Major warning as Japanese bondage trend Shibari soars in popularity - with experts issuing urgent advice
A growing trend for Japanese rope bondage has come with a major warning - with nerve damage and injuries possible if it isn't practiced responsibly.
Shibari, which originated in Japan and is popular in the kink community, typically sees couples tie each other up with thin, colourful ropes using intricate knots.
It is also known as kinbaku - which means tight binding - and aims to restrict mobility.
The practice is thought to have originated from hojo-jutsu, a method of restraining captives and a form of torture, but it has since evolved into an erotic art form.
Goop says it 'originated as an underground form of culturally specific erotic fantasy play that centres on the erotic nostalgia of bygone eras'.
And considering the origins of Shibari, it perhaps isn't surprising that it comes with risks.
There are warnings that those who don't practise the methods responsibly could fall victim to nerve damage, rope burn or even accidental asphyxiation.
Read below as FEMAIL details some of the biggest risks of shibari - and how to avoid them.
The risks of nerve damage
One of the major risks from Shibari is nerve damage, which according to experts at the Shibari Academy, can happen most frequently during suspensions.
The most common type of nerve damage is the compression of peripheral nerve particularly the radial, axillary, and femoral nerves.
This can occur 'due to prolonged compression, excessive force, and/or repetitive strain on nerve', most commonly during suspension by ropes.
Nerve damage can cause impairments in both motor and sensory function, and it often presents 'acutely and immediately following full-body suspensions'.
Symptoms include tingling in one part of a limb, shooting pains, numbness and weakness or difficulty moving in the affected area.
Shibari Academy stresses that 'constant and honest communication' are key when delving into the world of Shibari, in order to avoid any injuries.
Experts also recommend having 'safety shears close at hand in case you need to cut the ropes' in an emergency.
They add: 'Don't perform ties you are not ready for. Shibari is not a race and there is nobody you need to impress.
'Start with simple ties and slowly work your way towards more complex ties. Take the time to understand how the ropes work and how the body responds to them.'
Rope burn is a possibility
Another risk of Shibari is rope burn - which could be difficult to avoid for amateurs. It occurs when there is excessive friction between the rope and the skin.
This could lead to irritation and burns, which typically appear as reddened, swollen and blistering marks on the skin that reflect the texture of the rope used. They can vary in severity, but often cause pain and sensitivity.
In order to avoid this, the Shibari Academy suggested a number of preventative measures for the person tying the ropes to take.
Experts said that taking your time to tie and untie the material can 'minimise friction and help prevent burns'.
They added: 'When drawing a lengthy section of rope across your partner's skin, use your fingers as a shield to reduce direct contact and protect against burns.'
The Shibari Academy also urged those partaking in Shibari to choose a high-quality rope.
'Opt for high-quality rope materials specifically designed for Shibari. Avoid untreated or climbing ropes, as they can increase the risk of skin irritation,' they said.
Circulation loss in bondage
There is also a risk of loss of circulation if a rope is tied too tightly.
This is typically caused when knots are too tight and restrict the blood flow to certain parts of the body - usually limbs, fingers or toes.
The Shibari Academy said to watch out for numbness and tingling sensations, as well as coldness in the affected area and any pain or discomfort.
Experts said that if the skin becomes pale, make sure to adjust the tie to increase blood flow to the affected limb.
They added: 'It's important to note that [circulation loss] can conceal nerve injuries. As a precautionary measure, ensure that the person being tied does not stay in the same position with the same tie for more than 30 minutes.'
Injuries and asphyxiation
There have also been warnings around falls and injuries when practicing Shibari.
Experts warn that full-body suspension could increase the risk of falls, which could in turn heighten the risk of serious head injuries.
It is recommended that amateurs in Shibari avoid suspensions completely.
