Supplements and Safety (full documentary) | Hidden Dangers of Vitamins & Supplements | FRONTLINE

In 2016, FRONTLINE, The New York Times and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation examined the hidden dangers of vitamins and supplements, a multibillion-dollar industry with limited FDA oversight. (Aired 2016)
This journalism is made possible by viewers like you. Support your local PBS station here: www.pbs.org/donate​
When “Supplements and Safety” aired, it was estimated that half of all Americans took a health supplement every day, from fish oil to multivitamins to diet pills. However, the acting commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration at the time noted in “Supplements and Safety” that, “The FDA does not do any review of dietary supplements before they come onto the market, and I think that all consumers need to understand this.”
From director Neil Docherty, correspondent Gillian Findlay and Anahad O’Connor, then a reporter for The New York Times Well blog, “Supplements and Safety” explored the limited government regulation and oversight of supplement companies, and examined cases of contamination and serious health problems.
Explore additional reporting related to "Supplements and Safety" on our website:
www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/do...
“Supplements and Safety” was a FRONTLINE production with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation in collaboration with The New York Times and in association with Spin Free Productions. The director was Neil Docherty. The writer was Gillian Findlay. The producers were Neil Docherty, Anita Elash and Lisa Ellenwood. The reporter for The New York Times was Anahad O’Connor. The executive producer at large for FRONTLINE was David Fanning. The executive producer for FRONTLINE was Raney Aronson-Rath.
#Documentary #Supplements #Vitamins
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FRONTLINE is produced at GBH in Boston and is broadcast nationwide on PBS. Funding for FRONTLINE is provided through the support of PBS viewers and by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Additional support for FRONTLINE is provided by the Abrams Foundation, Park Foundation, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, the Heising-Simons Foundation, and the FRONTLINE Journalism Fund, with major support from Jon and Jo Ann Hagler on behalf of the Jon L. Hagler Foundation, and additional support from Koo and Patricia Yuen.
CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Prologue
00:50 - Limited Federal Oversight of Vitamin & Supplement Companies
15:49 - The Supplement Industry: A Powerful Lobbying Force in Washington, D.C.
31:51 - Critics Contend Some Supplements Cause Harm
44:28 - What's In the Vitamins & Supplements We Take?
51:57 - Credits

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[@kathyerb3134]

We need an update on this plse

[@StringerNews1]

"He was a chemist in college." No, he _took_ chemistry in college, like everyone else. It wasn't his profession.

[@PM2022]

'like everyone else'? I'm not sure about that, either.

[@rlud304]

@@PM2022Right,not in M’urica

[@deadpanfish]

That gal believes a lot of stuff just on word alone. Not surprised she didn't do her due diligence on much of anything.

[@happytrails5342]

Any science major is required ​@@PM2022

[@gretamurphy3704]

Exactly! He was a student who might or might not have graduated with more than a few chemistry classes to his credit.

[@bernob9770]

Frontline should do a 2nd round with this topic to see where it is after 10 years.

[@Swaggy362]

It would be the same unfortunately

[@angelalynch3530]

😮😮

[@LarryCleveland]

@@Swaggy362well where's your evidence? Generalization can go both ways.

[@RadioFreeSpike]

@LarryCleveland Well, have there been any significant changes in the enforcement regulations or the number of FDA regulators since 2016?

[@rlud304]

That only happens in America, not in actual first world countries

[@greggutube]

Originally aired in 2016. It’s 2024. Same shit. Different day.

[@le_th_]

It's almost as if you believe this hasn't been the case for decades. Why would you suddenly expect it to change? Ruthlessly greed-driven, morally bankrupt people don't suddenly grow a conscience over night.

[@rzorrilla52]

Year ago I was having pain in my right elbow and it was diagnosed as having inflammation. Went to doctors numerous times and they couldn’t figure out why I was having such inflammation. Then about the time when this program was originally released, noted that ‘bad QC fish oil’ could cause inflammation. I stopped taking fish oil and inflammation and pain went away This program was better than any of the doctors diagnosis and became very distrustful of the unregulated Supplement Industry.

[@DebbieAppelhans]

But now they're saying Tylenol, Medicine allergy Medicine that Not good for you You got arthrighteous at the point damage joint arthritis.

