NHS issues warning on popular supplement after grim side-effects revealed

In recent years, supplements have sky-rocketed in popularity, with more and more people looking to thicken their hair and nails, increase their Vitamin C levels and up their iron intake.

Apparently, however, one batch of highly sought-after supplements - which claimed to ward off common colds - has this week been found to have particularly adverse side affects, with the NHS warning potential customers to steer clear.

One supplement type has prompted a stern warning from the NHS (Akaradech Pramoonsin/Getty)

As we say, despite the majority of supplements, vitamins and daily tablets having been on drugstore and pharmacy shelves for decades, the recent societal shift towards health and wellbeing has seemingly triggered a boost in intrigue.

And with social media stars ceaselessly name-dropping these pills and crediting them as 'life hacks', it's no wonder that more and more people are adding them to their shopping baskets, hoping to reap these supposed wellbeing rewards.

Amongst the various supplement types that have suddenly surged in sales numbers is Potassium - an essential mineral that allegedly assists with balancing the fluids within the body and maintaining blood pressure levels.

As such, it was previously credited with helping the body to absorb fluids, a feature that is especially beneficial in the winter months, when common colds, flus and illnesses are most likely to spread.

What many Potassium poppers may not realise, however, is that, when taken too frequently, the popular tablets have been known to inflict a series of agonising side affects, including stomach pain, nausea and diarrhoea - particularly in older generations.

Older generations have been known to suffer painful side affects as a result (Kinga Krzeminska/Getty)

The NHS has therefore issued a stern warning about the amount of Potassium that should be taken.

"You should be able to get all the potassium you need by eating a varied and balanced diet," the health site explains. "If you take potassium supplements, do not take too much as this could be harmful.

"Taking 3,700mg or less of potassium supplements a day is unlikely to have obvious harmful effects.

"Older people should not take potassium supplements unless advised to by a doctor."

The chemical element itself is a positively charged electrolyte, meaning potassium minerals help carry an electric charge through the body to help muscles contract and send signals to the brain.

In this case, the kidneys are used to filter out any extra Potassium - outside of what is already ingested in food and drink.

The reason for the warning being specifically aimed at older folk, however, is due to the fact that their kidneys are generally less capable at removing potassium from the blood.

The popular supplements come with certain risks (Witthaya Prasongsin/Getty)

Sadly, this can result in a condition known as hyperkalemia, the side affects of which often include the likes of diarrhea, nausea, vomiting abdominal pain, bloating and gas.

And in the most severe cases - which, thankfully, are considered to be rare - dangerously high levels of the element can affect the heart, prompting the likes of chest pains, heart palpitations and even heart attacks.