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Nine Supplements to Avoid

While all supplements should be used carefully, some should not be used at all. Here are nine supplements you shouldn't take.

Arnica
Arnica Montana
Claim: Relieves aches; an anti-inflammatory and immune enhancer
Why it’s among supplements to avoid: Can cause miscarriages, allergic reactions, paralysis, heart palpitations, death

Aconite
Aconitum napellus
Claim: Eases joint inflammation, gout, RA
Why it’s among supplements to avoid: Is a fast-acting poison that affects the heart

Adrenal, spleen, thymus extracts
Claim: Helps fatigue, and relives stress and inflammation
Why it’s among supplements to avoid: Derived from animal organs. FDA warns organs could possibly be contaminated.

Autumn crocus
Colchicum autumnale
Claim: Lessens gout attacks and eases general arthritis
Why it’s among supplements to avoid: Is a potential poison. Taken only as a prescription drug (colchicine) under a doctor’s supervision.

5-HTP
5-hydroxytrytophan
Claim: Helps fibromyalgia, sleep disorders and depression
Why it’s among supplements to avoid: Associated with esosinophilia myalgia, a serious illness that causes severe rashes, acute pain and other symptoms.

GBL
Gamma-butyrolactone
Claim: Helps fibromyalgia, sleep problems, depression, claims to “improve sexual and athletic performance and health”
Why it’s among supplements to avoid: Has been linked to death, coma and seizures.

L-tryptophan
Claim: Eases sleep disorders and depression
Why it’s among supplements to avoid: It has been associated with esosinophilia myalgia syndrome (EMS), a serious illness that causes severe rashes, acute pain and other symptoms.

Chaparral
Claim: Reduces inflammation
Why it’s among supplements to avoid: May cause hepatitis and kidney and liver damage.

Kombucha tea
Claim: Helps “rheumatism” and eases pain
Why it’s among supplements to avoid: Has a high risk of contamination with anthrax and other bacteria.

Shenna

03 Nov 2009, 17:50

Hello all you people out there who feel that certain supplements and herbs should not have been on the list of "don't takes"... I think it right that those listed should be on here BECAUSE for SOME people (and enough in the past) those serious effects have occurred. Not everyone has the same body/genetic makeup. You might be able to take arnica, but I cannot take it EVEN in homepathic medicines in minute quantities.
Why does everyone think they know a magic cure-all that everyone can and should be able to take because that person takes it and it works for that person without any side effects??? GET REAL! This is NOT a 'one size" or "one drug" or "one herb" fits all people equally world.
People SHOULD be informed if there are KNOWN side effects that can be dangerous, particulalry ones that can cause death.
Hey, I am allergic to TYLENOL--and it makes my blood not clot. After years of fighting with doctors over this, guess what? Other people have been found to be allergic, some with the same side effects. Doctors now know that Tylenol can also cause other serious problems in people, including liver and kidney damage. And what about Ibruprofen, pushed all these years as a harmless and effective non prescription anti- inflammatory/pain reliever? Now they know it too can cause kidney damage.
And how about the St. John's Wort that so many people take for depression? My liver specialist told me of a case they had where the person needed an immediate liver transplant--a person who had been healthy without any liver problems-- that the herb virtually 'disintegrated' his liver.
SO why SHOULD'NT natural remedies be listed with known and dangerous possible side effects with that such? Don't we have a right to know? It would be a dis-service to the rest of us if they were not listed. People need information to make informed decisions. DO you think it better to take something, have a serious reaction, even life-threatening one, and then say "well how could I know that might happen? I never saw anything saying it could be dangerous, no one ever told me." THINK, RESEARCH AND KNOW YOURSELF BEORE YOU TAKE SOMETHING, be it a manufactured drug, a supplement, an herb or even just a simple tea.
Final share: you know that much hyped tea ROOBIOS with so many good qualities, even listed on my health providers site as "no known side effects? I have an allergic reaction with itching and rash...need I say anymore?

Pruedence Slentz

03 Nov 2009, 15:55

I have osteo arthritits and fibromyalgia - my primary care physician, rheumatologist, and orthopedic surgeon (knee replacements) have prescribed large amounts of Vit. D and it has helped the pain ( from fibro especially ). Hooray!

