Scientists from the University of Toronto reported lead poisoning in a woman who took Ayurvedic supplements to treat infertility. Research published Journal of the Canadian Medical Association.
This metal poisoning can be difficult to diagnose, as vital signs may be normal while the patient feels nausea and abdominal pain. In a new study, doctors reported these symptoms (as well as constipation and anemia) in a woman who was taking complex fertility drugs, including Ayurvedic ones. Although he didn’t feel well, it took several weeks to find the cause and many tests were done. Eventually, the scientists found that the lead levels in the woman’s blood were almost 30 times higher than normal.
The Ontario Public Health Service tested 19 drugs, two of which were patient-supplied. Eleven supplements had lead levels above the detection limit, and one contained 129,000 µg/g lead.
A study published in 2015 in the International Journal of Occupational Environmental Health found that 40% of people who take Ayurvedic medications have high levels of lead or mercury in their bodies.
In addition, 21% of natural dietary supplements contain lead, mercury or arsenic. This was demonstrated by a 2008 study in which US scientists randomly purchased supplements online. The authors of the new paper also realized that much of Ayurvedic medicine contains heavy metals due to the belief that they can be beneficial.
Scientists have concluded that Ayurvedic supplements can be beneficial, but the excess of safe doses of various substances and the presence of metals in them make them dangerous. Therefore, you should consult your doctor before taking any medication.
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