There are also risks of accidental asphyxiation, particularly during inverted or suspended positions. Again, this is why full-body suspension should be left to experts.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Daily Mail
Major warning as Japanese bondage trend Shibari soars in popularity - with experts issuing urgent advice
A growing trend for Japanese rope bondage has come with a major warning - with nerve damage and injuries possible if it isn't practiced responsibly. Shibari, which originated in Japan and is popular in the kink community, typically sees couples tie each other up with thin, colourful ropes using intricate knots. It is also known as kinbaku - which means tight binding - and aims to restrict mobility. The practice is thought to have originated from hojo-jutsu, a method of restraining captives and a form of torture, but it has since evolved into an erotic art form. Goop says it 'originated as an underground form of culturally specific erotic fantasy play that centres on the erotic nostalgia of bygone eras'. And considering the origins of Shibari, it perhaps isn't surprising that it comes with risks. There are warnings that those who don't practise the methods responsibly could fall victim to nerve damage, rope burn or even accidental asphyxiation. Read below as FEMAIL details some of the biggest risks of shibari - and how to avoid them. The risks of nerve damage One of the major risks from Shibari is nerve damage, which according to experts at the Shibari Academy, can happen most frequently during suspensions. The most common type of nerve damage is the compression of peripheral nerve particularly the radial, axillary, and femoral nerves. This can occur 'due to prolonged compression, excessive force, and/or repetitive strain on nerve', most commonly during suspension by ropes. Nerve damage can cause impairments in both motor and sensory function, and it often presents 'acutely and immediately following full-body suspensions'. Symptoms include tingling in one part of a limb, shooting pains, numbness and weakness or difficulty moving in the affected area. Shibari Academy stresses that 'constant and honest communication' are key when delving into the world of Shibari, in order to avoid any injuries. Experts also recommend having 'safety shears close at hand in case you need to cut the ropes' in an emergency. They add: 'Don't perform ties you are not ready for. Shibari is not a race and there is nobody you need to impress. 'Start with simple ties and slowly work your way towards more complex ties. Take the time to understand how the ropes work and how the body responds to them.' Rope burn is a possibility Another risk of Shibari is rope burn - which could be difficult to avoid for amateurs. It occurs when there is excessive friction between the rope and the skin. This could lead to irritation and burns, which typically appear as reddened, swollen and blistering marks on the skin that reflect the texture of the rope used. They can vary in severity, but often cause pain and sensitivity. In order to avoid this, the Shibari Academy suggested a number of preventative measures for the person tying the ropes to take. Experts said that taking your time to tie and untie the material can 'minimise friction and help prevent burns'. They added: 'When drawing a lengthy section of rope across your partner's skin, use your fingers as a shield to reduce direct contact and protect against burns.' The Shibari Academy also urged those partaking in Shibari to choose a high-quality rope. 'Opt for high-quality rope materials specifically designed for Shibari. Avoid untreated or climbing ropes, as they can increase the risk of skin irritation,' they said. Circulation loss in bondage There is also a risk of loss of circulation if a rope is tied too tightly. This is typically caused when knots are too tight and restrict the blood flow to certain parts of the body - usually limbs, fingers or toes. The Shibari Academy said to watch out for numbness and tingling sensations, as well as coldness in the affected area and any pain or discomfort. Experts said that if the skin becomes pale, make sure to adjust the tie to increase blood flow to the affected limb. They added: 'It's important to note that [circulation loss] can conceal nerve injuries. As a precautionary measure, ensure that the person being tied does not stay in the same position with the same tie for more than 30 minutes.' Injuries and asphyxiation There have also been warnings around falls and injuries when practicing Shibari. Experts warn that full-body suspension could increase the risk of falls, which could in turn heighten the risk of serious head injuries. It is recommended that amateurs in Shibari avoid suspensions completely. There are also risks of accidental asphyxiation, particularly during inverted or suspended positions. Again, this is why full-body suspension should be left to experts.
