HealthThe Supplement Industry Is Booming but so Are the Health RisksWhat's going on: More than half of US adults take supplements for weight loss and mood boosts, but growing evidence suggests they could be wreaking havoc, according to National Geographic. Unlike prescription drugs, supplements don’t need Food and Drug Administration approval before hitting shelves, which can lead to mislabeling, contamination, and exaggerated claims. Supplements now account for 20% of drug-induced liver injuries in the US, and cases of liver failure requiring transplants have surged sevenfold since 1995. In 2024, researchers found 15 million Americans take liver-toxic supplements, including turmeric, ashwagandha, and red yeast rice. Consumers have also reported other side effects from various supplements like mood swings, hair loss, and high blood pressure. The top culprits? Toxic compounds, risky drug interactions, and excessive dosing. What it means: Don’t go dumping out your medicine cabinet just yet, but it’s a good idea to review what you’re taking, how much, and why. Many Americans lean on supplements because traditional healthcare isn’t meeting their needs. A 2022 poll found 52% of US patients say their symptoms are ignored or dismissed — a familiar tune for far too many women. While sticking to recommended doses is generally safe (even if it just leads to “expensive urine,” as one expert put it), some supplements can pose real health risks — especially multi-ingredient blends, bodybuilding enhancers, and green tea extract. Separating the good from the bad isn’t easy. Experts recommend checking trusted sources like the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements and the LiverTox database. Bottom line: Talk to your doctor, buy from reputable sources, avoid megadosing, check for drug interactions — and don’t expect miracles. Related: Would You Trust a Drone to Handle Your Meds? (WSJ Gift Link) | 
