Factitious thyrotoxicosis caused by dietary supplements and herbals

Abstract

Overvaluation of the image leads to excessive consumption of dietary supplements and natural products such as multivitamins, herbs and substances used for weight loss. This consumption can lead to changes in the body, among them factitious Thyrotoxicosis. Objective: The goal is to describe what has been published in the scientific community concerning the effects of dietary supplements on the development of exogenous thyrotoxicosis, as well as the consequences for the organism. Methodology: Review of the literature non systematically based on databases Pubmed, Lilacs and Cochrane databases, where 136, 109 and 4 articles were respectively found. Among them 14 were selected according to the criteria of inclusion and exclusion. Development: Laboratory analysis concluded that many supplements contained excess of iodine or thyroid hormone. Most of the times, these substances were not included on product labels, making it difficult ANVISA and FDA inspections. The supplements that were analyzed contained extracts of gingko biloba, kelp, guggulu, xanthohumol and withamina somnifera related to increased thyroid function. The use of these products can lead to the development of factitious thyrotoxicosis that causes tachycardia, irritability, insomnia, cardiovascular disorders and hypertension. Drug interactions and nephrotoxic, hematologic and cardiac effects are also reported with the indiscriminate use of these substances. Conclusion: Literature shows that the use of supplements can cause damage in the body, such as factitious thyrotoxicosis and other systemic effects. However, further studies are needed comparing the relation of food supplementation and thyrotoxicosis as well as an efficient control.