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Scottish Sun
Do vitamin gummies actually work and should you give them to your kids? We grilled experts and tested them to find out
Two thirds of us take some kind of daily supplement, many of them the chewy kind - and celebs like Kourtney Kardashian have their own brands - but do vitamin gummies really do anything to boost our health? CHEW IT OVER Do vitamin gummies actually work and should you give them to your kids? We grilled experts and tested them to find out THEY'RE sweet, brightly-coloured and come in every shape going - from teddy bears to stars and berries. But do vitamin gummies really do anything? Or are they just another gimmicky wellness product? Advertisement 10 Two thirds of people in the UK take some kind of daily supplement - but are they a waste of time? Credit: Getty 10 Celebrities like Kourtney Kardashian have released their own lines of vitamin gummies Credit: Lemme 10 Wellness queen Gwyneth Paltrow also sells supplements through Goop Credit: Getty Vitamin supplements have been around for decades, and the chewable kinds have been on pharmacy and supermarket shelves since the 1990s. They promise to give us more energy, better sleep, thicker hair, healthier skin, stronger nails, improved digestion and boosted immunity. Thanks to TikTok trends and influencer shoutouts, these daily chews have become must-have accessories. And brands are seriously cashing in - the UK vitamins and supplements market is said to be worth £520million. Advertisement READ MORE ON HEALTH HEART OF IT Lacking key vitamin in childhood may raise risk of heart disease in later life Celebs are also jumping on the gummy train, with many coming out with their own lines. Kourtney Kardashian, for example, created lemme gummies, which are advertised as doing everything from reducing stress to promoting vaginal freshness. And obviously you can't talk about supplements without naming wellness queen Gwyneth Paltrow, who has her own gummies through Goop. With such big-name backing, it's easy to forget boring old pills and assume gummies are the glam way to stay healthy - but is this backed by science? Advertisement Do we really need to take vitamin supplements? TWO thirds of people in the UK take some kind of vitamin, mineral or supplement every day, according to Mintel. 'But a lot of people take these, especially multivitamins, when they don't actually need to,' Bahee Van de Bor, registered paediatric dietitian, tells Sun Health. To supplement or not- The top 10 vitamins and minerals that are vital for health - and the best sources for each one 'The only exception is vitamin D, which is recommended for most people in the UK. 'If you're concerned there might be gaps in you or your child's diet, it's always worth looking at how your food choices could be improved first, ideally with the support of a registered dietitian.' Advertisement Dr Rachel Ward, NHS GP (@drrachelwardGP), adds: 'The best way to get the vitamins we need is through a healthy, balanced diet and this would always be the way I would advise people to stay well. 'However, if you feel this is not possible - if you're excluding certain foods, for example - then supplements can be helpful. 'An exception is vitamin D. We get very little of it in our diets and we produce most of it in our skin when it is exposed to sunlight. 'We know that, especially in winter, many people in the UK become deficient in vitamin D and the NHS recommends that everyone takes supplements during autumn and winter and those at risk take them all year round.' Advertisement 10 Kourtney's products claim to reduce stress and promote to vaginal freshness Credit: Instagram/@kourtneykardash 10 Experts say pills are better than gummies as they don't contain sugar or sweeteners Credit: Getty Do vitamin gummies work? 'AS long as the gummies provide the correct dose and the manufacturer routinely tests their levels, they can be just as effective as a vitamin or mineral supplement in powder, spray or liquid form,' Bahee says. 'Gummies are often developed for children with sensory feeding difficulties or picky eaters, who may be more likely to accept them over other formats. Advertisement 'If a supplement is genuinely needed, tablets or capsules are often preferable as they tend to contain fewer flavourings and other extras. 'Gummies, by design, usually require more ingredients like sugars, flavourings, gelling agents, and sometimes emulsifiers to achieve their chewy texture and appealing taste. 'I don't take gummies myself — I prefer a tablet or spray that I can swallow. 'These formats often contain fewer added ingredients, though checking the label for specifics is always important.' Advertisement How to choose a healthy supplement ONE of the biggest questions you might have is about sugar and artificial sweeteners. These gummies must contain more sugar than a pill, but is it something to be worried about? According to Bahee, context is everything. It's not just about what's in the gummy, but how often you're taking it and what your overall diet looks like. 'That said, if a gummy is the only form you or your child will consistently take, the good news is that the amount of additives, like emulsifiers, is generally very small,' she says. Advertisement 'There have been some studies in animals suggesting that high, repeated intake of certain emulsifiers, such as polysorbate 80 and carboxymethylcellulose, may alter gut bacteria or trigger inflammation in the gut. 