Science Corner 05 | The Scandalous Side of Supplements
In December 2024, an NBC News investigation exposed a deeply troubling truth: dozens of over-the-counter “performance” supplements sold online and in retail stores were secretly spiked with ingredients found in prescription drugs like Viagra and Cialis—without any disclosure on their labels.
Despite being marketed as “natural,” these products contained hidden pharmaceutical compounds that could pose serious risks, especially for people with heart conditions or those taking other medications.
This isn’t just a one-off scandal—it’s the latest in a long line of dangerous deceptions plaguing the $230 billion supplement industry. The promise of enhanced vitality, sexual health, or muscle gain is all too often a smokescreen for shady practices. While there are responsible, science-driven companies out there, they’re drowned out by a flood of operators prioritizing profits over safety.
The Disturbing Reality Behind the Labels
A 2024 peer-reviewed study published in Phytochemical Analysis delivered a damning indictment of the supplement industry’s transparency problem. Researchers analyzed 54 herbal supplements and found that in 60% of the products, the expected active ingredient couldn’t be detected at all. In other words, more than half the supplements didn’t contain what they claimed on the label.
Even worse, nearly 35% of the tested products contained substances that weren’t listed at all—from inactive fillers to potentially bioactive compounds. This means consumers are routinely exposed to unknown ingredients, increasing the risk of allergic reactions, drug interactions, and ineffective dosing.
The study’s authors emphasized that the current regulatory system, which doesn’t require supplements to be tested or approved before hitting the market, creates a scenario for fraud because, “some manufacturers might mix in filler because it's cheaper.” Manufacturers can cut corners or deliberately mislead consumers, knowing there’s little chance they’ll be caught unless harm has already occurred.
It’s not just a labeling problem—it’s a health risk masquerading as wellness.
The Evidence Is Overwhelming
The data paints a troubling picture of an industry operating with minimal accountability:
More than 750 supplement brands have received FDA warning letters since 2007, highlighting issues from undeclared ingredients to false disease claims
Research consistently shows up to 40% of tested supplements don't contain what their labels promise—or worse, include unlisted or harmful substances
Think shopping at your favorite stores protects you? Think again. When the New York Attorney General investigated popular herbal supplements sold at national chains like Walmart, GNC, and Walgreens, DNA testing revealed a shocking truth: four out of five products contained none of the advertised active botanical ingredients. Instead, they found rice, houseplants, and common allergens.
Even so-called premium manufacturers fall short. A 2025 report found that only 56% of methyl B12 products lived up to their label claims, while trendy creatine gummies consistently under-delivered active ingredients by up to 30%. This means you're not just wasting money—you're missing the health benefits you're paying for.
The System Is Broken—But Yours Doesn’t Have To Be
The $230 billion global supplement market has outpaced regulatory oversight. The FDA, limited by resources and constrained by a reactive enforcement model, simply cannot keep up with the industry's rapid growth and diversification.
This regulatory gap has created a landscape where deceptive marketing thrives and accountability falters—leaving you, the health-conscious consumer, carrying the burden of safety and effectiveness.
Enter SuppCo TrustScore—your defense against supplement deception. This data-backed quality rating system analyzes things like current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), third-party certifications, lot-testing, and more to cut through marketing hype and identify products that actually deliver what they promise.
Stop gambling with your health. Demand better. Use TrustScore to make supplement choices that work.
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Personal note from Jordan
As someone who's spent years researching supplement quality, I am very passionate about this issue. Personally, I have wasted too much money on ineffective products and seen people I care about experience adverse reactions from contaminated supplements. Your health and hard-earned money deserve better than industry deception. In a world where trusted facts are getting harder and harder to come by, knowledge is your strongest defense—use it wisely.