Herbal Food Supplement Labels Are 'Misleading' And Products Don't Contain Ingredients They Claim, Study Finds | HuffPost Life

Some Herbal Food Supplements Do Not Contain Ingredients On The Label

Rachel Moss— The Huffington Post UK

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Taking herbal remedies or supplements has become the norm for thousands of Brits who want to improve their health, but how much do we really know about these products?

The BBC teamed up with researchers from University College London to test what is actually in the substances we spend millions on each year.

They found that labels on some popular supplements are "misleading", as some products do not contain the ingredients their labels list.

Ginkgo powder capsules

The UCL researchers tested around 70 products as part of BBC2 show Trust Me I'm A Doctor.

They analysed three well-known types of herbal food supplements - ginkgo, evening primrose and milk thistle - and looked at some purchased from online shops and others from high street retailers.

Out of 30 ginkgo products tested, a total of eight contained little or no ginkgo extract.

In one case of milk thistle, the researchers found compounds they were unable to identify in place of the herb.

Out of the three types of herbal remedy, evening primrose products performed the best, with all products containing the ingredients specified on the label.

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Head of the UCL research team Professor Michael Heinrich said: "I think some of the suppliers of food supplements are lying. In other cases I think they don't know what they're doing. Many of the botanical drugs come from rare or increasingly rare species, so it makes perfect sense to get something cheaper…which helps to you get a better price at a lower cost."

The team found that products purchased from high street shops were of higher quality on average than those purchased from internet retailers.

According to the BBC, herbal products can be sold either as food supplements, or as Traditional Herbal Registration (THR) remedies.

Products that are sold as THRs fall under regulation by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Authority (MHRA), but herbal food supplements are not regulated as they fall under the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Trading Standards at local authority level.

In the BBC and UCL research, all THR tested products contained what was claimed on the label.

A spokesperson for the Food standards Agency told the BBC: "The FSA champions the rights of consumers and misleading them in this way is unacceptable."

When buying herbal remedies, the NHS advises: "Look out for a Traditional Herbal Registration (THR) marking on the product packaging – this means the herbal remedy has been assessed against quality standards, and you'll have information about how and when to use it."

However, it also notes that "claims made for THR products are based on traditional usage and not on evidence of the product's effectiveness", therefore using them for more serious health conditions could put you at risk.

Trust Me, I'm a Doctor will broadcast on BBC 2, Wednesday 15 July at 20:00.

Energy Supplements: Get The Facts

Vitamin C(01 of10)

What it is: Vitamin C is naturally found in many fruits and vegetables. It's used by our adrenal glands, which sit above the kidney, to produce hormones that help us adapt to stress.
Claims: By taking vitamin C regularly, our bodies can create more stress-fighting hormones, says naturopathic doctor Julie Chen. So when we feel run down by stress, vitamin C can perk us up.
What it can do: Vitamin C is being recommended more for how it boosts the immune system and manages inflammation, says family doctor Cynthia Osborne.
Risks: Although there haven't been any cases of people overdosing from vitamin C, there have been cases of people overdosing from having too many other vitamins. This can shut down the organs in the rest of the body, Osborne says, and is something to be aware of.
Other Options: Eat your fruits and veggies, like oranges and broccoli. If you decide to take vitamin C supplements, make sure to follow the recommended dose of no more than 5000 mg/day, Osborne says. (credit:Etienne Outram via Getty Images)

Vitamin B6(02 of10)

What it is: Vitamin B6 is found in many vegetables, grains and meats. It helps make food into red blood cells, and helps move oxygen and blood through the body.
Claims: A deficiency in Vitamin B6 can lead to anemia, confusion, depression and insomnia, Chen says. Proper blood oxygen flow helps the body function properly, and keeps energy up.
What it can do: Vitamin B6 helps treat conditions caused by low amounts of healthy red blood cells, like anemia. Taking a vitamin B6 supplement is safe if you're following the directions."These vitamins are helpful if you're not a big chickpea or lentil eater, or you're a menstruating woman where you're losing your B vitamins," Osborne says.
Risks: Vitamin B6 isn't recommended for people with blood pressure issues or diabetes because it lowers blood pressure and blood sugar. Stick to the recommended dose of about 1 mg/day for adults. Over 200 mg can cause nerve pain and seizures, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Other Options: Eat foods like cereal, brown rice and meats to make sure you have enough Vitamin B6 in your diet. (credit:David Humphrey via Getty Images)

