A specific type of supplement is prompting warnings

A health alert has been raised following new research that connects a certain type of supplement to serious health risks.

As autumn and winter approach and seasonal illnesses return, it’s no surprise that increasing numbers of people are relying on these vitamin-rich pills.

The BBC reports that more than 74 percent of Americans and around two-thirds of people in the UK use dietary supplements in an effort to boost their health.

Yet, health experts have been reminding people of the importance of taking them safely and the dangers associated with overdosing.

Though they can of course be helpful, it’s so important you know your stuff before getting started.

For instance, taking too many vitamin D supplements over a long period of time can lead to too much calcium to build up in the body, also known as hypercalcaemia – this can weaken the bones and damage the kidneys and the heart.

In the mean time, one woman from American even found herself ‘one step from liver failure’ after she accidentally overdosed on turmeric pills.

The latest warning, however, is for soft-gel capsule supplements – you know, the squishier tablets.

The supplement is essentially inside a soft shell, which is usually made of a combination of gelatin, water, opacifier and a plasticiser such as glycerin or sorbitol.

Though they are easier to swallow, they have come under scrutiny from health experts and researches for one reason – the plasticiser element.

Plasticisers are made of phthalates, which are a group of chemicals used to make plastics more flexible and durable.

However phthalates have reportedly been linked to a number of health concerns, including birth defects, allergies in children and even ‘silent killer’ heart disease, reports the Independent.

The publication outlines that phthalates are known as endocrine disruptors – these are substances that can interfere with hormone systems.

And some more scientific studies, mainly in animals, have suggested they can affect reproductive development, fertility and hormone balance.

Still, health experts and scientists are still trying to fully understand the risk, which is a difficult job as there are so many different kinds of phthalates.

It’s also crucial to note that of course, phthalates in medicines are regulated and health providers have set guidelines for the use of phthalates in medicines, including limits.

But, as so many supplements are sold over the counter and taken without medical supervision, it’s easier to unknowingly exceed safe phthalate levels.

Cardiologist at Mount Sinai Dr Evan Levine told the Daily Mail: “Phthalates [can] increase inflammation and an important risk for heart disease.”

Craig Russell, pharmacy lecturer at Aston University, told The Conversation: “Research suggests long-term exposure to these chemicals may increase the risk of conditions like insulin resistance, inflammation and cardiovascular disease – especially in children and pregnant women.

“One difficulty in assessing phthalate safety is that there isn’t just one type.

“Phthalates are a large family of chemicals, each with different properties and risks. Not all are used in softgels, and many of the highest exposures come from other everyday sources such as vinyl flooring, shower curtains, perfumes and air fresheners.

“But while phthalates in soft-gel capsules may not be the biggest contributor to our overall exposure, they’re still worth paying attention to – especially for people who take many supplements daily.”