Some supplements may pose risks to people with diabetes, experts say

Some surveys find that about 75% of American adults have used supplements, while federal survey data shows 58% used one in the past 30 days, but some groups should be careful, experts say.

There are many different supplements, including vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, and probiotics, designed to fill nutrient gaps and support overall well-being. Some target specific functions, such as immune support, muscle recovery and bone health, according to multiple medical sources.

Unlike prescription and over-the-counter medications, supplements are generally not approved by the FDA before they are marketed, but the FDA regulates them and can take action against unsafe or misbranded products.

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For people with diabetes, the following supplements could pose serious health risks because they may affect blood glucose levels or interact with medications, according to the National Institutes of Health.

st john’s wort

Dawn Menning, a California-based registered dietitian and certified diabetes education and care specialist with Nutu, a healthy lifestyle app, says people with diabetes should avoid taking St. John’s wort as a supplement.

Primarily touted as a natural remedy for mild to moderate depression, St. John’s wort may have additional benefits for anxiety, sleep problems, and menopausal or PMS-related symptoms.

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“This herbal remedy can interfere with many diabetes medications by affecting the way the body breaks them down,” Menning told News Digital. “This can make medications less effective and make blood sugar control more difficult.”

Chrome

This supplement is often marketed for its ability to improve blood sugar regulation in people with type 2 diabetes, Menning noted, but there is limited evidence and the research is “mixed.”

“Taking this supplement with insulin or oral diabetes medications may increase the risk of hypoglycemia,” he warned. This condition can increase the risk of dizziness, fatigue and fainting, according to Healthline.

Bitter Melon Supplements

They are often taken to help lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes, Menning noted.

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“It contains compounds like p-polypeptide, which can act like insulin,” he said. “Taking this with diabetes medications could increase the risk of hypoglycemia.”

Niacin (vitamin B3)

This supplement is sometimes used to help control cholesterol levels, but in people with diabetes, it can also raise blood sugar levels, increasing the risk of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).

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“I would caution against using high-dose niacin supplements because it can markedly raise blood sugar levels and make it more difficult to keep A1c in an optimal range,” said Michelle Routhenstein, a preventive cardiology dietitian at EntirelyNourished.com in New York, he told News Digital.

Ginseng

Asian ginseng has been linked to increased energy, focus, and immune system health. It also contains antioxidants, which can provide cellular protection, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

While it has also been linked to improved cardiometabolic factors in people with prediabetes and diabetes, some evidence suggests that ginseng may lower blood sugar levels when combined with diabetes medications.

Β-carotene

This supplement is primarily used as an antioxidant and source of vitamin A to support vision, immune function, and overall eye and skin health.

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“The American Diabetes Association recommends against giving β-carotene supplements to people with diabetes due to its association with increased risk of lung cancer and cardiovascular mortality,” Jordan Hill, a registered dietitian at Top Nutrition Coaching in Colorado, told News Digital.

Cinnamon in high doses (Cassia cinnamon)

Cinnamon is often touted as a supplement for diabetes management and weight loss, as some research has shown that it can help reduce blood sugar and insulin resistance.

However, consuming large amounts of cinnamon can enhance the effects of diabetes and cause blood sugar levels to drop too low, which can cause hypoglycemia, Healthline warns.

Cinnamon also includes a compound called coumarin, which can cause liver damage if consumed in large quantities.

Niacin (vitamin B3 in high doses)

This supplement may help promote healthy digestion, skin and nervous system function, according to the Mayo Clinic.

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High doses of nicotinic acid (a form of niacin) can raise blood sugar levels and interfere with the effectiveness of diabetes medications, the National Institutes of Health warns.

“These doses may even raise blood sugar levels in people who do not have diabetes,” the NIH states.

Aloe vera

Oral aloe vera is often recommended for diabetes, weight loss, and inflammatory bowel disease.

However, when combined with diabetes medications, it could cause blood sugar levels to drop and increase the risk of hypoglycemia with the medications, according to the National Institutes of Health. It may also cause gastrointestinal side effects.

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For most supplements, Menning noted, “there is no evidence to support a beneficial effect on diabetes or its complications.”

“The main concern with most supplements is not direct harm, but the lack of regulatory oversight.”

The American Standards of Diabetes Care states: “Without an underlying deficiency, there are no benefits of herbal or non-herbal supplements (i.e., vitamins or minerals) for people with diabetes.”

The American Association of Clinical Endocrinology recommends caution with all unregulated nutritional supplements due to their “inconsistent composition, quality, and potential for harm,” Hill said.

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“The main concern with most supplements is not direct harm, but the lack of regulatory oversight,” he told News Digital.

Experts recommend talking to a doctor before starting any supplement to understand how it could affect blood sugar levels, medications, or overall diabetes management.