Which of the following is a risk associated with dietary supplements?

• A. Interactions with medicines
• B. Improved lab test accuracy
• C. Eliminates hepatic toxicity
• D. No risk at all

Answer: (A)

Dietary supplements can interact with medicines, changing how drugs work in the body. They can affect absorption, metabolism, or clearance, or add their own effects, leading to higher or lower drug levels and possible adverse reactions. For example, certain supplements can induce or inhibit liver enzymes, altering the effectiveness of many prescriptions; others may increase bleeding risk when taken with anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs. Additionally, quality and labeling issues mean some products contain ingredients not listed on the label or contaminants, adding to potential harm. In this context, the risk most consistently observed is interactions with medicines. The other options describe effects that aren’t risks or aren’t generally true for supplements.