The weather still affects my joints (Grandma wasn't crazy after all ) but to a lesser extent. The orthopedist said most of his patients with fibromyalgia test low for blood levels of Vit.D.

Addie

21 Oct 2009, 09:22

I have been suffering from OA for years, I also have scoliosis. I have had epidurals, therapy, shots for blockage. The only thing that has helped and not a great deal is hydrocodon...but it is hard to get a Dr. to give it to you. I am fine when sitting or laying down. Up 5 minutes and I am in so much pain I have to sit down. Recently have been on natural product from the Greek Isles, guarenteed to help...so far after 2 wks. it has not helped....they even sent me a free supply and I take two a day..but not any help yet??? Would appreciate any help other then surgery, I refuse to go under the knife.....thanks.

Yvonne

20 Oct 2009, 11:15

To Martie & Karen,

I have osteoarthritis and found my miracle medicine a couple of years ago. Three years ago I could hardly walk and the therapist told me my hips were just about to lock. At the time I was on 6 Tylenol arthritis plus pain medicine daily. Along with pain patches you name it. I found FLEXANOL and tied it with noticeable relief. People can say what they want about Supplements, but I feel much better taking these than I did when I was taking all the other medication. My therapist could not believe how I could bend and I even dance. You can take up to 5 a day, but I only take two a day. Flexanol has made a big difference in my life.

Brenda W.

20 Oct 2009, 09:12

Go to this website: LDNINFO.ORG

Low dose naltrexone helps most autoimmune diseases. There are several clinical trials that have been done. You can read about them on the website.

Dee Morgan

18 Oct 2009, 16:06

This is for Sharon in Oklahoma City. Have you tried Dr. William Schnitz? He is at Portand near N.W. 56th St. His phone number is: 405-949-6481. He has been my Rheumatologist for years and he takes new patients. He treats my osteoarthritis and he is good. I hope this helps you. Good luck.

Wendy Maihack

15 Oct 2009, 23:42

Where's the research here?? Wendy M

Sharon

07 Oct 2009, 16:37

This is my first time to write, I have fibromyalgia, arthritis, AS,depression. The only thing I am taking for all this now is 10my loratab and percocet. I am trying to get on embrel as I can not afford it. We do not qualify for the help either. Yes we do have insurance but it only pay a small portion. I can not find a dr. to help either in OKC, Oklahoma. There are none to be found!!! They ALL have a 12month waiting list if they will take you at all. I hurt sooo bad most of the time I want to scream!!! My husband is understanding most of the time. Well thanks for listening.

Norma Turner

06 Oct 2009, 11:17

18 yrs with SLE-It's alarming the attack on natural supplements/ when so many drugs (FDA) approved - are only removed from market when people have alrady been harmed/ or a cover-up has been exposed.

Bradley

04 Oct 2009, 15:27

This is a baseless (well, it is FEAR-based), mis-information article motivated by greed.

Karen

16 Sep 2009, 05:14

I use Arnica and other supplements and am disappointed that Arthritis Today would publish an article of this sort. The title of this article is disturbing to say the least. How about "Nine Prescription Drugs to Avoid"?? I have severe allergies to most prescription pain medicines, but have not had complications with supplements.

I have osteoarthritis and take Limbrel (a prescription medical food), but also have to supplement using Arnica, Turmeric and eat pineapple for inflammation and pain.

I would like to know what studies were done and who performed the studies and what dosages/levels are considered dangerous or unhealthy rather than random statements that I am supposed to take as fact.

Extremely disappointed, Karen

lisa

08 Sep 2009, 02:48

health info

Bev

01 Sep 2009, 09:31

Hi;
Do you know of a good website that will tell me what pills do not go with other pills or medications?
I recently added Vitamin E to my daily pills and I read they should not be taken with other pills but I cznnot find out which ones.
Can you e-mail me your answer?
Thank you so much.
Bev Menzer

Kirsty Z

24 Aug 2009, 08:38

SAMe and tryptophan were banned due to a bad batch being made, bacteria are thought to be the cause of esosinophilia myalgia syndrome (EMS)and not tryptophan. To make sure that risks are assessed see a nutritionist before getting any nutritional supplement as they can assess risks, interactions with drugs and any nutritional deficiencies you may have. Treat the cause not cover up the symptoms.

