☠️ The hidden dangers of social media supplements

A few drops in a glass of water. A promise to curb cravings, burn fat, and “detox” your body. That’s all it takes—if you believe what influencers are selling.

Across Instagram and TikTok, wellness influencers are pushing herbal weight-loss supplements as quick fixes for a leaner body. But behind the aesthetic packaging and glowing testimonials lies a far more dangerous reality.

Take garcinia cambogia, a so-called "fat-burning" ingredient found in countless weight-loss supplements promoted online. This herbal extract has now been linked to severe liver damage, leading Australia's health regulator, the TGA, to issue a safety alert after cases of acute liver failure surfaced—including some requiring emergency transplants.

Yet, influencers keep promoting it. The post above is just one example of unregulated, potentially dangerous products being marketed as “natural” solutions.

The problem? Unlike pharmaceuticals, supplements don’t require rigorous testing before hitting the shelves—or your body. And when social media influencers replace medical professionals as trusted health advisors, the risks multiply.

Before you add that trendy new supplement to your routine, ask yourself: Is it backed by science, or just social media hype?

⚡ Quick tip: The "SIFT" method to evaluate supplement claims

Before trusting a supplement recommendation, use the SIFT method to separate fact from misinformation:

⏸️ Stop – Pause before acting on or sharing a claim. Is it too good to be true?

🔎 Investigate the source – Who is making the claim? Are they a credible expert or just an influencer pushing a product?

📚 Find better coverage – Look for reputable sources, such as peer-reviewed studies or advice from registered health professionals.

🔄 Trace claims to the original source – Check where the information comes from. Is it backed by science or just social media hype?

Applying SIFT can help you make smarter, safer choices when it comes to supplements. Think before you buy.

📊 Reliable resources

It's not all doom and gloom when it comes to supplements. While the list of truly effective supplements is shorter than many might think, some have proven benefits:​

• Probiotics: These beneficial bacteria can support digestive health and may enhance nutrient absorption. ​

• Vitamin D: Essential for bone health, immune function, and potentially mood regulation, vitamin D is crucial, especially in regions with limited sunlight. 

• Creatine: Widely used by athletes, creatine not only enhances muscle performance but also shows promise in supporting cognitive health. ​

To make informed decisions without sifting through extensive research, consider these trusted resources:

🔍 Examine.com
An independent platform offering evidence-based analyses on supplements and nutrition. They meticulously review scientific studies to provide unbiased information, helping you understand the efficacy and safety of various supplements. ​

🧠 Consensus.app
An AI-powered academic search engine that aggregates findings from peer-reviewed research. By summarising scientific consensus on health topics, it enables you to quickly grasp what the research community says about specific supplements.

🏅 Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Sports Supplement Framework
The AIS provides a comprehensive framework categorising supplements based on their efficacy and safety for athletes. This resource aids in understanding which supplements have scientific backing and which should be approached with caution.

Utilising these resources can empower you to make well-informed choices about supplement use, ensuring your health decisions are grounded in credible scientific evidence.

📣 Community pulse

(Vote now! We’ll share the results in the next issue.)

Results from last issue’s poll

In our last issue, we asked: Menopause at work - are companies doing enough?

🤐 64% Not at all—it’s still a taboo topic.
🤔 32% Somewhat, but more education is needed.

It’s clear that workplaces could do better at supporting women during their change of life.

🎁 Bonus resources

🎧 Listen to this: This episode from the AMA Journal of Ethics delves into the safety concerns surrounding dietary supplements and discusses the challenges in regulating social media influencers' advertisements about these products.

🎥 Watch this: Strove’s recent webinar on “supplement smarts” will teach you a simple framework for evaluating any supplement 👇

📤 Share & support

Know someone navigating the murky world of supplements? Forward this issue—knowledge is power! 💪✨

Successfully refer 5 people and we’ll send you a 20% discount code for Faithful to Nature. 🌿

💼 Could Strove help at your organisation?

Employee wellbeing is key to productivity and a thriving workplace culture. Try Strove free for 7 days to see the difference.