Side effects and contraindications when taking dietary supplements for memory

Side effects and contraindications when taking dietary supplements for memory

Understanding of dietary supplements for memory: what is it and why they are popular

Biologically active additives (dietary supplements) for memory, also known as nootropics or “brain amplifiers,” are a category of substances that are claimed to improve cognitive functions, in particular, memory, concentration, attention and learning. Their popularity is due to the desire of people of all ages to optimize their mental activity, whether to improve academic performance, increase performance at work or preserve cognitive abilities in old age. Bad for memory are available in various forms: tablets, capsules, powders and liquids, and contain a wide range of ingredients, including vitamins, minerals, plant extracts, amino acids and other compounds.

Classification of dietary supplements for memory by the mechanism of action and the main ingredients

For a better understanding of potential side effects and contraindications, it is important to classify dietary supplements for memory based on their alleged mechanism of action and the main ingredients. This classification, although it is not exhaustive, covers the most common types of dietary supplements presented on the market:

• Stimulants: These dietary supplements usually contain caffeine, guarana, theenin or other substances that stimulate the central nervous system. They increase the level of wakefulness, concentration and motivation, but can also cause side effects associated with excessive stimulation.

• Holinergic agents: These dietary supplements are aimed at increasing the level of acetylcholine, neurotransmitter, which plays a key role in memory and training. They can contain choline, DMAE, alpha corrugated (alpha-glycerylphosphyrylholin) or other acetylcholine precursors.

• Plant extracts: Many dietary supplements for memory are based on plant extracts, such as ginkgo biloba, ginseng, Bakop Monier and Rodila Pink. Each of these extracts has its own unique properties and mechanisms of action, and, accordingly, its potential side effects.

• Vitamins and minerals: Some dietary supplements for memory contain B vitamins (especially B6, B12 and folic acid), vitamin D, vitamin E, magnesium, zinc and other trace elements that are necessary for the normal functioning of the brain. The deficiency of these vitamins and minerals can adversely affect cognitive functions, and their replenishment can benefit.

• Amino acids: Some amino acids, such as L-theanine, L-tyrosine and N-acetyl-L-cysteine ​​(NAC), are used in dietary supplements for their alleged effect on neurotransmitters and antioxidant protection of the brain.

• Vascular drugs: These dietary supplements are aimed at improving blood circulation in the brain, providing the best supply of oxygen and nutrients. These include vinpocetine, piracetam (not always classified as dietary supplements, but often used for similar purposes) and a small barvinka extract.

Potential side effects of dietary supplements for memory: General review

Despite the fact that dietary supplements for memory are often positioned as safe and natural means, they are not devoid of potential side effects. It is important to understand that “natural” does not always mean “safe,” and that even natural substances can cause undesirable reactions, especially if you use it incorrectly or when interacting with other drugs. Side effects can vary from lungs and temporary to more serious and long -term, and their probability and intensity depend on many factors, including:

• The composition of the dietary supplement: Different ingredients have different security profiles.

• Dosage: Exceeding the recommended dose increases the risk of side effects.

• Individual sensitivity: Different people may have different susceptibility to certain ingredients.

• Health status: The presence of certain diseases or conditions can increase the risk of side effects.

• Take of other drugs: Bades can interact with other drugs, enhancing or weakening their effect, or causing new side effects.

General side effects that can occur when taking dietary supplements include:

• Sleep disorders: Especially when taking stimulants or cholinergic agents before bedtime.

• Headaches: Can be caused by various ingredients, including caffeine, ginkgo biloba and piracetam.

• Digestive disorders: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain.

• Nervousness, anxiety, irritability: Especially when taking stimulants or in people prone to alarming states.

• Increased blood pressure and rapid heartbeat: Especially when taking stimulants.

• Dizziness: It can be caused by various ingredients, including ginkgo bilobe and vinpocetine.

• Skin reactions: Raw, itching, urticaria.

Detailed analysis of the side effects of individual dietary supplements for memory

To get a more clear idea of ​​potential risks, we consider side effects associated with specific ingredients that are often found in memory dietary supplements:

• Caffeine: The most common stimulant, caffeine can cause insomnia, nervousness, anxiety, irritability, tremor, rapid heartbeat, increased blood pressure, headaches and digestive disorders. Excessive caffeine consumption can lead to caffeine intoxication, which is characterized by more serious symptoms, such as hallucinations, cramps and cardiac arrhythmias. People suffering from anxious disorders, insomnia, cardiovascular diseases and peptic ulcer should avoid caffeine use or use it with caution.

