Four Supplements You Should Never Take, According to Experts
The booming supplement industry has led many to meticulously track their intake, often comparing regimens with others. But experts warn that blindly following trends can be harmful, as not all supplements are safe – or suitable – for everyone. Here are four supplements to avoid, based on recent research and warnings from health authorities.
Everyone maintains a checklist in life, mentally or physically. For some it’s the day-to-day tasks, taking medications, talking to family, and staying hydrated. Increasingly, that checklist includes supplements, but a growing trend of comparison can lead to unintended health consequences. Every person’s health is unique, and the wrong supplements can be detrimental.
Kava: A Banned Substance in Many Countries
KavaKava, derived from a plant native to Oceania, is often marketed for its stress and anxiety-reducing properties. Available in capsules, tablets, powders, teas, and liquid extracts, its use is surprisingly restricted globally. Numerous countries, including Germany, Switzerland, France, Canada, and Great Britain, have banned kava due to safety concerns.
A 2012 study published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology identified the presence of potentially toxic aflatoxins in kava, linking it to liver damage. In 2018, approximately 100 cases of kava-related liver damage were reported. Furthermore, kava slows down the nervous system, increasing the risk of impairment when combined with alcohol or anxiety medications. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) deems the beverage form of kava “not safe for human consumption.”
Kratom: A Rising Concern with Deadly Risks
A 2025 nationally representative survey published in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs revealed that 9% of American adults have used Kratom. This supplement, made from the leaves of a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, exhibits stimulant effects at low doses and sedative effects at higher doses. Users often turn to Kratom to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, pain, and depression.
Despite an FDA warning against its use, Kratom remains widely available due to its popularity. The agency asserts that it is not appropriate for use as a dietary supplement and can cause liver toxicity, seizures, substance use disorder (SUD), and, in some instances, death. Experts strongly advise against using Kratom and urge parents to keep it away from children.
St. John’s Wort: An Ineffective Antidepressant with Dangerous Interactions
If you’re taking St. John’s Wort hoping for relief from depression, you may be disappointed. Despite being marketed as an antidepressant, research indicates it offers no significant improvement over a placebo. A 2001 clinical trial reported in JAMA found the herb to be ineffective.
Beyond its lack of efficacy, St. John’s Wort interacts with numerous medications, potentially rendering them useless. “Making them ineffective,” shared a pharmacist from UC Irvine with Consumer Reports. This includes birth control pills, certain immunosuppressant drugs, and heart medications like warfarin.
Green Tea Extract: A Concentrated Dose of Toxicity
While green tea itself is widely celebrated for its health benefits, green tea extract poses a different risk. As David Seres, MD, of Columbia University Medical Center, explained, drinking 12 cups of green tea throughout the day spreads out the dosage. “But with green tea extract, you’re getting 12 cups’ worth of tea all at once,” he said.
This concentrated intake can be toxic, causing digestive issues and interacting with medications like blood thinners and statins for cholesterol. The US National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) warns that green tea extract has been linked to severe liver damage, sometimes requiring a transplant or resulting in death.
When it comes to supplements, more is not always better. They can be beneficial only if you take the right kind and amount of those you truly need. It is vital to consult your doctor before adding any supplements to your routine.
Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new medication or treatment and before changing your diet or supplement regimen.