'But these were at much higher doses than you'd find in a typical supplement, and we don't yet have strong evidence that this is a concern for humans at normal intake levels.' I did notice some health benefits. I slept like a baby and definitely had more energy! Lily Ruaah Dr Ward adds: 'Vitamin gummies are very varied in the supplements they contain and the added sugar and colourings and so on. 'Therefore buy them from a reputable pharmacy, who can advise which is best for your needs. Advertisement 'Always opt for the low sugar version, especially for children.' The top 10 vitamins and minerals Vitamin A - for vision and immune health in children and adults over 50+. B vitamins - for red blood cell formation, neurological function, and DNA synthesis. Vitamin C - for the immune system, collagen production, and antioxidant function. Vitamin D - for bone health, immune function, and calcium absorption. Vitamin E - to protect cells from damage and support immune function. Calcium - for bone health and muscle contraction. Zinc - for immune function, supports wound healing and DNA synthesis. Iron - for red blood cells and oxygen transport in the body. Magnesium - for muscle function, bone health, and energy production. Potassium - to regulate fluid balance, nerve signals, and muscle contractions. My test I'VE always been a die hard vitamin pill taker. Even when I was a kid, my parents would give me the edible teddy bear vitamins which, let's be honest, tasted like chalk. So I was keen to try something a bit tastier — enter gummies. Advertisement Vitamin gummies are all over my 'for you' page, as I'm sure they are for everyone on #WellnessTok, and I've been dying to try them. When I was thinking about what vitamin gummies to choose from, there were a number of key factors. I wanted something that would: Taste great Benefit my needs as a woman And not break the bank! Because of course, we'd all love to try the Kardashian gummies, but at $30 per bottle it's not the right option for everyone! After a little web browsing, I chose the Nutriburst Women's Multivitamin - a seemingly good all-rounder. Advertisement They're vegan, sugar free, gluten free, halal certified, kosher permitted, and have no artificial flavours or colours - so basically tick all the boxes! These gummies promise to boost energy, fight fatigue, support a woman's hormonal balance, strengthen bones and boost immunity. A lot of promises for a tiny little chew! Once I got my hands on a bottle (for £12.99 on Amazon), I could see exactly what's inside. 10 Sun writer Lily Ruaah tried taking a gummy multivitamin every day Credit: Lily Ruaah Advertisement 10 She chose one that was sugar-free, with no artificial flavours or colours Credit: Lily Ruaah 10 Lily had more energy and slept better as a result Credit: Lily Ruaah Stand out qualities for me? Alongside the usual vitamins and minerals, the gummies contain biotin and vitamin B12, both of which I usually have to take separately, even when using a multivitamin pill so that was a major win for me. However, I did notice they didn't contain any vitamin D - as experts suggest - so it meant I still had to buy vitamin D tablets, which was a shame. Advertisement Other than the absolutely aesthetic bottle, my first thoughts were: these taste great! I've had candy gummies in the past (not vitamin ones) and these taste even better than those. Move over Haribo, I'll have a Nutriburst gummy. The texture is good and they're not too sweet. You need to have two per day, and I'd happily have more. 10 Advertisement My verdict PERHAPS surprisingly, I did notice some health benefits. The best for me was sleeping better. I slept like a baby and definitely had more energy! I definitely fell asleep faster, which is something I usually struggle with. I also had more energy to exercise during the day. It was easier to get myself up and about - for swimming in particular - which can sometimes feel like a chore. Advertisement But I can't promise that wouldn't have happened with a vitamin pill, which feels like it can be better value for money — and like I'm having unnecessary sweets all day (sorry, teeth). Either way though, I think I'm going to stick with taking some kind of vitamin, especially vitamin D! 10 Advertisement
The Sun
a day ago
- The Sun
Do vitamin gummies actually work and should you give them to your kids? We grilled experts and tested them to find out
THEY'RE sweet, brightly-coloured and come in every shape going - from teddy bears to stars and berries. But do vitamin gummies really do anything? Or are they just another gimmicky wellness product? 10 Vitamin supplements have been around for decades, and the chewable kinds have been on pharmacy and supermarket shelves since the 1990s. They promise to give us more energy, better sleep, thicker hair, healthier skin, stronger nails, improved digestion and boosted immunity. Thanks to TikTok trends and influencer shoutouts, these daily chews have become must-have accessories. And brands are seriously cashing in - the UK vitamins and supplements market is said to be worth £520million. Celebs are also jumping on the gummy train, with many coming out with their own lines. Kourtney Kardashian, for example, created lemme gummies, which are advertised as doing everything from reducing stress to promoting vaginal freshness. And obviously you can't talk about supplements without naming wellness queen Gwyneth Paltrow, who has her own gummies through Goop. With such big-name backing, it's easy to forget boring old pills and assume gummies are the glam way to stay healthy - but is this backed by science? Do we really need to take vitamin supplements? TWO thirds of people in the UK take some kind of vitamin, mineral or supplement every day, according to Mintel. 