RIVM warns about certain food supplements: ‘life-threatening’
The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) has issued a warning about various herbs found in food supplements — and which you can simply buy at drugstores. These include the herbs ibogaine, huperzia serrata and ashwagandha.
Huperzia serrata and ashwagandha in particular are widely available at drugstores in the Netherlands — especially online.
These food supplements are strongly discouraged
Ibogaine is the name by which tabernanthe iboga is mainly known. And of the three, this may well be the most dangerous; according to RIVM, it can even be fatal. Three people are said to have died in the Netherlands, although RIVM cannot say when this happened.
Ibogaine is generally not found in many supplements, but it is used as a psychoactive substance. And when you search for it on Google, it does indeed appear to be very easy to obtain — but its use is therefore strongly discouraged.
Ashwagandha
According to RIVM, huperzia serrata is not used very widely, but it may occur in supplements used for pre-workout and/or supplements that are claimed to be good for your brain. Of the three, ashwagandha is the safest; however, its use is strongly discouraged if you take antidepressants and/or thyroid medication.
RIVM also advises against using these herbs if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. We especially recommend checking the supplements yourself very carefully to see exactly what you are taking — that is generally a good idea with everything you eat (and drink).
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Source: RIVM