• Guarana: Guarana contains caffeine, so its side effects are similar to side effects of caffeine. However, Guarana can have a longer stimulating effect, since caffeine from guarana is released more slowly.

• Teanin: Theorin is usually considered safe, but in some cases it can cause headaches, dizziness and digestive disorders. It can also enhance the action of stimulants such as caffeine.

• Kholin and DMAE: With an overdose, choline and DMAE can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, salivation, fish smell and decreased blood pressure.

• Alfa-GFH (Alfa-Glycerylphosphereholin): The side effects of the alpha-ggfx are usually soft and include heartburn, headache, fatigue, insomnia, dizziness, skin rash and confusion.

• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo bilobe can cause headaches, dizziness, digestive disorders, skin reactions and an increased risk of bleeding. It should be avoided by people taking anticoagulants or planning surgical operations.

• Ginseng: Ginseng can cause insomnia, nervousness, headaches, digestive disorders, blood pressure changes and skin reactions. Long -term use of ginseng can lead to syndrome of abuse of ginseng, which is characterized by headaches, insomnia, increased blood pressure and skin rashes.

• Bakopa Monica: Bakop Monier can cause digestive disorders, such as nausea, diarrhea and abdominal pain. In some cases, dry mouth, fatigue and bradycardia (slow -hearted rhythm) may be observed.

• Rodiola pink: Rhodiola pink can cause headaches, insomnia, nervousness and irritability.

• VinPocetin: Vinpocetine can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, decreased blood pressure and increased risk of bleeding.

• Piracetam: Piracetam can cause nervousness, anxiety, insomnia, headaches, dizziness, digestive disorders and skin reactions.

• B vitamins B (B6, B12, folic acid): Reception of high doses of vitamin B6 can cause neurological problems, such as numbness and tingling in the limbs. High doses of folic acid can mask vitamin B12 deficiency, which can lead to irreversible damage to the nervous system.

• Vitamin D: Taking high doses of vitamin D can lead to hypercalcemia (an increased level of calcium in the blood), which can cause nausea, vomiting, weakness, constipation and damage to the kidneys.

Contraindications to receive dietary supplements for memory: when they should be avoided

There are certain states of health and situations when taking dietary supplements for memory is not recommended or requires special caution. Contraindications can be absolute (when dietary supplements are strictly prohibited) or relative (when the intake of dietary supplements is possible, but requires consultation with a doctor and thorough monitoring). The main contraindications include:

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Many dietary supplements for memory were not enough for safety for pregnant women and nursing women, so their reception during this period is not recommended.

• Children and adolescence: The effectiveness and safety of dietary supplements for memory in children and adolescents is not proven, and their reception may be associated with the risk of side effects.

• Cardiovascular diseases: Bades containing stimulants, such as caffeine, guaran and ginseng, can aggravate the symptoms of cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension, arrhythmias and coronary heart disease.

• Alarm disorders and panic attacks: Stimulants can increase anxiety and cause panic attacks.

• Insomnia: Stimulants and some cholinergic agents can aggravate insomnia.

• Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract: Some dietary supplements can irritate the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines, which can aggravate the symptoms of peptic ulcer, gastritis and other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

• Blood coagulation and taking anticoagulants: Ginkgo biloba, vinpocetine and other dietary supplements can increase the risk of bleeding.

• Liver and kidney diseases: Some dietary supplements can have a toxic effect on the liver and kidneys, especially when taking high doses.

• Epilepsy and other convulsive disorders: Some dietary supplements, such as piracetams, can reduce the threshold of convulsive readiness.

• Allergy or increased sensitivity to dietary supplements: It is necessary to carefully study the composition of the dietary supplement before taking it in order to exclude the presence of allergens.

• The upcoming surgical operation: Some dietary supplements can increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery.

