Health

Functional Beverages: Do You Know What You Are Drinking?

By CBSNews.com staff CBSNews.com staff

January 31, 2002 / 8:42 AM EST / CBS

Functional beverages, also knows as "neutraceuticals," have been fortified with dietary supplements and herbal medicines. They are big sellers--nearly $5 billion last year, in part because their makers promise health benefits beyond their nutritional value. But are they safe? Our health contributor Dr. Bernadine Healy, president of the American Red Cross, explains.

One drink with ginkgo biloba promises to "enlighten your senses." Can the manufacturer legitimately make this kind of claim?

Yes, they can, even if it isn't wholly proven. What the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says the manufacturers can't do is claim that an herb can treat a disease. However, if a company is going to make this kind of claim, they have an obligation to provide information, whether it be on the label or a Web site, that lists the risks of taking an herbal supplement.

So should people think twice before drinking these products?

Definitely. Many herbs are not regulated by the FDA; therefore, there are no standards, making it harder to assure purity and safety. Also, many labels don't say how much of an herb is in the drink. It is important to note that there has been very little testing of herbal supplements here in the United States. Most of the herb studies that have come out in the last decade have come from Europe, where they are more accepted.

What makes these products different than vitamin-enriched bread or calcium-fortified orange juice?

For years, food manufacturers have been adding vitamins and minerals to their products. The difference is they did so by drawing on decades of scientific research. What we are seeing now is substances that we know very little about being added to these drinks.

Let's go through some of the most popular herbs found in these drinks and talk about their potential benefits and side effects.

SOY

For years, soy has been credited with helping fight everything from heart disease to osteoporosis. Many women who have a history of breast cancer in their family and are warned against taking estrogen take soy instead to ease the symptoms of menopause. However, too much soy can lead to problems. A recent study suggests that soy may dampen the function of the thyroid. Women who consume large doses also complain of fatigue and aches.

GINKGO BILOBA

It may increase circulation and is used to enhance memory and alleviate the effects of dementia. But it also acts as a blood-thinner and can exacerbate bleeding in people taking other anticoagulants, including aspirin.

RED YEAST RICE

Red yeast rice has been shown to inhibit the production of cholesterol. It works very much like the popular cholesterol-lowering drug Mevacor (lovastatin). Possible side effects include heartburn, gas, and dizziness.

GINSENG

Ginseng may enhance stamina and endurance. Many people take it before exercise. It is consdered pretty harmless but may adversely affect blood sugar levels.

ST. JOHN'S WORT

It may relieve mild to moderate depression. However, it has been shown to reduce the efficacy of many conventional drugs.

ECHINACEA

Many people take it if they feel like they have a cold coming on, because they believe it may enhance the immune system. But it is related to ragweed so some users may have an allergic reaction.

KAVA

It may relieve anxiety, but when taken with alcohol or sedatives it may cause adverse reactions including sleepiness or even coma.

GLUCOSAMINE

It is very popular among people with arthritis. A recent study from Britain suggests glucosamine slows down cartilage erosion. Still, some scientists are worried it may elevate blood sugar levels in diabetics.