dennis

19 Aug 2009, 10:26

I was dismayed on your art. of what to avoid.
It is obvious the majority of your comments
disagreed with your list. Prescription drugs kill approx 100,000 patients in this country. do you care to compare that to supplements, you wont. This was a fda list for sure.I am 66 and beset by arthitus, F.M.
headaches,depression and the litsny goes on
my wife is disabled from CFS, depression and so on. At this time i am using 2-3 k of c a day.(linus pauling lived to 92 and took massive amounts of c. like the other folks said "tryptophan?" will the fda take turkeys off the mkt. now. dietand some exercise, stretching in am(5min) can help a lot. I am so disappointed that this site would print a supp list, that i must unsubscribe dennis walker

Pat W

18 Aug 2009, 21:26

I think that whoever decided L-tryptophan had those bad side effects should know that I have FMS and all the doctor prescribed meds' side effects are so bad that the enamel on my teeth is gone despite all the available remedies. And that is just the beginning of my side effect list.

I received a reduced shipping coupon for L-tryptophan from FMAware for a web-site that sells the sleep supplement. Apparently they do not think there are bad side effects.

Brenda

18 Aug 2009, 09:36

For autoimmune diseases, check out this web site:

LDNINFO.ORG

It works. It's working for thousands of people. Most doctors don't know about it. This information is being spread by patients who are getting good results.

Kathy

18 Aug 2009, 09:20

As an owner of a supplement store, an arthritis sufferer, and a supplement user, the last two being the most important to me, I take offense to some of the supplements on the "do not take" list. Arnica in proper doses is safe. There are no known drug interactions other than possibly blood thinners. I know personally of 2 local physicians that have seen the results of using Arnica tabs prior to surgery. Much less bruising, faster healing, less swelling.

As for L-Tryptophan, that claim is, in my personal opinion, totally out of whack. Are these also the side effects of eating TURKEY??? What do you think makes you sleepy after eating turkey? The amino acid L-Tryptophane!!! Any and all supplements must be purchased from a reputable company and taken in the recommended doses. Has anyone noticed that the side effects listed above are also almost always seen on the side effect list of PRESCRIPTION medications as prescribed doses?

Emmy

13 Aug 2009, 01:55

Accupuncture has done wonders for my RA. The pharmaceutical companies want you to buy drugs not herbs. For me, natural has been the way to go. Medicines have only brought me to place of massive side effects and dependency. I will continue some medicines for short periods of time. The body holds on to these strong chemicles much longer than it does herbal and botanical ingredients which are much more easily assimulated by our system. Please note that this cite is also sponsored by a phamaceutical company. That could very well be why so many natural products are on there hit list.

Joyce

11 Aug 2009, 08:23

I was reading some of the comments and noticed one that said natural products take a while to start working because they are not loaded with chemicals. I am a chemist and I can tell you that natural products are chemicals. Some are natural and others are manmade but they are all chemicals. Lest you think all natural products are harmless remember that in the middle ages they used natural products to poison people. Natural products can be very good for you but you have to do your research.

bren

04 Aug 2009, 19:31

I take a number of supplements and love it! I was at deaths door back in 2004. My doctor diagnoissed me with UNDIFFERENTIATED CONNECTIVE TISSUE DISEASE which is more than one auto - immune disease flareing up at a time. I have RA,Fibromyalgia,Osteao.,DDD,DDJ, Lupus and more. I have had several spine surgeries Cervical (neck) Lumbar stillhave 3 more spine surgeries to go through same area with one in Thoracic. They had me on all kinds of prescriptions, we have tried so many different meds.Even Infusions Just got taken off Orencia it stopped working. I wake up and go though out the day and night in lots of pain and swollen,sore joints,fingers elbows,shoulders, knees, ankles and toes! I live off of a certian pain med. that I am tring to get off of. I was orginally on a very high dose but I am down to 10mg. 4 times a day as of today. I take Noni juice from Tahiti9 only) Mango Xanjuice,These two I feel God lead me to them! They saved my life but of course God is who gets the real credit! I now take Honeybee Pollen, Ribose chewable,Vit. B-12,These I take just for energy. I have severe fatigue. I can tell a great big difference when not on them. I also take more supplements several more if anyone is interested in my list please e-mail
Once again I give credit to the one it is due and that is my maker GOD !!! If not for him I would not have found the 2 juices that got me up out of bed. There is quite a bit of supplements out there but as with anything you have to research and study and use common sense!
As for the manmade Prescriptions yes it is true they can be very very bad for us. It is all BIG PHARMACIA they use it to make money off us. There are cures but if we were all cured at the 1st office visit where would they be? Again supplements,vitiamins are safe and most are made from Gods green earth
So do your work and follow up and research and use as it says.

