Experts Warn of Dangerous Vitamin Supplements Sold Online

A recent investigation has revealed that vitamin and mineral supplements sold on popular online platforms, including Amazon, eBay, and TikTok Shop, may contain dangerously high levels of certain nutrients. According to findings by the consumer advocacy group Which?, some products exceed the recommended limits by as much as 12.5 times, posing serious health risks to consumers.

The research focused on four specific supplements: vitamins A, B6, D3, and zinc. These vitamins can have significant side effects when taken in excess. Sue Davies, head of food policy at Which?, expressed concern, stating, “It’s shocking that supplements containing potentially dangerous doses of popular vitamins and minerals are so readily available online.” She highlighted the potential consequences of excessive intake, including liver damage and weakened bones.

Which? utilized guidance from the NHS and the UK’s Expert Group on Vitamins and Minerals to establish safe upper limits. The investigation uncovered alarming dosages, such as a product on AliExpress that contained 1,250μg of vitamin D3, which is 12.5 times the recommended daily dose of 100μg. Such high doses can lead to elevated calcium levels in the blood, resulting in severe health issues, including vomiting, confusion, and kidney failure.

Several products identified in the investigation raised red flags. For instance, Temu offered “Growth” and “Height Growth Maximiser” supplements from the brand Pslalae, which claimed to be suitable for children, teenagers, and adults, containing 62.5μg of vitamin D3. Other websites featured vitamin B6 supplements with doses exceeding daily recommendations by a factor of ten, and some vitamin A supplements contained five times the advised amount. Certain zinc products were also found to contain double the recommended levels.

In response to these findings, Which? is advocating for enhanced regulation and oversight of online marketplaces and supplement manufacturers. Davies stated, “Better regulation and oversight of the supplements industry is desperately needed so that consumers are not put at risk by regularly consuming products which contain more than the advised safe upper levels.”

The affected online retailers have responded to the investigation. AliExpress emphasized its commitment to product safety, stating that non-compliant products are routinely removed. In a statement to Which?, they noted, “The platform has effective prevention and control strategies in place.”

Amazon asserted that all products in its store must comply with applicable laws and regulations. A spokesperson remarked, “The products flagged by Which? meet the current government-mandated regulatory guidance in relation to upper levels for vitamins and minerals.” They acknowledged ongoing discussions about appropriate guidance in the industry.

eBay expressed its commitment to ensuring compliance with policies and laws, emphasizing that the limits set by the NHS and the Food Standards Agency’s Expert Group are advisory levels. They are reviewing their policies in line with evolving health authority guidance.

Superdrug stated that customer health and wellbeing is a priority and has removed products highlighted by Which?. Similarly, Temu affirmed compliance with UK laws and regulations regarding food supplements, pledging to promptly review and remove any listings that violate these standards.

TikTok Shop confirmed its ban on supplements containing unauthorized substances, stating that flagged listings have been removed and that it aligns its policies with regulatory guidance.

As online shopping continues to grow, the need for vigilant oversight in the dietary supplement market is underscored by these findings. With potential health risks at stake, consumers are urged to exercise caution and seek professional advice before taking any supplements.