Unregulated Herbal Supplements and Why They’re Hazardous

By Drew Maffett
Current Master’s Student, Sports and Health Sciences and 68W Army Veteran

Unregulated herbal supplements have been a public health hazard for some time. With the rise of social media, many herbal supplement businesses gained a cult-like following.

At the root of this model is a multi-level marketing (MLM) scheme that monopolizes on the lack of accurate public health information. For example, companies like Herbalife^® maintain the tiered, MLM-style business structure, which adds to the illegitimacy of unregulated herbal supplements.

Misinformation is often spread on social media sites like Instagram^® and TikTok^®, leaving many consumers to pay attention to superficial stereotypes and ignore a lack of health credentials. In the past, for instance, many teens have gravitated toward fitness influencers who are the most fit-looking, rather than examining those influencers’ scientific credentials.

How Unregulated Herbal Supplements Can Damage the Body

But what makes these unregulated supplements harmful? After all, it’s just herbs, right?

Not exactly. Potassium and phosphorous are minerals that are common in our diet, and most people would assume that they would cause no harm. 

The truth is that unregulated herbal supplements can lead to kidney failure, kidney stones and sometimes death, even in healthy individuals. Relying on unregulated herbal supplements as a main source of ANY type of nutrient intake (protein included) is not recommended or safe, because their use has not been sufficiently studied by professionals with the right scientific qualifications. 

According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, unregulated herbal supplements account for 20% of liver injury diagnoses in the U.S. as of 2016. To date, these herbal supplement companies continue unregulated distribution. It is unknown if these consumers have become more aware of the dangers of herbal products.

Also, it’s important to remember that:

• Supplements are meant to “supplement” your diet. They should not replace your oral nutrient intake or be your main source of any nutrient. 
• You should not use herbal supplements if you are at risk for – or have been previously diagnosed with – chronic kidney disease. 
• There aren’t enough studies on most herbal supplements for clinicians to legitimately promote them. So if it hasn’t been proven to be safe, don’t use it. 
• If you use an herbal supplement that has proven to be effective and works for you, avoid foods that are high in potassium and phosphorus. 

Health Questions to Consider Before Taking Supplements

Social media users have spread a lot of confusion and misinformation to the public. Before using any unregulated herbal supplements, I encourage you to consider these questions:

• Am I a good candidate for herbal supplements?
• Do I have a history of kidney or liver issues?
• Can I get the desired nutrients in my diet organically through meat and vegetable sources? 
• What is the source of these unregulated herbal supplements?
• Is my salesperson dependent on the efficacy of his/her sales tactics? 

Dietary supplements such as unregulated herbal supplements are generally not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) until after they hit the market. So for safety, please be sure to consult a physician or another healthcare provider before taking these supplements.

Herbalife is a registered trademark of Herbalife International.

Instagram is a registered trademark of Instagram, LLC.

TikTok is a registered trademark of Bytedance, Ltd.

About the Author 

Drew Maffett is a current student at the University, seeking a master’s degree in sports and health sciences with a concentration in human performance. She also holds a B.S. in exercise physiology from Ohio University and is a certified emergency medical technician.

As a former combat medic veteran, Drew combines advanced exercise physiology topics with clear communication, making complex topics accessible to all readers. Her passion lies in reducing educational barriers and fostering personal growth through impactful content creation to encourage critical thought. Drew also aims to empower diverse audiences with actionable health information, showcasing her ability to simplify intricate biological concepts for broader understanding and application.