Many people take dietary supplements to improve their overall health and wellness. While these supplements are generally safe, they can sometimes have an impact on the results of medical examinations.

This article explores the possible effects that dietary supplements can have on medical exams, and provides insights into how to approach medical exams if you take supplements.

Vitamins and Minerals

Many dietary supplements contain vitamins and minerals that can be beneficial for overall health. However, taking high doses of certain vitamins and minerals can impact medical exams.

For example, taking high amounts of vitamin C can cause false negative results in stool tests for occult blood. Similarly, taking vitamin E supplements can cause false positive results in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests.

Herbal Supplements

Herbal supplements have become increasingly popular in recent years, with people using them to treat a wide range of health issues. However, many herbal supplements can have side effects that can impact medical exams.

For example, some herbs can affect liver function, which can impact liver function tests. Similarly, ginkgo biloba can thin blood and interfere with coagulation tests.

Over-the-Counter Medications

Many people take over-the-counter medications for pain relief, allergies, and other health issues. While these medications can be helpful, they can also impact medical exams.

For example, taking aspirin or other blood-thinning medications can cause false positive results in fecal occult blood tests, as well as in clotting tests taken before surgeries or invasive procedures.

Athletic Supplements

Athletes often take supplements to improve their performance, but these supplements can also impact medical exams.

For example, taking high doses of creatine can cause false high results in serum creatinine tests, which are used to measure kidney function. Similarly, some pre-workout supplements can cause false positive results in drug tests.

How to Approach Medical Exams if You Take Supplements

If you take dietary supplements, it is important to inform your doctor before any medical exams. They can advise you on which supplements to stop taking and for how long before the exam.

This will help to ensure that your medical exam results are accurate and reliable. In addition, it is important to follow the instructions for any dietary supplements you take, and not to exceed the recommended dosage without speaking to your doctor.

Conclusion

Dietary supplements can have a variety of impacts on medical exams, so it is important to be aware of these possible effects and to inform your doctor before any exams.

By being proactive about your supplement use, you can ensure that you are getting accurate and reliable medical exam results.