January 25, 2026
Doctors and health experts have warned against the ill-advised use of nutritional supplements, pointing out that many of them may be of no real benefit, and may even expose users to serious health risks, due to weak oversight of these products.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than half of Americans take at least one type of nutritional supplement, and that percentage increases with age, with about a quarter of people over 60 taking four or more supplements daily.
Doctors explained that nutritional supplements are not subject to prior approval by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for safety or effectiveness, unlike medications, which makes their use a “health gamble.” Medical estimates indicate that approximately 23,000 emergencies occur annually in the United States due to interactions or side effects of dietary supplements.
Specialists confirmed that the information circulating on social media about the benefits of supplements is often misleading, and warned against believing influencers’ claims about treating or preventing chronic diseases without scientific evidence.
Doctors also stressed the importance of adhering to the recommended doses, noting that excessive intake of some supplements, such as turmeric, may lead to severe liver damage, as about 20% of cases of liver injury are attributed to herbal and nutritional supplements.
Experts advise choosing supplements that contain only one ingredient, making sure they are approved by independent bodies, in addition to consulting a doctor before using them, and bringing all supplements and medications during the medical visit to avoid dangerous interactions and make a health decision based on sound foundations.
