Popular demand for and interest in alternative medicine has increased considerably in recent years. Several of these therapies, if administered correctly, may be safe and effective complements to conventional medical treatment. Of greater concern is the ingestion of various herbs and chemicals marketed as dietary supplements. Unlike pharmaceutical drugs that are subject to rigorous testing, dietary supplements are exempt from FDA clinical scrutiny as a result of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994. Some supplements may have health benefits but many may be intrinsically dangerous when ingested alone or in combination with other supplements or drugs. Adverse effects of a few of the popular supplements are described in this article. Patients who use supplements are often guided by misconceptions or inaccurate information. Therefore, it is important that physicians and other health care professionals understand the potential associated health consequences so that they can help patients make informed decision about their use. To increase physicians' awareness about the unconventional therapies, there is a need for inclusion of alternative medicine as part of the medical curriculum.
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