Why Supplements Don’t Work: From the CEO of a Supplement Company

Supplements Don’t Work

Supplements don’t work. A bold statement coming from the CEO of a supplement company. But it’s time that we have an honest conversation. 

Here’s the reality: most Americans take dietary supplements. According to the CDC, 58% of adults and 34% of children and teenagers take supplements. And yet, many people are wasting their money.

Why? Because of the amalgamation of misleading marketing (it’s always marketing), more health conscious consumers, and a growing appetite for natural solutions (with a dash of skepticism of traditional medicine). This has led to widespread belief that supplements work, always. A magical pill that can cure any health issue. But I am here to tell you that they don’t. 

The truth is supplements can work…in the right situation. And for many people, they do work and benefit their lives. The key is to know how to make them work for you (or when you should avoid them altogether). Here are three reasons why supplements don’t work, and how to change that.

Reason #1: Your Supplements Might Be Lying to You

All supplements are not created equal. And this isn’t just about quality–it’s about regulation (or lack thereof) of dietary supplements in the United States.

There is a law in place called the “Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act,” but it pales in comparison to what’s required for prescription drugs. As the FDA itself admits, it “does NOT have the authority to approve dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness, or to approve their labeling, before the supplements are sold to the public.” 

So who you may ask is in charge of this task? Well, the supplement companies themselves of course (sort of)! 

The FDA does inspect facilities, review labels and websites, and monitor what are known as “adverse event reports, ”which can lead to a product recall. So there are (some) regulations. But most of that happens after a product hits the shelves. Meaning, a company can bring a supplement to market with zero guarantee of safety, effectiveness, or even accurate labeling.

That opens the door for shady companies to cut corners, make bogus claims, and bring subpar and/or dangerous products to market. One example is “natural” sexual enhancement products that actually contain pharmaceuticals like Viagra. Other studies of supplement brands have found that they contained unapproved products or misleading labels. Some of these practices have led to hospitalizations and even deaths.

How to Protect Yourself

There are very simple ways to check if your supplements are one of the “good” ones, such as trusted certifications. 

• –NSF Certification: The National Sanitation Foundation’s certification is a gold star that says that the product does not contain harmful contaminants and includes the ingredients that are on the label.

• —USP Certification:  The United States Pharmacopoeia verification process ensures manufacturers are following good practices and using the actual ingredients on the label. 

• —cGMP: The FDA’s Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) regulations sets a baseline of quality standards for manufacturers to follow. 

At First Holistic, our OrthoFirst line is manufactured in facilities that meet NSF, USP, and cGMP standards. These are more than badges. These are deep audits that signal our products meet the highest standards, improving their overall effectiveness.

Before buying a supplement, check the label, look up the manufacturer, or contact the company. If they can’t prove quality standards, it’s not worth the risk.

Reason #2: You’re Supplanting Instead of Supplementing

Supplements are meant to supplement. The definition of supplement is something added to improve or complete something else. Not to supplant (replace) it. 

Take protein powder. I use it. And I love it because it helps me hit my daily protein goals. Protein is necessary for building muscle, bone health, and a myriad of other reasons. But it’s not a replacement for chicken, tofu, beans, and whole grains. Relying solely on protein powder may lead to nutritional deficiencies found in whole foods.

Same goes for any vitamin or herbal support. Any supplement that negatively impacts your health means that product does not work. It doesn’t improve or complete anything. Supplements should always enhance your life and are a piece of the puzzle. 

Want more vitamin D? Vitamin D supplements are great if your levels are low. But also get sunlight. Eat vitamin D rich foods like salmon. Feeling overwhelmed or burnt out? Then add a well-formulated adrenal support like ZenAdren. But also workout (we have workout videos), sleep more, or get therapy. 

Bottom line: Supplements are just another tool in your toolbox, not the whole toolkit.

Reason #3: Natural Isn’t Always Safer

Just because something is “natural” doesn’t mean it’s safe. That myth is dangerous. Supplements are great but it’s important to know when NOT to use them. 

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) wrote “natural doesn’t necessarily mean safer, or better.” For example, natural remedies like kava (used for anxiety) and ephedra (once used for colds) have been linked to liver damage and heart issues. 

But this transcends ingredients. The rise of misinformation regarding holistic medicine is equally harmful because it can lead to injury or death. 

I’ve personally seen social media posts promoting natural health “cures” for incurable diseases like HIV, while performing TikTok-style dances. This disinformation spreads false hope and can cause real danger to people.

The American Cancer Society even flagged this problem warning “some online articles have suggested, without evidence, that high-dose infusions of vitamin C can cure cancer.” 

If you take nothing else from this blog: don’t use supplements or holistic remedies to cure life threatening or serious conditions with no known cure. Always consult with a licensed physician. 

This doesn’t mean don’t use natural medicine if you’re battling this kind of condition. But it should be used along with conventional medicine under the supervision of a medical doctor.

So, What Now?

Approach your health and wellness like a composer approaches their next masterpiece. Every element matters: fitness, mental health, food, supplements, rest, and prescription meds when needed. No one piece does it all. This is the philosophy behind First Holistic Wellness and why we’ve helped so many people.

Tips to Take With You

• — Research everything (especially your supplement products) from trusted, verified sources and talk to your health professionals. This can be tricky because anyone can post online. But some good places to start are WebMD, Mayo Clinic, or even your doctor.

• — Always check your supplements to see if they were manufactured in facilities that have certifications from the NSF, USP, or FDA. The companies should be able to provide proof if they do.

• — Don’t use natural medicine to cure life threatening or serious conditions. Supplement companies cannot claim that their products will treat, diagnose, prevent, or cure diseases. It’s illegal. So be wary of any companies or social media influencers who make these claims about their products or natural remedies. But it’s totally okay to add natural remedies to your regimen under the supervision of your doctor.

D.W. Tremaine

CEO & Co-Founder, First Holistic Wellness

First Holistic Wellness is an digital-first wellness company that offers high-quality vitamins and supplements (like its OrthoFirst brand), online workout and wellness videos, and telehealth without breaking the bank. The company has helped tens of thousands of customers take control and take care of their whole well-being. Learn more about First Holistic by exploring its wellness hub.