Why Herbal Supplements Are Facing Increased Scrutiny Today
Jan 17, 2026•7 min
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Episode description
- Almost 80% of Americans take supplements — and that number keeps growing. It's no surprise supplements are everywhere. Herbal products alone bring in more than $12 billion a year
- The U.S. supplement industry is raising safety standards without banning trusted herbs. Experts advocate for clearer rules, improved testing, and consumer protection while maintaining access to beneficial natural products
- Europe is reversing course, with new European Union (EU) rules possibly requiring reformulations, restricting online sales, and limiting access to ingredients like ashwagandha
- Supplements have an exceptional, long-standing safety record, with serious adverse effects being rare compared to many medications
- In contrast to pharmaceuticals, which carry FDA-mandated "black box" warnings for known lethal risks, there has never been a confirmed death recorded as the direct result of taking a dietary supplement as intended
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