The 12 Most Dangerous 'Natural' Supplements

I thought that I would post this list because a lot of people would not be aware of what is dangerous to take and what is not. Not all ‘natural’ supplements are good for you to take. Consumer Reports, a non-profit consumer-advocacy group, identified the following 12 dietary supplements and considered them too dangerous to be on the market. This recommendation is given by adverse-event reports, experts, and government warnings. All of these supplements are available in health stores and online.

Always research and tell your doctor what you plan to take before you do. Knowledge is power! Never just assume a dietary supplement is good for you just because you think it is ‘natural.’ Certain supplements can also have adverse reactions with the prescribed medications you take too. Read labels, do the research, discuss with your doctor or a professional health care practitioner before you take any vitamin or herbal supplements. You can even overdose on certain vitamins!

Here is the list of the 12 supplements to avoid and why they are dangerous:

The (bold) links in each of the supplements listed will tell you what the supplement is used for and why its dangerous. Sometimes products are listed that include these supplements.

1. Aristolochic Acid – This is a potent human carcinogen. Kidney failure that sometimes require transplant could happen. Deaths have been reported.

2. Comfrey – Comfrey contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) which are toxic to the liver and can cause liver damage, cancer and death.

3. Androstenedione – Increased cancer risk, a decrease in HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol – you want this number high) and very bad long term effects.

4. Chaparral – Considered a dangerous herb that can cause irreversible, life-threatening liver damage and kidney damage, which is often irreversible. Deaths have been reported.

5. Germander – You can have abnormal liver function or damage with this supplement, which is often irreversible. Deaths have been reported.

6. Kava - Abnormal liver function or damage, which is occasionally irreversible. Can also cause skin rashes. Herbs contain components that can trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements or medications. For these reasons, herbs should be taken with care, under the supervision of a health care practitioner qualified in the field of botanical medicine. This is particularly true for kava because there is evidence that it may cause liver damage. Deaths have been reported.

7. Bitter Orange – High blood pressure, increased risk of heart arrhythmias, heart attack and stroke have been reported with this supplement.

8. Organ / Glandular Extracts – Assumed risk of http://kidshealth.org/teen/infections/bacterial_viral/mad_cow_disease.html”>mad cow disease, mostly from brain extracts.

9. Lobelia – This can cause breathing difficulty, rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, diarrhea, dizziness and tremors. Possible deaths reported.

10. Pennyroyal Oil – Liver and kidney failure, nerve damage, convulsions, abdominal tenderness, burning of the throat. Deaths have been reported.

11. Scullcap – You may get anormal liver function or damage with this supplement.

12. Yohimbe – Change in blood pressure, heart arrhythmias, respiratory depression and heart attack. Deaths have been reported.

Here’s another informative website called, Your Family’s Health about whether certain herbs are safe and their side effects.