News

Aug 19, 2023

Researchers say taking any of these 10 dietary supplements is risky

Consumer Reports has no financial relationship with any advertisers on this

Consumer Reports has no financial relationship with any advertisers on this site.

One-third of Americans say they believe supplements have been tested by the Food and Drug Administration for safety, according to a 2022 nationally representative survey by Consumer Reports of 3,070 adults in the United States. But the FDA doesn't approve or test the safety or effectiveness of any supplement before it enters the U.S. market.

After consulting with a panel of doctors and researchers, Consumer Reports says you should avoid these 10 risky supplements. In general, risk increases the larger the dosage and the longer the supplement is taken. Also beware of illegal or unapproved drug ingredients, such as tianeptine, methylsynephrine and phenibut.

Also called: creosote bush, greasewood, Larrea divaricata, Larrea tridentata, larreastat

Claimed benefits: weight loss; eases inflammation; treats colds, infections, rashes, cancers

Potential harms: kidney problems, liver damage

Also called: coughwort, Farfarae folium leaf, foalswort, Tussilago farfara

Claimed benefits: relieves cough, sore throat, laryngitis, bronchitis, asthma

Potential harms: liver damage, possible carcinogen

Also called: blackwort, bruisewort, slippery root, Symphytum officinale

Claimed benefits: relieves cough, heavy menstrual periods, stomach problems, chest pain; treats cancer

Potential harms: liver damage, cancer

Also called: Teucrium chamaedrys, Teucrium viscidum

Claimed benefits: weight loss; alleviates fever, arthritis, gout, stomach problems

Potential harms: liver damage, hepatitis

Also called: celandine, Chelidonium majus

Claimed benefits: alleviates stomach ache

Potential harms: liver damage

Also called: ava pepper, kava kava, Piper methysticum

Claimed benefits: eases anxiety, helps sleep

Potential harms: liver damage, exacerbates Parkinson's disease and depression, impairs driving

Also called: asthma weed, Lobelia inflata, vomit wort, wild tobacco

Claimed benefits: helps respiratory problems, smoking cessation

Potential harms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, rapid heartbeat, confusion, seizures, hypothermia, coma

Also called: Hedeoma pulegioides, Mentha pulegium

Claimed benefits: improves breathing problems, digestive disorders

Potential harms: liver and kidney failure, nerve damage, convulsions

Also called: beard moss, tree moss, usnea

Claimed benefits: weight loss, pain relief

Potential harms: liver injury

Also called: Johimbi, Pausinystalia yohimbe, yohimbine, Corynanthe johimbi

Claimed benefits: treats low libido and erectile dysfunction, depression, obesity

Potential harms: raises blood pressure; causes rapid heart rate, headaches, seizures, liver and kidney problems, heart problems, panic attacks

Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. CR does not endorse products or services, and does not accept advertising. Read more at ConsumerReports.org.

Well+Being shares news and advice for living well every day. Sign up for our newsletter to get tips directly in your inbox.

Across the life span, boys and men are more likely to die than girls and women.

SuperAgers have lessons for us about longevity, cognitive health as we age

Popular keto and paleo diets aren't helping your heart

Quiz: Are you an Ableist?

Exercise leads to sharper thinking and a healthier brain.