Contamination

Dietary supplements may contain harmful or undesirable substances such as pesticides or heavy metals. Contaminants may be present before a substance is harvested for use as a dietary supplement or may be introduced during processing and packaging. For example, coral calcium, a dietary supplement said to contain remnants of living coral reefs, may contain significant and harmful amounts of lead and other heavy metals. Consumption of excessive levels of lead can cause neurological problems, increased blood pressure, reproductive impairment, and hearing and sight problems. Scientists are also concerned that people who are allergic to shellfish may experience serious adverse events such as hives, swelling, and breathing problems, because of the presence of these allergens in coral reefs.