04 Aug 2009, 09:13

I agree with the comment made by retired nurse Janet on July 22nd. I too take natural supplements to ease the pain of Rheumatoid Arthritis. I used to take the prescription medications, but I was worse off from the side-effects. I had to search until I found something that works for me. I now take tumeric, natural joint, and sometimes I add a little ginger to my tea. I'm not totally without pain, but I don't have the side effects of using prescription medications. Nurse Janet, if you can give me any more suggestions, I would greatly apprecite it. e-mail me at barlowjoanne@yahoo.com. Thank you

Lorena

28 Jul 2009, 15:16

My 14 year old son was diagnosed with Juvenile Arthritis about 2 years ago I would like to try natural stuff before any prescription meds, he takes ibuprofen for pain and I rub his body with lotion; and that is all I'm are currently doing for him.
Can someone please suggest a good regimen
I'm in the dark here

Carla Boehm

27 Jul 2009, 09:48

I have found a great supplement, and the biggest result so far is depression has lifted. The fog is gone and the fatigue is better. My son was the first to notice...says I am out of bed more.
Check out it's ingredients and how to buy and or sell on my website: www.chronicpainandliving.com

27 Jul 2009, 07:14

I don't know anything about L-tryptophan's effectiveness for arthritis, but the comment about it being illegal in the US is way out of date. There was a ban on tryptophan supplements for some time because a serious illness (EMS) had a suspected link to a contaminated batch of tryptophan supplements, but insufficient data was found to substantiate that link in a FDA report released in 2001, and the ban was rescinded in 2002.

Perhaps the owner(s) of this page might take some time to check or update the facts?

luis lugo

27 Jul 2009, 06:12

RA for two yrs, nothinf working, 10 mlg of predisone a day, and methotrexate wkl. Now I am taking mangosteen. I would like your opinion on mangosteen.

vr, luis

Richard Lewis

24 Jul 2009, 13:23

The Bombay Gin and raisin cure seems to be very effective in relieving the joint pain of
arthritis, so says the many forums on the subject I have read.....The best gin to use is Bombay because it contains juniper berries and 9 other botanicals. What you do is soak a bunch of "golden raisins" in a bowl of the Bombay gin for 2 weeks, or until all of the gin has evaporated. Then eat 7 raisins a day....The golden raisins contain "sulphur dioxide, similar to MSM, the darker raisins do not...Try this famous cure-all first before you try anything unnatural...If you are allergic to "sulfides," then do not try this cure.

Janet

22 Jul 2009, 12:08

I am a retired nurse.I have seen the results of the pharmasutical industry and the side effects that it has caused.I have seen people taking meds for the side effects.I am 53,haven't been to a doctor for 25 years,and yes, I do have arthritis,depression,and found more relief and less side effects from natural herbs.You must do your research and not pick the first company that comes along.Yes, it takes a few weeks for any herb to kick in,because it's not loaded with chemicals to help it,that's why it is called a natural treatment.Taken as directed,not in excess and it will work.

Joe Blow

21 Jul 2009, 16:46

Briget

Oprah is still popular because people like you keep watching her :)

Turn off the tube and think for yourself.

bridget

21 Jul 2009, 16:38

I am a baby boomer with no current health problems but a great deal of my friends have arthritis.This is why i Subscripe to this newsletter because it is very informed.However,there is a growing industry in seattle and it is called alternative medicine and it is on the increase.Why? Why would anyone want to take 30 or 40 pills a day when there is no scientic evidence that these pills work.I sold vitamins and i have seen how the companies push these pills are cure alls.Vitamins arent pills...they are drugs and some of them contain stuff in there
that can harm you.Look at vitamin c.A new study shows that vitamin c does not stop colds and that goes for this omega 3 and fish oil.Vitamin D in large quantities can harm you.My late boyfriend was taking a great deal of this and too much D is bad for the kidneys.Can we all use common sense and not the advice of Oprah? Oprah is on the verge of destroying common sense when it comes to serious ailments and some of the advice on her show I dont take because it is faulty and can harm you..so why is she still popular?

