Mixed
Weight-loss and bodybuilding supplements, particularly those containing ephedra, DMAA, or adulterated with unlisted drugs (e.g., anabolic steroids, fluoxetine), carry a significant risk of severe adverse events including liver failure, cardiovascular collapse, and death.
Avoid weight-loss supplements containing ephedra, DMAA, or unlisted ingredients. Bodybuilding supplements are frequently adulterated with steroids or other drugs. If you experience liver symptoms (jaundice, fatigue) or cardiovascular issues (palpitations, chest pain) after taking these, stop immediately and seek medical help. The risk of severe injury or death is real.
A recent review estimated that the proportion of drug-induced liver injuries due to dietary supplements is currently about 20%. Furthermore, bodybuilding and weight-loss supplements account for almost half of these injuries... OxyELITE Pro... 36 cases of acute hepatitis... 3 received liver transplants, and 1 died... DMAA... three cases of cardiac arrest occurred during physical exercise... two of the events eventually led to the deaths of US soldiers... bodybuilding supplements are quite often adulterated with anabolic steroids... Side effects of these drugs, such as panic attacks, psychotic episodes, and increases in blood pressure and heart rate
Why this rating
The paper cites specific outbreaks, FDA investigations, case series with mortality, and confirmed adulteration, providing high-confidence evidence of harm.
Source
Adverse Effects of Nutraceuticals and Dietary Supplements
Martin J. J. Ronis et al. · The Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology · 2017
DOI 10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-010617-052844
More from this paper
- High-dose supplementation of fat-soluble vitamins (specifically Vitamin E and beta-carotene) and Vitamin A in well-nourished adults increases the risk of adverse health outcomes, including bleeding, cancer recurrence, and all-cause mortality, rather than providing preventive health benefits.Good
- Soy Protein Isolate (SPI) and purified soy isoflavones (genistein, daidzein) exhibit weak estrogenic activity that may pose risks for reproductive health, early development, and estrogen-sensitive cancers, despite conflicting evidence from some human studies.Moderate
Related findings · Mixed
- Bariatric surgery (VSG and RYGB) is the most effective and sustainable treatment for obesity, producing marked and sustained weight loss that non-surgical interventions cannot match.Strong
- Severely protein-deficient diets (2–3% energy) induce lean body mass loss and metabolic imbalance, whereas adequate protein intake (0.66 g/kg/d minimum) is a prerequisite for maintaining muscle, bone, and physiological function.Strong
- For patients with Class III obesity (BMI >39.9 kg/m2), metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS) is significantly more effective than any currently approved medication, with BilioPancreatic Diversion (BPD) showing the highest estimated weight loss.Strong
This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →