- There are 12 known dietary supplements that are dangerous and should be avoided.
- Because dietary supplements are not regulated by the FDA, these supplements are still sold despite their dangers.
- If you have purchased one of these 12 supplements, stop taking it immediately and make sure to properly dispose of it.
There are 12 known dietary supplements that have been identified by Consumer Reports as dangerous supplements.
Perhaps even more dangerous is that these supplements are still available in health food stores and on supermarket shelves.
The first and perhaps biggest problem is that the FDA (the United States Food and Drug Administration) does not regulate most dietary supplements.
Coupled with technology that makes it easy to manufacture, promote, sell, and ship dietary supplements using the anonymity of the Internet, the dangers only grow each day.
In fact, many common ingredients in the following 12 dietary supplements can increase your risk of cancer, and can even cause death.
Track your workouts and more when you sign up for our PRO plan. With our advanced stats in a convenient app, it’s never been easier to stay motivated and meet your fitness goals!
What Are the Dietary Supplements That Are Dangerous?
The 12 different dietary supplements that are proven to be dangerous are:
- Aconite – Aconite was originally manufactured and marketed to help with joint pain and non-healing wounds, but instead has led to illnesses ranging from upset stomach to heart problems and even death.
- Bitter Orange – A weight loss supplement, people taking Bitter Orange soon found that the supplement could lead to a heart attack or a stroke.
- Chaparral – Another weight loss supplement that was created to help people lose weight, as well as fight colds and infections, over time it was learned that this supplement was linked to both liver and kidney issues.
- Colloidal Silver – This supplement has been linked to kidney damage and brain problems.
- Coltsfoot – Supposed to be used for controlling coughs, coltsfoot has been known to damage the liver.
- Comfrey – Originally manufactured for menstrual pain, this supplement has triggered liver failure.
- Country Mallow – Used to relieve nasal congestion, country mallow has been known to cause strokes and heart attack.
- Germanium – Produced to act as a natural painkiller, germanium instead has led to permanent damage to the kidneys and even death.
- Greater Celandine – This supplement has caused damage to kidneys, even though it was said to be a supplement that treated an upset stomach.
- Kava – Developed to treat anxiety, kava instead ended up causing liver damage.
- Lobelia – Lobelia has been proven to lower blood pressure to extremely dangerous levels.
- Yohimbe – Produced and marketed as a sexual stimulant, Yohimbe instead has led to serious heart issues and caused several deaths.
Get More Out of Your Health and Fitness Routine. Go PRO!
Sign Up
What Should I Do If I Have Purchased a Dangerous Supplement?
If you have purchased any of the 12 above-named supplements, it is vital to stop taking them immediately and notify your physician.
After speaking to your physician, it is important not to flush the supplements down the toilet or down a sink. They will end up contaminating the public water supply.
Some pharmacies accept medications that are either expired or supplements that are dangerous. The best course of action would be to call a pharmacy near you and ask if you can bring your supplements in to be disposed of properly.
If this is not available to you, or you otherwise choose to dispose of them yourself, there is a proper method for disposing of dangerous supplements in your home. Be sure to wear both gloves and eye protection when disposing of dangerous supplements.
You should follow all these steps completely for proper disposal and help ensure no child or pet can get access to the supplements by accident.
- Take the supplement out of its container and place it in a small, sealable bag
- Crush the supplements and then add either cat litter or coffee grounds to the bag
- Seal the bag, and then place that bag into another sealable bag
- Once that is complete, throw the crushed supplements into the trash
If the supplement is a liquid, follow these steps:
- Do not pour it down the drain or into a toilet
- Dilute it in a warm glass of water
- Pour the diluted supplements back into the original bottle (If all the liquid does not fit in the original bottle, use an additional bottle that can close)
- Reseal the bottle and place it in a sealable plastic bag
- Throw the sealed bottle and bag in the trash
If you plan on taking dietary supplements, be sure to stick to ones that are known to be safe! And remember that a supplement regimen is just part of a healthy lifestyle. Exercise is also an important component of your overall health. If you are looking for an exercise routine, look no further. Go PRO today for access to certified personal trainers, workout plans, and more.