Your patients are buying random toxic supplements on TikTok. Should doctors push back?
Industry Buzz
Consumers need to stop relying on the opinions of others, do their own homework, and make a decision that is best for them.
—Richard Bloomer, PhD
“I bought these supplements on TikTok Shop!”
Sound familiar? Increasingly, patients are buying supplements they hear about from influencers through TikTok Shop. But they don’t always get what they expect.
The FDA has issued warnings that some products on the market contain adulterated ingredients that can be toxic. []
So where does this leave physicians? The best thing physicians can do to help their patients is to have an open mind when patients come to them with questions, says Richard Bloomer, PhD, director of the Center for Nutraceutical and Dietary Supplement Research at the University of Memphis.
“The use of dietary supplements continues to rise. Therefore, physicians should be aware that patients may want to use these and may ask questions. Don’t be dismissive. Don’t make a blanket statement such as, 'Don’t waste your money. All supplements are worthless.' That will demonstrate ignorance, as many supplements can be beneficial and support a number of needs. It will also lead to patients questioning the wisdom of the doctor,” he tells MDLinx.
Scientific studies support the use of many products, according to Dr. Bloomer.
"Like medications, certain supplements will not work for everyone, but they might be helpful to a given patient, so be open-minded and willing to try," he says.
Related: The vitamin B3 derivative with longevity buzz, chemoprevention data, and a complicated cancer risk conversationRegulating influencers is challenging
While social media influencers may tout certain supplements online, Dr. Bloomer argues that it would be challenging to apply more strict regulations to influencers, and therefore individuals need to take personal responsibility for what they choose to buy.
“Consumers need to stop relying on the opinions of others, do their own homework, and make a decision that is best for them. Online personalities have the right to say what they want, even when they are wrong. Many well-educated and well-meaning healthcare providers tell patients things that are wrong and not supported by the available scientific evidence, but they would never be told they cannot speak their mind,” he says.
He continues, “The reality is that many online personalities—some of whom have little formal education in the field of nutrition and dietary supplements—provide quality and useful information. Unfortunately, there are many more, including healthcare providers, who share information that has little to no value. Consumers need to be wise in their decision-making and take responsibility for their own actions.”
FDA warnings
In March 2026, the FDA released a warning that some supplement products labelled as tejocote (Crataegus mexicana) root or Brazil seed contained yellow oleander (Thevetia peruviana) instead of the ingredients listed on the label. []
Yellow oleander is toxic and may cause gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and neurologic adverse health effects that can be severe or in some cases fatal. []
“This is nothing new and certainly a problem. Thankfully, considering the massive number of dietary supplements sold today, tainted products are relatively rare. The FDA has oversight over dietary supplements per DSHEA, but this is 'post market' regulation. That is, once a product is in the marketplace and problems are noted, the FDA can step in,” Dr. Bloomer says.
Problems like this are not as routine today as in years past, he says, due to the requirement for contract manufacturers to follow current Good Manufacturing Practices. However, problems do still exist.
"Sticking with reputable brands with a proven track record of producing high-quality products is helpful in safeguarding oneself from such issues," he advises.
Related: 4 longevity supplements that actually do more harm than good