Consumer Reports' 'Dirty Dozen': 12 Risky Supplements
Consumer Reports lists the products that may do more harm than good.
Aug. 3, 2010— -- Last year, Americans spent nearly $27 billion on dietary supplements -- but critics say some of them could be risky.
On "Good Morning America," ABC News senior health and medical editor Dr. Richard Besser discussed the "dirty dozen" supplement ingredients list released by Consumer Reports.
While the products on the list may not be the top sellers in the category, they are both popular and readily available on health store aisles.
To learn whether you may be taking one or more of these "dirty dozen" products, have a look at CR's list below. And if you have any questions about the supplements you may be taking, remember to talk openly and honestly with your doctor. Your health may be at stake.
Consumer Reports' 'Dirty Dozen' Supplements
1. Aconite
Other names: aconiti tuber, aconitum, radix aconiti
Purported uses: Inflammation, joint pain, wounds, gout
Possible risks: Toxicity, nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure, respiratory system paralysis, heart rhythm disorders, death
2. Bitter Orange
Other names: aurantii fructus, citrus aurantium, zhi shi
Purported uses: Weight loss, nasal congestion, allergies
Possible risks: Fainting, heart-rhythm disorders, heart attack, stroke, death
3. Chaparral
Other names: creosote bush, larrea divaricata, larreastat
Purported uses: Colds, weight loss, infections, inflammation, cancer, detoxification
Possible risks: Liver damage, kidney problems
4. Colloidal Silver
Other names: ionic silver, native silver, silver in suspending agent
Purported uses: Fungal and other infections, Lyme disease, rosacea, psoriasis, food poisoning, chronic fatigue syndrome, HIV/AIDS
Possible risks: Bluish skin, mucous membrane discoloration, neurological problems, kidney damage
5. Coltsfoot
Other names: coughwort, farfarae folium leaf, foalswort
Purported uses: Cough, sore throat, laryngitis, bronchitis, asthma
Possible risks: Liver damage, cancer
6. Comfrey
Other names: blackwort, common comfrey, slippery root
Purported uses: Cough, heavy menstrual periods, chest pain, cancer
Possible risks: Liver damage, cancer
7. Country Mallow
Other names: heartleaf, sida cordifolia, silky white mallow
Purported uses: Nasal congestion, allergies, asthma, weight loss, bronchitis
Possible risks: Heart attack, heart arrhythmia, stroke, death
8. Germanium
Other names: Ge, Ge-132, germanium-132
Purported uses: Pain, infections, glaucoma, liver problems, arthritis, osteoporosis, heart disease, HIV/AIDS, cancer
Possible risks: Kidney damage, death
9. Greater Celandine
Other names: celandine, chelidonii herba, Chelidonium majus
Purported uses: Upset stomach, irritable bowel syndrome, liverdisorders, detoxification, cancer.
Possible risks: Liver damage
10. Kava
Other names: awa, Piper methysticum, kava-kava
Purported uses: Anxiety
Possible risks: Liver damage
11. Lobelia
Other names: asthma weed, Lobelia inflata, pukeweed, vomit wort
Purported uses: Coughing, bronchitis, asthma, smoking cessation
Possible risks: Toxicity; overdose can cause fast heartbeat, very low blood pressure, coma, possibly death
12. Yohimbe
Other names: yohimbine, Corynanthe yohimbi, Corynanthe johimbi
Purported uses: Aphrodisiac, chest pain, diabetic complications, depression; erectile dysfunction
Possible risks: Usual doses can cause high blood pressure, rapid heart rate; high doses can cause severe low blood pressure, heart problems, death
Source: Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, Professional Version, June 2010