Dietary supplements linked to serious events in children, young adults

Of all the more than 40,000 adverse events related to food and dietary supplements that were reported to the FDA between 2004-2015, nearly 1,000 were in those aged 25 and under, according to a new study. About 17% of these events resulted in hospitalization, with 2% resulting in deaths. Most of the serious events in those younger than 18 were due to vitamins. In those ages 18-25, negative outcomes from taking weight loss supplements were the most common. In this age group, supplements for energy, muscle building, or sexual function were more frequent in men than women.

At the same time, a new study finds 65% of probiotic supplements lack the proper information for consumers to make an informed medical decision about taking them. Missing was information about the strain of bacteria or yeast used, the beneficial dose level, and evidence from at least one human trial.