Wonder if there’s any truth to the suggestion that shark cartilage or lecithin may help prevent or cure disease? Here’s what health experts say:
- Lecithin and arthritis (or other health problems): Your body makes lecithin. So taking more doesn’t seem to offer any benefits. Synthetic lecithin isn’t absorbed well, anyway.
- Shark cartilage and cancer: Limited research shows no role in blocking tumor formation. Any active substances in shark cartilage haven’t been identified. And it might be risky for pregnant women, people with heart disease, and those who are recovering from surgery or wounds.
Note: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns against the serious, even deadly, side effects of these supplements: aristolochic acid, chaparral, comfrey, ephedrine, germander, lobelia, magnolia-stephania preparation, willow bark, wormwood, yohimbe.
For your safety, check with your physician before trying a supplement. If you have an adverse reaction:
- Tell your physician and pharmacist about the supplement name, type, and your dosage. Keep the container so you can identify it.
- Report serious problems to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) MedWatch hotline: (1-800-FDA-1088), fax (1-800-FDA-0178), or online www.fda.gov/medwatch/).
- Contact your nearest FDA District Office with your concern or complaint. Look in the government pages of the phone book.
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