Are dietary supplements dangerous? Assessing how society perceives the usage of dietary supplements – results of the preliminary analysis of nationwide survey data

Background: Dietary supplements (DSs) are concentrated sources of nutrients and/or other substances, whose purpose is to supplement the normal diet. Their consumption in Poland has been on the rise, leading to numerous concerns. However, current legislation does not provide any background for a relevant pharmacovigilance system. Therefore, little is known about their adverse effects (AEs) or patterns of use in Poland. To shed some light on this, we conducted a nationwide survey. Aim of the study: To assess the prevalence of, and the reasons for, the use of dietary supplements in Poland via national survey with a collection and an analyse of supposed adverse effects of dietary supplements. Material and methods: The study was conducted using an online survey based on the original questionnaire. In this report, we present the results of the analysis of the first 200 responses. Results: As many as 55.5% (111) of respondents were ‘definitely sure’ or ‘rather sure’ about DSs safety. However, 70.5% (141) believed that they could have negative effects. Over 3/4 (153) of respondents used DSs themselves, and 61.0% (122) used them within last 12 months. Of those using DSs, 11.1% (17) reported diverse AEs, with GI tract irritation and mental disturbances being the most common (experienced by 35.3% (6), and 17.6% (3) of those reporting AE s, respectively). Conclusions: Respondents had mixed feelings about DS safety. Despite that, they used these products frequently. Of a note is high incidence of adverse effects experienced by DS users. This undoubtedly points to the need for a relevant pharmacovigilance system.

Anxiety and depression levels in rheumatoid arthritis patients before and after joint replacement procedure

The progression of the inflammatory process in the course of rheumatoid arthiritis (RA) may cause a permanent destruction of joints, which in case of bigger ones (i.e. hip or knee) may be particularly a psychological burden for a patient.

AIM

The aim of the study was to verify whether implantation of hip or knee endoprosthesis affect anxiety and depressive symptoms among patients with RA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study enrolled a group of 128 rheumatoid arthritis patients, including 64 patients before and 64 patients after the joint replacement procedure. Anxiety was assessed using State- Trait Anxiety Inventory and depression - Beck Depression Inventory.

RESULTS

Patients before the endoprosthesis implantation scored statistically significantly higher on the state anxiety scale than patients after the procedure (43.17±10.69 vs 36.95±10.63, p<0.01). There was no statistically significant difference in trait anxiety scores between patients before and after alloplasty (p=0.28). Patients before the procedure scored statistically significantly higher on BDI than patients after the joint replacement (15.28±8.99 vs 11.48±8.45, p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with RA after knee or hip alloplasty had lower levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms than patient before the procedure. Endoprosthesis implantation as a treatment option for severe joint destruction in RA might also improve depressive symptoms and anxiety among patients with RA.