ABSTRACT
166This review covers examples of published safety data on nutraceuticals, general adverse effects, drug interactions, and problems with formulated products, and gives a more detailed investigation of certain important nutraceuticals; carnitine, acetyl-L-carnitine, isoflavones, proanthocyanidins, melatonin, β-carotene, and glucosamine, and examines studies regarding the adverse effects and toxicity of these products. Although the major nutraceuticals included in this article are components of food or are present in normal human metabolism, a large number of adverse effects and toxicities have been reported, and there is evidence of problems with certain formulated products. Increasing use of these compounds by consumers at higher doses and chronic administration may reveal further adverse effects.