Interaction of dietary supplements for memory with drugs: Dangerous combinations

Bad for memory can interact with various drugs, which can lead to undesirable consequences. It is important to inform your doctor about all the dietary supplements that you accept in order to avoid potentially dangerous interactions. Some of the most important interactions include:

• Anticoagulants (warfarin, clopidogrel, aspirin): Ginkgo biloba, vinpocetine and other dietary supplements can enhance the effect of anticoagulants, increasing the risk of bleeding.

• Antidepressants (SIOZS, IMAO): Some dietary supplements, such as St. John’s wort perforated (sometimes used in dietary supplements to improve mood), can interact with antidepressants, causing serotonin syndrome.

• Antihypertensive drugs (drugs for high blood pressure): Stimulants can reduce the effectiveness of antihypertensive drugs. Vinpocetine can also reduce blood pressure, which can lead to an excessive decrease in blood pressure while taking antihypertensive drugs.

• Anticonvulsants (medicines for epilepsy): Piracetam can reduce the threshold of convulsive readiness, which can reduce the effectiveness of anticonvulsant drugs.

• Cholinesterase inhibitors (drugs used for Alzheimer’s disease): Holinergic dietary supplements can enhance the effects of cholinerase inhibitors, which can lead to side effects associated with excess acetylcholine.

• Medications metabolized by the CYP450 enzymes: Some dietary supplements can affect the activity of CYP450 enzymes, which are involved in the metabolism of many drugs, which can change the concentration of drugs in the blood and enhance or weaken their effect.

Recommendations for the safe reception of dietary supplements for memory: how to minimize risks

In order to minimize the risks associated with taking dietary supplements for memory, the following recommendations must be observed:

• Consult a doctor: Before you start taking any dietary supplement for memory, be sure to consult your doctor. The doctor will be able to evaluate your state of health, identify contraindications and possible interactions with other medicines that you take.

• Choose quality products: Bad only from trusted manufacturers who comply with quality standards and provide complete information about the composition of the product. Pay attention to the availability of quality certificates (for example, GMP).

• Carefully study the composition of the product: Before buying, carefully read the composition of the dietary supplement to make sure that you do not have allergies or increased sensitivity to any ingredients.

• Start with a low dose: At the first reception of dietary supplements, start with the lowest recommended dose and gradually increase it if necessary, and if you do not experience any side effects.

• Do not exceed the recommended dose: Exceeding the recommended dose will not lead to an improvement in cognitive functions, but will increase the risk of side effects.

• Follow your condition: Carefully follow your condition and pay attention to any side effects. If you experience any undesirable reactions, stop taking the dietary supplement and consult a doctor.

• Do not take a few dietary supplements at the same time: The combination of several dietary supplements can increase the risk of side effects and interactions.

• Do not take dietary supplements for a long time: Long -term use of some dietary supplements can lead to the development of tolerance and side effects. It is recommended to take breaks in the reception of dietary supplements.

• Improve your lifestyle: Do not rely only on dietary supplement to improve cognitive functions. Healthy nutrition, regular physical exercises, sufficient sleep and decrease in stress are also important to maintain brain health.

Alternative methods of improving memory and cognitive functions: an approach based on evidence

Instead of relying exclusively on dietary supplements, consider alternative methods of improving memory and cognitive functions that have scientific support:

• Regular physical exercises: Physical exercises improve blood circulation in the brain, stimulate the growth of new neurons and improve cognitive functions.

• Healthy nutrition: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grain products and healthy fats provides the brain with the necessary nutrients. Particularly useful products are rich in antioxidants, such as berries, green tea and dark chocolate.

• Sufficient sleep: During sleep, the brain consolidates memories and gets rid of toxins. The lack of sleep can negatively affect memory and cognitive functions.

• Reducing stress: Chronic stress can damage the brain and worsen cognitive functions. Regular relaxation practices, such as meditation, yoga and tai-chi, can help reduce stress.

• Cognitive training: Regular mental exercises, such as reading, solving a puzzle, studying new languages ​​and playing intellectual games, help maintain the brain in tone and improve cognitive functions.

• Social interaction: Communication with other people stimulates the brain and improves cognitive functions.

Conclusion:

Before taking any dietary supplements for memory, it is important to carefully weigh potential risks and advantages, consult a doctor and comply with recommendations for safe use. Alternative methods for improving cognitive functions based on a healthy lifestyle and cognitive training can be safer and more effective in the long term. Remember that brain health is a comprehensive process that requires an integral approach.