APPLETON, Wis. — As supplement use surges among Americans seeking to boost their health, medical experts are issuing stark warnings for the millions living with diabetes. A recent analysis highlights how certain popular vitamins, herbs, and other over-the-counter products can dangerously disrupt blood sugar levels or interfere with vital medications, potentially leading to life-threatening complications like hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.
According to federal survey data, about 58% of U.S. adults have taken at least one dietary supplement in the past 30 days, while broader surveys suggest that up to 75% have used them at some point. These products, ranging from vitamins and minerals to herbs like ginseng and probiotics, are marketed to fill nutrient gaps, support immune function, aid muscle recovery, and promote bone health. Yet, unlike prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications, supplements are not required to undergo FDA approval before hitting the market. The Food and Drug Administration regulates them post-marketing, stepping in only against unsafe or mislabeled items, which leaves consumers — especially those with chronic conditions like diabetes — vulnerable to risks.
Diabetes affects more than 37 million Americans, with prediabetes touching one in three teenagers, as noted in a recent study covered by Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel. For these individuals, managing blood glucose is paramount, and experts say some supplements can throw that balance into chaos. Dawn Menning, a California-based registered dietitian and certified diabetes care and education specialist with the healthy lifestyle app Nutu, emphasized the need for caution in an interview with Fox News Digital.
"This herbal remedy can interfere with many diabetes medications by affecting the way the body breaks them down," Menning said about St. John's Wort, a popular supplement often touted for treating mild to moderate depression, anxiety, sleep issues, and menopausal or PMS symptoms. "This can make medications less effective and blood sugar management more difficult." Marketed sometimes for improving blood sugar regulation in type 2 diabetes, the evidence is mixed and limited, she added.
Chromium supplements, frequently promoted for blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes, carry similar perils. "Taking this supplement with insulin or oral diabetes medications may increase the risk of hypoglycemia," Menning cautioned. Hypoglycemia, characterized by symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, and fainting, can be particularly hazardous for diabetics, according to health resources like Healthline.
Bitter melon, another herbal option derived from a fruit common in Asian cuisine, is taken by some to lower blood sugar. It contains compounds such as polypeptide-p, which mimic insulin's effects. "Taking this with diabetes medications could increase the risk of hypoglycemia," Menning explained, underscoring how the additive lowering of glucose could overwhelm the body's systems.
Even seemingly benign vitamins can pose threats. Niacin, or high-dose vitamin B3, is used to manage cholesterol but can elevate blood sugar in diabetics. Michelle Routhenstein, a preventive cardiology dietitian at EntirelyNourished.com in New York, advised against it in comments to Fox News Digital. "I would caution against using high-dose niacin supplements because it can noticeably raise blood sugar levels and make it harder to keep A1c in an optimal range," she said. The National Institutes of Health warns that high doses of nicotinic acid, a form of niacin, can interfere with diabetes drugs and even spike glucose in non-diabetics.
Asian ginseng, prized for boosting energy, focus, immune health, and providing antioxidants for cellular protection, has shown some promise in improving cardiometabolic factors for prediabetes and diabetes patients, per the Cleveland Clinic. However, when paired with diabetes medications, it may cause blood sugar to drop too low. This dual-edged nature illustrates the complexity: while some studies suggest benefits, the interaction risks demand oversight.
Beta-carotene, an antioxidant and vitamin A source supporting vision, immune function, eye, and skin health, is another concern. The American Diabetes Association recommends against its supplementation for diabetics due to links with increased lung cancer and cardiovascular mortality risks, according to Jordan Hill, a registered dietitian with Top Nutrition Coaching in Colorado. "The American Diabetes Association recommends against β-carotene supplementation for people with diabetes because of its association with increased lung cancer and cardiovascular mortality risk," Hill told Fox News Digital.
High-dose cinnamon, specifically Cassia cinnamon, is often hyped for diabetes management and weight loss, with research indicating it may reduce blood sugar and insulin resistance. But excessive intake can amplify medication effects, leading to hypoglycemia, warns Healthline. Moreover, cinnamon contains coumarin, a compound that in large amounts can damage the liver, adding yet another layer of risk for long-term users.
Oral aloe vera, promoted for diabetes, weight loss, and inflammatory bowel disease, similarly heightens hypoglycemia risks when combined with diabetes drugs, per the National Institutes of Health. It can also trigger gastrointestinal side effects, making it an unreliable choice without medical guidance.
These warnings come amid broader skepticism about supplements' efficacy for diabetes. "For most supplements, there isn't evidence to support a beneficial effect on diabetes or its complications," Menning noted. The American Diabetes Standards of Care explicitly state: "Without underlying deficiency, there are no benefits from herbal or nonherbal (i.e., vitamin or mineral) supplementation for people with diabetes."
The American Association of Clinical Endocrinology echoes this, advising caution with all unregulated nutritional supplements due to inconsistent composition, quality, and potential for harm, Hill added. "The primary concern with most supplements is not direct harm, but rather the lack of regulatory oversight," he told Fox News Digital, a sentiment Menning reiterated.
This lack of oversight means product labels may not accurately reflect contents, and interactions with prescription drugs — like insulin or oral hypoglycemics — can vary widely. Recent related health news, such as studies linking popular weight-loss drugs like GLP-1 agonists to rare conditions or improved cancer survival in some patients, underscores the intricate web of how non-prescription aids intersect with chronic disease management.
Experts unanimously urge diabetics to consult healthcare providers before starting any supplement. "Experts recommend speaking with a doctor before starting any supplement to understand how it could affect blood sugar levels, medications or overall diabetes management," as summarized in the Fox News report. Simple daily habits, like consistent exercise, remain proven allies in blood sugar control, offering a safer path than unverified pills and powders.
As supplement sales continue to climb — projected to reach billions annually — these cautions serve as a reminder of the fine line between wellness and risk. For the growing number of Americans navigating diabetes, informed choices backed by professional advice could prevent avoidable emergencies and support long-term health stability.