Many of us turn to supplements to enhance our health and fill nutritional voids, but their benefits are not always as they appear. At times, especially when consumed in excessive amounts or without appropriate advice, many wellness products may lead to adverse effects.
For instance, certain supplements could inadvertently elevate blood pressure and heighten the likelihood of cardiovascular issues. In an enlightening TikTok video, user @oyiheartdoctor, a physician and heart health authority, explained five natural supplements that might be “harmful to the heart” and provided reasons for their potential dangers.
5 Unexpected Natural Supplements That Could Be Harmful to the Heart, According to a Doctor
1. Yohimbine
At the beginning of the video, the creator said: "these are five supplements that may actually be harmful to the heart, especially when taken excessively or without proper guidance." Her first listed one was Yohimbine, which she said is often "marketed for weight loss or improving sexual performance." It can cause "dangerously elevated heart rate and blood pressure," she warned. The doctor also noted that these pills can "cause arrhythmias and heart attacks," and that "people are more at risk of having the side effects particularly if they have pre-existing heart conditions or high blood pressure."
2. Ma Huang
The second supplement that @oyiheartdoctor listed was Ma Huang (also known as Ephedra sinica), a "herbal supplement used for weight loss and boosting energy." She added that it "can be bad for the heart cause it can highly "stimulate the nervous system, leading to increased heart rates and elevated blood pressure," as well as a "high risk of heart attacks and strokes." It has "actually been banned in many countries including the US," but can still appear in some products or even under other names," she warned.
3. Bitter Orange
Next, she noted that "bitter orange citrus aurantium" is another "common ingredient in weight loss supplements that is bad for the heart," as it contains synephrine. This can act like ephedrine, she went on, "increasing blood pressure and heart rate with an attendant risk of arrhythmias." She stressed that it's often "combined with" caffeine. "As you can imagine, this can amplify its dangerous cardiovascular effects," the creator continued.
4. Vitamin E
A "high dose" of vitamin E, a "fat-soluble antioxidant," is also "bad for the heart," she explained. "Small doses can be heart-healthy, but high doses like 400 international units or more daily have been linked to an increased risk of heart failure and hemorrhagic stroke," she said. The doctor pointed out that "taking recommended daily amounts" can lead to benefits for the skin and immunity, and avoiding heavier doses "without medical advice" is key.
5. Calcium
Calcium supplements are "often taken for bone health, but can be bad for the heart" if taken in excess, the doctor shared. "Excessive calcium, especially from supplements rather than food," she urged, can "lead to calcium buildup in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks and atherosclerosis." This, she said, refers to "blockages in the heart arteries." She noted that you can "balance calcium intake with magnesium and vitamin D, and also vitamin K and vitamin K2." This can "ensure proper absorption and heart safety."
@oyiheartdoctor Five supplements to the heart #supplements #heart #healthy ♬ original sound - Dr. Tiktokidi heartDoc MD FACC
The Bottom Line
"While supplements can actually provide health benefits, they aren't risk-free, especially for your heart," @oyiheartdoctor advised. The TikToker also stressed that it's vital to "always consult your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you have pr-existing heart conditions or take other medications."