Paula

16 Jul 2009, 21:05

Satinder
You say you "found some proprietary preparations for joints that was made from natural, well respected ingredients. ...and have suffered no deformities of my joints."
--I have been on 5mg Prednizone, 20mg/wk.Methotrexate and 2,000mg Sulfazine for 14 years. Still I'm extremely fatigued and deformities are setting in. I would love to stop all of it. I tried to get off the Prednizone very gradually--told my RA doc and he gave me Salsalate and Voltarin Gel. When down to no Prednizone I felt terrible. Doc gave me a shot & I went back on Prednizone. The new meds sound kinda scarry. Wish I could learn more about what you did.

Satinder

16 Jul 2009, 15:37

Florence and Ellie,
I agree with your comments. I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid arthritis 15 years ago. The doctors put me on non-steroidals as well as methotrexate. I used to feel tired and exhausted all the time and my joints felt terrible. Then I found some proprietary preparations for joints that was made from natural, well respected ingredients. I have been off the medicines for 11 years now and have suffered no deformities of my joints. When I got on these products, the doctors were ready to put me on steroids. Thank God I didn't have to do that or else I would be sufferring from all kinds of side effects from those. I am not necessarily saying that drugs are bad and must be avoided, but I am saying that there are proven and useful remedies out there that work. But beware of the false claims and make sure the products are manufactured properly.

Ellie

07 Jul 2009, 15:31

FLORENCE......I find your article
right on target. Exactly my sentiments.
Bravo for you!

Florence

07 Jul 2009, 12:12

Arnica is an Excellent product, both topical and ingested. L-tryptophan is naturally occurring in Turkey - should we take that off the market too? Unfortunately there was a bad batch of L-trptophan.

Every Supplement mentioned is safe when used properly. Just because the Pharmaceutical companies can not are not able to make killing on the products does not make them dangerous or bad. These products are manufactured under safety guidelines and one can request Assay and R&D information.

Natural Remedies have been around a lot longer than synthetic drugs. Besides, have you ever thought about where drugs came from? Herbs, roots, etc. Homeopathic Remedies have been around longer than pharmaceuticals and Chinese Med./herbs too.

Maybe your article should have been written a little differently: Let your physician know what supplements you are taking that are working for you. Make sure your Pharmacist knows the supplements you are using before you start a new drug so he/she can run a Drug Interaction.

Let's face it, there are more lethal and non reversable side effects to Prescription Drugs than there are to herbs and Homeopathic Remedies which have been around for Centuries!!!!

Kari

17 Jun 2009, 21:30

I was interested to read others' comments on arnica. I have used it _topically_ with success. First experience with it was an "Arnica & Joint Massage" at the Calistoga Ranch in CA. To date, _still_ the best massage I have ever had. I bought some Kneipp arnica oil afterward. Rub it on your joints and muscles after a hot bath or shower -- great! Perhaps the warnings should have clarified ORAL vs TOPICAL uses.

Marcella

11 Jun 2009, 14:12

I have recently found out that due to the 4 surgeries I've had from an auto accident has left my entire thorasic vertebrae inundated with arthritis. They fused my neck, now I have spurs.I have such a difficult time with the pain, sleepiness. I go to a pain MD to get epiderals only to last a week or two. I get so depressed with useless quality of Life. I was so active, I'm a sculptor and need input for natural healing.Thanks for reading.

lindy emery

02 Jun 2009, 13:14

i used arnica for 5-6 yrs. after having 65 injections in the abdominal wall 8-10 wks a yr. i then could swim although i am non-weight bearing and that is the best exercise
for a whole lot of chronic pains. without it i could not even straighten out on the bed which has been pretty much the only place i am when i am at home per docs orders.

maggie

29 May 2009, 00:15

Has anyone tried pentosan polysulphate fo R A

Brenda De Pol

17 May 2009, 16:19

In New zealand we used to use Green Lipped Mussel Powder in our horses feed to treat arthritis. It is amazing, our 32 year old horse could not be ridden but after treating her with Green Lipped Mussel Powder in her feed she was soon able to go on short rides again.

