Man Nearly Dies After Taking Contaminated Herbal Supplements
A man experienced a life-threatening health crisis after taking three herbal supplements containing undeclared steroids, highlighting the risks of unregulated dietary products. The case, recently detailed by doctors, underscores the potential for serious harm from supplements marketed for pain relief and other conditions.
The man,whose identity has not been released,took Artri King,Nhan Sam Tuyet Lien,and Linsen Double Caulis Plus – all identified by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as containing hidden glucocorticoids. Hospital testing confirmed the presence of these steroids in two of the supplements.
Doctors resolute the man had effectively overdosed on glucocorticoids, exceeding normal levels in the body. This suppression of his immune system led to severe infections and gastrointestinal ulcers. Critically, the excessive steroid intake caused his hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis – a key regulator of stress response - to shut down. Abrupt cessation of high-dose glucocorticoids, as occurred in this case, can trigger an adrenal crisis.
The man required six weeks of hydrocortisone treatment before his HPA axis began to recover. Despite this intervention,he suffered recurrent bloodstream infections and persistent delirium during a months-long hospital stay before finally being discharged.
The FDA has issued warnings about these specific supplements, but the case demonstrates a lack of public awareness regarding thier dangers. “Clinicians must remain vigilant in assessing supplement use and educate patients on potential risks, especially regarding hidden glucocorticoids, to prevent serious health complications such as adrenal insufficiency,” the doctors concluded.
The incident serves as a stark reminder that dietary supplements are not rigorously regulated for safety or proven efficacy, and can pose meaningful health risks.