'But a lot of people take these, especially multivitamins, when they don't actually need to,' Bahee Van de Bor, registered paediatric dietitian, tells Sun Health. 'The only exception is vitamin D, which is recommended for most people in the UK. 'If you're concerned there might be gaps in you or your child's diet, it's always worth looking at how your food choices could be improved first, ideally with the support of a registered dietitian.' Dr Rachel Ward, NHS GP (@drrachelwardGP), adds: 'The best way to get the vitamins we need is through a healthy, balanced diet and this would always be the way I would advise people to stay well. 'However, if you feel this is not possible - if you're excluding certain foods, for example - then supplements can be helpful. 'An exception is vitamin D. We get very little of it in our diets and we produce most of it in our skin when it is exposed to sunlight. 'We know that, especially in winter, many people in the UK become deficient in vitamin D and the NHS recommends that everyone takes supplements during autumn and winter and those at risk take them all year round.' 10 Do vitamin gummies work? 'AS long as the gummies provide the correct dose and the manufacturer routinely tests their levels, they can be just as effective as a vitamin or mineral supplement in powder, spray or liquid form,' Bahee says. 'Gummies are often developed for children with sensory feeding difficulties or picky eaters, who may be more likely to accept them over other formats. 'If a supplement is genuinely needed, tablets or capsules are often preferable as they tend to contain fewer flavourings and other extras. 'Gummies, by design, usually require more ingredients like sugars, flavourings, gelling agents, and sometimes emulsifiers to achieve their chewy texture and appealing taste. 'I don't take gummies myself — I prefer a tablet or spray that I can swallow. 'These formats often contain fewer added ingredients, though checking the label for specifics is always important.' How to choose a healthy supplement ONE of the biggest questions you might have is about sugar and artificial sweeteners. These gummies must contain more sugar than a pill, but is it something to be worried about? According to Bahee, context is everything. It's not just about what's in the gummy, but how often you're taking it and what your overall diet looks like. 'That said, if a gummy is the only form you or your child will consistently take, the good news is that the amount of additives, like emulsifiers, is generally very small,' she says. 'There have been some studies in animals suggesting that high, repeated intake of certain emulsifiers, such as polysorbate 80 and carboxymethylcellulose, may alter gut bacteria or trigger inflammation in the gut. 'But these were at much higher doses than you'd find in a typical supplement, and we don't yet have strong evidence that this is a concern for humans at normal intake levels.' Dr Ward adds: 'Vitamin gummies are very varied in the supplements they contain and the added sugar and colourings and so on. 'Therefore buy them from a reputable pharmacy, who can advise which is best for your needs. 'Always opt for the low sugar version, especially for children.' The top 10 vitamins and minerals Vitamin A - for vision and immune health in children and adults over 50+. B vitamins - for red blood cell formation, neurological function, and DNA synthesis. Vitamin C - for the immune system, collagen production, and antioxidant function. Vitamin D - for bone health, immune function, and calcium absorption. Vitamin E - to protect cells from damage and support immune function. Calcium - for bone health and muscle contraction. Zinc - for immune function, supports wound healing and DNA synthesis. Iron - for red blood cells and oxygen transport in the body. Magnesium - for muscle function, bone health, and energy production. Potassium - to regulate fluid balance, nerve signals, and muscle contractions. My test I'VE always been a die hard vitamin pill taker. Even when I was a kid, my parents would give me the edible teddy bear vitamins which, let's be honest, tasted like chalk. So I was keen to try something a bit tastier — enter gummies. Vitamin gummies are all over my 'for you' page, as I'm sure they are for everyone on #WellnessTok, and I've been dying to try them. When I was thinking about what vitamin gummies to choose from, there were a number of key factors. I wanted something that would: Taste great Benefit my needs as a woman And not break the bank! Because of course, we'd all love to try the Kardashian gummies, but at $30 per bottle it's not the right option for everyone! After a little web browsing, I chose the Nutriburst Women's Multivitamin - a seemingly good all-rounder. They're vegan, sugar free, gluten free, halal certified, kosher permitted, and have no artificial flavours or colours - so basically tick all the boxes! These gummies promise to boost energy, fight fatigue, support a woman's hormonal balance, strengthen bones and boost immunity. A lot of promises for a tiny little chew! Once I got my hands on a bottle (for £12.99 on Amazon), I could see exactly what's inside. 