Avoid supplements, no matter how enticing they might be

There’s a common, often mistaken, view that supplements can help build muscle, trim fat, sharpen thinking, enhance memory and provide all sorts of other benefits. Some supplements may do no harm. And, some supplements for some people with particular conditions are necessary when diet cannot address nutritional needs and the doctor recommends them. But, there are so many supplements that contain harmful ingredients that, unless your doctor recommends them, you should avoid them, no matter how enticing they might be.

Consumer Reports writes about tianeptine, an ingredient in some supplements, that is particularly dangerous. Tianeptine is not FDA-approved. It has an effect similar to an opioid and is highly addictive.

There are many other ingredients in supplements that can be dangerous either taken in isolation or taken in conjunction with other ingredients in other supplements. Consumer Reports lists the following supplements as containing ingredients that can be dangerous.