Warning: Hidden ingredients in supplements for weight loss and male enhancement

News briefs

e1b24f40-cf9c-44a6-815e-cb08a857dc92

Think twice before buying dietary supplements that claim to help you lose weight or rev up your sex life. The FDA is seeing an increase in sales of over-the-counter supplements that contain hidden and dangerous prescription drugs, controlled substances, or untested and unstudied components. Such ingredients may cause serious side effects and interact with medications you’re taking. The tainted supplements are widely available and sold online from sellers on eBay or Amazon or through large retail stores such as Walmart. In December 2021, for example, the FDA identified nine sexual enhancement products with dangerous ingredients sold on Walmart’s website. Remember: unlike pharmaceuticals, over-the-counter supplements are not tested by the FDA, and companies can sell anything they like until the FDA proves they’re unsafe. Also, know that many types of supplements contain dangerous ingredients—including some products claiming to promote better sleep or relieve pain. Talk to your doctor before taking any supplement, and do your homework: check out the FDA’s tainted products database (/tainted) to see if supplements in your medicine cabinet (or some you’re eyeing) are listed.

Image: © unpict/Getty Images

As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content.
Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date,
should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

Next Post

The Many Health Benefits Of Dragon Fruit

Thu Feb 17 , 2022
Dragon fruit, also known as pitaya, is a fruit that is native to Southeast Asia. There are two main varieties of dragon fruit – red and yellow/white. Dragon fruit health benefits include improved heart health and antioxidants that slow cell damage and aging. It’s also been used for its weight […]
The Many Health Benefits Of Dragon Fruit

You May Like