Using supplements? You need to keep these things in mind

It might be echinacea for a cold, fish oil for your heart, or St John's Wort for your mood. Key points: Supplements have been linked to at least six Australian organ transplants since 2011 Manufacturers don't have to prove they work before they go on the market Very little solid evidence that they work and some evidence they do more harm than good More than half of us take a supplement or other complementary medicine each year, and some experts say it could be up to 80 per cent of us. Medicines with what the TGA considers low-risk ingredients — including most complementary medicines — receive less checking than higher risk products, and are listed as "Aust-L". Products bought online can be dodgy Online supplement stores are a "minefield" of dangers, said Dr Joanna Harnett, an associate lecturer who teaches evidence-based complementary medicine through the University of Sydney's Pharmacy faculty. Known side effects and reactions of supplements: Bee products can cause anaphylaxis Black cohosh can cause liver damage Echinacea can cause allergic reactions Known interactions with other medicines: Ginkgo biloba can interact with warfarin Guarana can interact with caffeine St John's wort can interact with anti-depressants, contraceptives and other medications "Sometimes people don't feel that they need to tell their doctor, or they are a bit embarrassed to tell their doctor, but we really encourage them to.