Are fitness supplements bad for heart health? Here's the truth behind tall claims

Health risks of fitness supplements: Pre-workout supplements often pack 300 mg or more of caffeine. That’s like drinking three cups of coffee at once, enough to push up your heart rate and blood pressure (Image: Pexels)

Are you a fitness enthusiast who uses supplements during workouts? If halfway through your workout, you drink a pre-workout mix as routine, thinking it is healthy, you need to think again. Because some ingredients in these supplements can strain your heart without you noticing. Labels make big claims, but the truth about supplements and heart health needs a closer look.

Tubs of protein and fat burners promise results, but they don’t always deliver safely. A research review in the Annals of Internal Medicine warns that vitamins and supplements can be unsafe. A Johns Hopkins doctor Edgar R. Miller III says that too much calcium and vitamin D might raise heart risks, with little proof they protect it. “Labels aren’t always reliable. Some pills don’t have the herbs they claim, or contain fillers and harmful stuff. Supplements aren’t FDA-regulated,” Miller warned in his report. He added, “Companies don’t have to prove health benefits, only make vague claims like ‘good for heart health.’”

According to research, many supplements pack high doses of caffeine, way more than your morning coffee. These supplements can make your heart race or cause palpitations. Some fat burners sneak in stimulants like bitter orange or yohimbine, which can be risky too. Taking too much vitamin D or calcium might cause artery problems, specially if your heart is already fragile. Additionally, supplements can mess your medications making heart issues worse without you, realising it.

Also read | How healthy are health supplements: Your guide to complete fitness the safe way

Here’s what you need to know about fitness supplements and your heart:

Too much caffeine: Pre-workout supplements often pack 300 mg or more of caffeine. That’s like drinking three cups of coffee at once, enough to push up your heart rate and blood pressure.

Hidden stimulants: Fat burners might contain bitter orange or yohimbine. These can dangerously raise blood pressure and heart rate.

Vitamins aren’t always safe: Overdoing calcium or vitamin D can cause deposits in your arteries, which leads to heart problems down the line.

Supplements aren’t well regulated: There aren’t strict rules, so some products might have unwanted or harmful ingredients hidden inside.

Also read | Diet tips: Skip protein supplements, add whole foods to your plate to stay fit and healthy

Mixing medicine and supplements: Some supplements don’t get along with heart medications. This can cause serious issues without obvious symptoms.

Supplements may be helpful, but they do come with a risk. It is important to check with your doctor before trying anything new, especially if you have heart concerns, often the best way to support your heart is through good sleep, healthy eating and regular exercise and not pills or powder.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.