10 Stand out qualities for me? Alongside the usual vitamins and minerals, the gummies contain biotin and vitamin B12, both of which I usually have to take separately, even when using a multivitamin pill so that was a major win for me. However, I did notice they didn't contain any vitamin D - as experts suggest - so it meant I still had to buy vitamin D tablets, which was a shame. Other than the absolutely aesthetic bottle, my first thoughts were: these taste great! I've had candy gummies in the past (not vitamin ones) and these taste even better than those. Move over Haribo, I'll have a Nutriburst gummy. The texture is good and they're not too sweet. You need to have two per day, and I'd happily have more. My verdict PERHAPS surprisingly, I did notice some health benefits. The best for me was sleeping better. I slept like a baby and definitely had more energy! I definitely fell asleep faster, which is something I usually struggle with. I also had more energy to exercise during the day. It was easier to get myself up and about - for swimming in particular - which can sometimes feel like a chore. But I can't promise that wouldn't have happened with a vitamin pill, which feels like it can be better value for money — and like I'm having unnecessary sweets all day (sorry, teeth). Either way though, I think I'm going to stick with taking some kind of vitamin, especially vitamin D! 10 The nasty ingredients hiding in supplements Supplements can help us reach vitamin and mineral recommendations. But Dr Carol Granger, a registered nutrition practitioner with a degree in biochemistry and a masters in microbiology, warns of many additions to supplements, medications and foods that could cause side effects, and suggests doing your research before buying commercial pills. She tells Sun Health: 'Ingredients like talc, E numbers, and gelatin are all used as bulking agents or as colourings and they can have serious long-term health impacts like heartburn, dizziness, fainting and severe allergic reactions." Here are the worst culprits: Magnesium stearate Unlike the name suggests, this ingredient contains no magnesium (which may help with sleep, anxiety and bone health). Dr Granger says: 'This is used as a lubricant - it prevents ingredients sticking together and means the machines that make the tablets don't block.' But she warns that 'high amounts can cause a laxative effect and it can cause inflammation too, especially in those who are sensitive to allergies'. It's unlikely the small amount found in supplements is enough to do harm, but it may be worth reconsidering if you have been taking it for a long time. Ascorbyl Palmitate Ascorbyl palmitate is a form of vitamin C made by combining ascorbic and palmitic acids. It's considered safe in the amounts that are used when added to skincare. Dr Granger says: 'This is used as an antioxidant food additive and preservative meaning things with it in can have a longer use by date.' But she claims 'excess amounts can cause nausea, diarrhoea, and vomiting'. Aspartame You'll may be familiar with aspartame, which is a sugar-alternative often used in things like soft drinks, sweetened diet products or other 'low/no sugar' foods. Dr Granger says: 'This is a sweetener a lot of people have heard of. 'It's a flavour enhancer but because it's an artificial sweetener, it has been linked to weight gain.' Studies have found both that sweeteners like aspartame help people lose weight, but also gain weight by potentially increasing appetite. Several studies have linked high intakes to more serious health problems such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and dementia but there has been much debate about the results. But Dr Granger claims: 'It can affect metabolism so if you see it on any ingredient list, my advice would be to give it a wide berth.' Carrageenans Carrageenan is an ingredient that has long had concern surrounding it. Products with it may be labelled as 'natural' because it is derived from seaweed, therefore it is also found in some plant-based/vegan foods. But Dr Granger says: 'The processing used to make some types of carrageenan makes it into something you definitely don't want to consume. 'They're widely used as gelling agent and thickener. They can be used to prevent powder clumping so may be in powder supplements you add to smoothies. 'But some cause inflammation, are really bad for digestive health and have been linked to ulcers too. 'Some can also destabilise blood sugar and cause problems with blood sugar balance.' Calcium Phosphate Calcium phosphate is a mineral (calcium and phosphate) which are essential for bone, muscle, blood and nerve health. Some may benefit from additional calcium, such as menopausal women with weakening bones. But calcium phosphate is also used as an additive to products, from supplements to toothpaste and fertilizers. Dr Granger says: 'This is used to bulk out and buffer ingredients like vitamin C. 'Side effects can include kidney problems, loss of appetite and weakness.'
