Doctors issue warning to anyone who takes popular supplement after discovering link to ‘silent killer’

A warning has been issued after new research found that a specific type of supplement has been linked to worrying health concerns.

Now, with autumn and winter creeping in and the yearly winter illnesses making a comeback, it's understandable that more and more people are turning to these vitamin-packed pills.

According to the BBC, over 74 percent of Americans and two-thirds of Brits have turned to supplement tablets in a bid to improve their health.

However, health experts have been reminding people of the importance of taking them safely and the dangers associated with overdosing.

While they can of course be helpful, it's so important you know your stuff before getting started.

For example, taking too many vitamin D supplements over a long period of time can cause too much calcium to build up in the body, also known as hypercalcaemia - this can weaken the bones and damage the kidneys and the heart.

Research has linked soft-gel capsules to a number of health issues (Getty Stock Image)

Meanwhile, one woman from American even found herself 'one step from liver failure’ after she accidentally overdosed on turmeric pills.

The latest warning, however, is for soft-gel capsule supplements - you know, the squishier tablets.

The supplement is essentially inside a soft shell, which is usually made of a combination of gelatin, water, opacifier and a plasticiser such as glycerin or sorbitol.

While they are easier to swallow, they have come under scrutiny from health experts and researches for one reason - the plasticiser element.

Plasticisers are made of phthalates, which are a group of chemicals used to make plastics more flexible and durable.

But phthalates have reportedly been linked to a number of health concerns, including birth defects, allergies in children and even 'silent killer' heart disease, reports the Independent.

The publication outlines that phthalates are known as endocrine disruptors - these are substances that can interfere with hormone systems.

And some more scientific studies, mainly in animals, have suggested they can affect reproductive development, fertility and hormone balance.

It comes at a time when supplements are becoming more and more popular (Getty Stock Image)

However, health experts and scientists are still trying to fully understand the risk, which is a difficult job as there are so many different kinds of phthalates.

It's also important to note that of course, phthalates in medicines are regulated and health providers have set guidelines for the use of phthalates in medicines, including limits.

But, because so many supplements are sold over the counter and taken without medical supervision, it's easier to unknowingly exceed safe phthalate levels.

Cardiologist at Mount Sinai Dr Evan Levine told the Daily Mail: "Phthalates [can] increase inflammation and an important risk for heart disease."

Craig Russell, pharmacy lecturer at Aston University, told The Conversation: "Research suggests long-term exposure to these chemicals may increase the risk of conditions like insulin resistance, inflammation and cardiovascular disease – especially in children and pregnant women.

"One difficulty in assessing phthalate safety is that there isn’t just one type.

"Phthalates are a large family of chemicals, each with different properties and risks. Not all are used in softgels, and many of the highest exposures come from other everyday sources such as vinyl flooring, shower curtains, perfumes and air fresheners.

"But while phthalates in soft-gel capsules may not be the biggest contributor to our overall exposure, they’re still worth paying attention to – especially for people who take many supplements daily."

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