects from food supplements to the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration (DVFA) is crucial. These effects can stem from high doses, ingredient interactions, or adulteration, underscoring the need for vigilance.
Area of Science:
- Food Safety
- Pharmacovigilance
- Toxicology
Background:
- Food supplements require notification to the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration (DVFA) but undergo no safety assessment.
- Adverse effects from food supplements are a public health concern.
- Mechanisms for adverse effects are not always clear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the importance of reporting adverse effects of food supplements to the DVFA.
- To identify potential causes of adverse effects associated with food supplements.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on food supplement safety and adverse event reporting.
- Analysis of potential risk factors for adverse effects.
Main Results:
- Adverse effects can arise from excessive ingredient dosages.
- Interactions between ingredients or with medications can cause harm.
- Use of ingredients with limited toxicological data or adulteration are significant risks.
Conclusions:
- Mandatory reporting of adverse effects to the DVFA is essential for monitoring food supplement safety.
- Understanding the causes of adverse effects is key to prevention.
- Further research into ingredient interactions and toxicological profiles is warranted.
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