12 Supplements to Avoid and What to Take Instead

by Dr. Stephen Sinatra

Filed Under: Food and Nutrition, Nutrients and Additives, Heart Health

Last Reviewed 08/27/2012

12 Supplements to Avoid and What to Take Instead

In the past, Consumer Reports has run articles about the most dangerous nutritional supplements. I've got my own list of the “bottom 12” supplements. But I like to pair those unsuitable supplements with the natural solutions you can use instead. In each case below, the "Avoid" supplement has undesirable side effects, and the "Take" supplement will give you the same benefits without the side effects.

Avoid: American scullcap	Take: St. John's wort or ginkgo
Avoid: Androstenedione	Take: Glutamine or tyrosine
Avoid: Bitter orange	Take: Digestive enzyme supplements
Avoid: Chapparal	Take: Beta glucan
Avoid: Comfrey	Take: Digestive enzymes
Avoid: Danshen	Take: Niacin
Avoid: Germander	Take: Chitosan
Avoid: Gugulipid	Take: Niacin
Avoid: Kava	Take: Passion flower
Avoid: Lobelia	Take: Fish oil, magnesium, and quercetin
Avoid: Pennyroyal oil	Take: Digestive enzymes
Avoid: Yohimbe	Take: Muira puama or L-arginine

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Meet Dr. Sinatra

Dr. Stephen Sinatra is a highly respected and sought-after cardiologist and nutritionist with more than 30 years of clinical practice, research, and study. His integrative approach to heart health focuses on reducing inflammation in the body and maximizing the heart's ability to produce and use energy. More About Dr. Sinatra