Chromium(03 of10)

What it is: Chromium is a mineral found in plants, vegetables and meat. The mineral helps balance fats, protein and carbohydrate stores, letting insulin work efficiently in the body.
Claims: Our diet doesn't give us the blood sugar balancing effect of chromium, Chen says. Taking supplements supposedly promotes normal sugar levels in the blood, and keeps energy stable.
What it can do: Chromium affects insulin by helping blood sugar levels quickly return to normal, says Alive magazine. Appropriate dosages vary between people, according to the Mayo Clinic, so meet with your doctor before taking chromium.
Risks: There haven't been any side effects or overdoses reported because of chromium, according to the Mayo Clinic. But that's because there haven't been enough studies on the overdoses, notes Osborne.
Other Options:A healthy diet should provide enough chromium by incorporating things like fruits, vegetables and whole grains. (credit:pyotr021 via Getty Images)

Glycine(04 of10)

What it is: Glycine an amino acid that is comes from proteins. It helps promote muscle growth and regulate blood sugar, according to the Livestrong Foundation.
Claims: Glycine provides glucose to the body to make sure it has the energy it needs. People with anemia, low blood-sugar levels and chronic fatigue are often given glycine supplements to help improve their energy, Livestrong says.
What it can do: There have been studies that show glycine can help treat schizophrenia and brain damage after stroke. Other small studies suggest it can help treat type-II diabetes, but more research is needed to confirm this, according to WebMD.
Risks:There haven't been any studies on overdoses of glycine, but there have been rare cases where people felt nauseous or vomit after taking it. Check in with your health practitioner before trying glycine supplements.
Other Options: People should get enough glycine by having a normal amount of protein in their diet, Osborne says. "If you were to counsel somebody properly, you would make sure they get the proper amounts of protein from natural sources," she says. (credit:BernardaSv via Getty Images)

Taurine(05 of10)

What it is: Taurine is an amino acid found in protein that helps muscles function properly. There is a possible link between fatigue and lower taurine in the muscles, according to a study by the Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology.
Claims: When combined with other nutrients, such as caffeine, taurine can improve memory, concentration and mood and translate into sustained energy, according to the LiveStrong Foundation.
What it can do:The benefits of taurine remain controversial, reports the Mayo Clinic. These assumed benefits have led to its use in a number of energy drinks, where there is already a high dose of caffeine and sugar, and a number of associated problems.
Risks: Little is known about the risks of having too much taurine, but up to 3000 mg/day is thought to be safe. "It can also be very hard on the kidneys ... if you're not drinking enough fluids," says Osborne.
Other Options: Having meat and fish in your diet should ensure you also have enough taurine, the Mayo Clinic says. (credit:shutterstock)

Kola Nuts(06 of10)

What it is: The kola nut is a tropical plant found mainly in Nigeria. It can be used at weddings, naming ceremonies, installation of chiefs and funerals, as it's believed to give a state of euphoria, according to a study in Life Science Journal.
Claims:The kola nut has large amounts of caffeine in it, although it's unknown how much exactly, according to Life Science Journal. For that reason, the kola nut acts as a natural stimulant. It's also thought to boost alertness and physical energy, mood and sensitivity to touch.
What it can do: The kola nut is a stimulant because of the caffeine found in it. You could chew on a few kola nuts or take it as powder as a healthier option than your coffee with cream and sugar. It's also being used in Pepsi's new "craft" soda.
Risks: There haven't been many studies on the kola nut, so the risks aren't well known beyond the ones associated with caffeine. However, as studies are limited, it's also unknown what else the kola nut could do, Osborne says. Talk to your doctor before taking any caffeine supplements, as they could affect other medications. It's also possible to have too much or overdose on caffeine, according to the Mayo Clinic. There are a number of side effects, ranging from anxiety and dizziness to fever and vomiting from caffeine.
Other Options: If you're losing energy and need a caffeine boost, choose something that readily displays the amount of caffeine in the product. Healthy adults shouldn't have more than 400 mg/day, the Mayo Clinic says. (credit:popovaphoto via Getty Images)