Lanelle

03 May 2009, 21:04

I had a respected surgeon tell me to take arnica when healing from a surgery. I take various supplements daily, HOWEVER, I must say that anything that is not regulated can be risky. I have also had heart valve damage from a medication that was a researched and regulated medication that is now not on the market. That was risky too. I am on Methotrexate and other stuff. THE KEY IS to weigh the risks vs the benefits.

Alex

21 Apr 2009, 09:18

I take Adrenal rebuilder (derived from bovine organs) for the last couple of months now due to adrenal fatigue. I find that I am no longer needing to sleep an excessive amount to function. I have more energy to socialize and exercise.

Once you have to take meds like methotrexate that wage war on your body....my liver shut down and I got mono, bronchitis, and pneumonia back to back. The thought of some alleged potential contaminants isn't scary. Besides how much of our food is not contaminated or over processed? To eat fish for the omega 3 content or worry about mercury? That is the question..... How about try everything and see what works for you. Listen to your body's responses and you can never go wrong with your health.

martie

14 Apr 2009, 14:11

I hate cortisone more than any other drug that I have been treated with for my S.L.E.. I never had a weight problem now I do!I had a back operation to replace disc and a fusion in my neck. I believe it was caused by the cortisone.I have reflux and cannot take any of the med for arthiritus.I only take painkillers when I have to and rest as often as I can, try to eat healthy and do some exercise. I also take supplements omega 3, calsium and a good multivitamin.Nothing helps for the tiredness.My medical aid will only pay for cortisone and antimalaria drugs I find they do more harm than good.

Martie.

Bobbie Wayne

27 Mar 2009, 20:35

Per Arthritis Association

Arnica
Arnica Montana
Claim: Relieves aches; an anti-inflammatory and immune enhancer
Why it’s among supplements to avoid: Can cause miscarriages, allergic reactions, paralysis, heart palpitations, death

Georgia

17 Mar 2009, 20:01

I have used arnica homeopathic gel and ointment for many years. In the homeopathic format the drug is in such a minute quanity that it is in no way harmful in my experience

Lola

16 Mar 2009, 17:20

I dont believe arnica is bad I have used it for 2 years now. I was unable to walk after surgery on both knees. after 7 days of using super crema milagro with arnica from Mexico I can say the cream is like vaseline and you rub it deep into the skin and it works like magic! I can say that you can die from arnica if you DRINK IT it is not made to drink. but!!! it is good for inflamation and it takes the pain away. also kombucha tea is good for you. depends? on how you make it? I have lots of friends who grow it and pepare it to drink. laurelfarms.com person who grows it you can order from them.IF it is bad for you why have they not shut down LAUREL FARMS??? She is the QUEEN of KOMBUCHA. I would try any nautral remedy 1st before putting a MANMADE DRUG into my body!!!!

Michelle

16 Mar 2009, 16:50

That info warning against 5htp is way illogical if you look into it...
http://eosinophilia-myalgia.net/
contaminated 5htp was a man-made issue that has since been corrected by safe practices in the processing and importing of supplements. Its an amazing supplement...look into it for depression and anxiety due to the arthritis...its wonderful.

carol dostal

16 Mar 2009, 10:31

There's a difference between using an herb topically (rubbing on the outside of your body) and ingesting (swallowing) it. This category of herbs/supplements are described as ones to avoid 'taking'. It is both infor-mative and interesting that you were helped by applying arnica gel to joints and/or pain-ful muscles, bones. I'm going to try it.

marilee

07 Mar 2009, 23:21

i use arnica gel all of the time and it works wonders! i cant believe that this is on this list. i completely disagree. its funny, we are not suppose to take certain things and yet is okay to fill us up with prescription drugs that have horrid side affects.

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Nine Supplements to Avoid

While all supplements should be used carefully, some should not be used at all. Here are nine supplements you shouldn't take.

Nine Supplements to Avoid

While all supplements should be used carefully, some should not be used at all. Here are nine supplements you shouldn't take.

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