Gotu Kola(07 of10)

What it is: Gotu kola is a plant from the tropical areas of Southeast Asia. It's been used by Chinese traditional medicine to improve memory, according to the University of Maryland.
Claims: Gotu kola has antioxidant effects that help the body manage stress, according to Industrial Crops and Products. It has also been shown to help repair damage to the nervous system.
What it can do: Gotu kola has been used historically to treat conditions from mental alertness to hepatitis, but there's not enough research to back this up, the University of Maryland says. Be careful not to confuse it with the kola nut, which has caffeine in it. It's usually dried and taken as a powder, or as a tea.
Risks: Gotu kola in high doses can cause nausea and dizziness. As a member of the ginseng family, there are also some risks for the liver, says the University of Maryland. Ginseng can interfere with how your liver processes medications by under or over-absorbing them. "So if you're on medications it's probably not a good thing to be taking," Osborne says.
Other Options: Meet with your doctor or nutritionist and discuss your energy problems, especially if you're on medication. (credit:eve_eve01genesis via Getty Images)

L-Tyrosine(08 of10)

What it is: Like taurine and glycine, l-tyrosine is an amino acid that helps build proteins. Epinephrine, dopamine, norepinephrine and thyroid hormones are all created in part from L-Tyrosine, Chen says.
Claims: L-Tyrosine is necessary to create protein, Chen says. It improves mood and mental alertness, and decreases stress.
What it can do: People who can't properly process amino acids are treated with l-tyrosine, Osborne says. This will boost their nervous system and help create chemicals like dopamine and norepinephrine. But more research needs to be done before it can be used as an energy booster, according to the Livestrong Foundation.
Risks: L-tyrosine isn't recommended for people with high blood pressure, heart problems or migraines because it could worsen the condition, the Livestrong Foundation says. Those taking it shouldn't have more than 500 mg/day.
Other Options: People who decide to take l-tyrosine for things like anxiety, depression and fatigue could be overlooking an underlying issue. Talk with your health practitioner to make sure it's right for you. (credit:Multi-bits via Getty Images)

Suma Root (09 of10)

What it is: Suma root, or Brazilian ginseng, is taken from the root of the leafy suma plant. The root comes from colder regions of the northern hemisphere. It's been called the "Russian Secret" for its use during the Olympics to help athletes with their energy, Chen says.
Claims: North American herbalists recommend this root as an energizing "adaptogen" in capsule or tablet form, meaning it helps the body adapt to its environment, according to the Livestrong Foundation. It boosts the immune system and fights low energy levels.
What it can do: There isn't any hard evidence that suma root can help fight low energy levels. More research is needed before any clear connections can be made.
Risks: As suma root is a kind of ginseng, the risks are similar to gotu kola. People who take medication and have liver problems should stay away from suma root because it can interfere with how your liver processes the medication.
Other Options: Your doctor or health practitioner can advise whether suma root is right for you. You can also ask a pharmacist to do some research for you to find out more, Osborne says. (credit:Siri Stafford via Getty Images)

Rhodiola and Astragalus Root(10 of10)

What it is: Rhodiola and astragalus are roots native to the northern hemisphere. Their adaptogens help support the adrenal glands and the immune system, like Vitamin C, Chen says.
Claims: The adaptogens help fight physical and mental stress, Chen says. Rhodiola has been studied for its performance-enhancing abilities, according to BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. The roots also help with mental focus and performance, Chen says.
What it can do: There is little current research that says rhodiola or astragalus has been proven to help with energy. The roots have been used to help treat things like diabetes and cancer for thousands of years, but there haven't been any studies on humans as to whether or not it benefits diabetes or energy, according to WebMD.
Risks: With no human studies, the risks from rhodiola or astragalus aren't known.Other Options: Check out your diet. These roots are usually taken with other things or eaten with other foods, so the benefits could be coming from somewhere else, Osborne says. Before you try anything new, make sure there is enough information out there to confirm it's safe. (credit:shutterstock)

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