[@amardeepsaurabh4413]

I'm facing the same consequences although still not recovered fully.

[@gerryboudreaultboudreault2608]

Hey, salmon fish oil is very good. Most natural herbals are far superior to corporate moneymongers. Good health to you you all who refuse big pharma and use effective Nature.

[@bbb_888]

How much were you taking? I believe fish oil is good for you, but EXCESSIVE amount is bad!

[@DebbieAppelhans]

@@bbb_888 fish 🐟 oils it's better to eat the fish 🐟 I found that eating the fish 🐟 is better for me I can tell the difference between wild salmon lot's better for you cooking the wildsalmon or baking wildsalmon good for arthritis helps some

[@ropro9817]

You know it's shady when a government official or politician becomes a lobbyist. 😒

[@RoxanneM-]

What is really happening is a revolving door. Head of pharmaceuticals become politicians, they leave with their government secrets back into the pharmaceutical company, or become lobbyists. They are constantly rotating their roles and this has been going on for decades now. Sorry to say but they are usually Republicans because of the big tax cuts and other perks they continuously vote for.

[@RPDBY]

many of them do

[@williammourningcrow6000]

I agree, their should be laws in place but since some of them make the laws....

[@vinceandrich4603]

Like all industries.

[@jerodwolf5582]

Welcome to the magical world of the revolving door, which is the reason why everything gets worse in America

[@Kangarooleathershoe.]

The FDA allows known carcinogens in our food supply that most other developed nations have banned.

[@megsarna7429]

They also allow body parts of cockroaches in chocolates and cocoa

[@glowaves]

California makes an effort. At least we get alerts on several products thanks to California.

[@jasminealixandranorth]

And peanut butter :) @@megsarna7429

[@beatrixkiddo3867]

They also said the recent medical treatment forced on the world was "safe and effective".

[@de341f6]

It saved real lives in Asia. It's always Americans stirring up shit like this but then when you go to southeast Asia which has seen success with treatment has been able to keep outbreaks of even other preventable diseases under control. ​@@beatrixkiddo3867

[@tss9886]

I work in pharmacy, and we tell patients to take supplements only on the advice of their doctor and buy big corporate brands because they are afraid of lawsuits.

[@user-wi2nx6uu3t]

Wow pharmacy

[@mitru98]

OMG, the big ones, as Pfizer are protected of any type of lawsuits, and they are selling supplements as well. Don't me get started on their vaccine, and on the other drugs for Miocardytis, of any other sickness their drugs trigger.

[@ghayath2011]

The worst things that happened to the American people are their own governments.

[@tias.6675]

Can't get that through most of these imbeciles head's.

[@PaliCanon250]

False. The worst things that happen to the American people are corporate greed, and MAGA.

[@RBzee112]

It's businessmen who tell the government what laws to pass.

[@Amber-Avalon1972]

The FDA does NOT care about our health.

[@tracyeaves4847]

Did not care if the covid shot was tested or not....

[@immyammy7185]

Terrible department.

[@jacobboozell455]

@@tracyeaves4847it was tested on over 40k people before it was released to the public.

[@leyannwatson2258]

Facts on top of facts

[@kellyname5733]

Kick backs from manufacturers to the FDA

[@rm26367]

The former FDA guy is an interesting one. He speaks on both sides of his mouth. The only thing we have to do is not take any of the supplements. I think many of us know it doesn’t do anything for us but we keep taking them anyway. Thank you PBS for this documentary. I for one will go back to eating real and Whole Foods. If the FDA doesn’t care, why would a business man care about me? Thank you to those who are fighting on our behalf, they are my heroes.

[@metanoian965]

USA produce is not exactly wholesome. Mass produced for $$$$$$. Chemical laden for long transport and shelf life. Dozens of different sprays used and no one knows what any combination of these toxins do to the human body / brain. American oranges = no Vit C. lol. WTF ? Product of the USA = bright and colorful with rat poison topping. Nice.

[@annbarnes7278]

Putting mine in the trash can

[@wowJhil]

Well said!

[@metanoian965]

Vit C - Ascorbic Acid - is Not Vit C = Scam

[@nancyhoward2876]

My experience is that some of these supplements do indeed help. When I thought I was going to end up in a wheel chair because of joint problems, I started taking Andrew Lessman's Glucosamine with Chondroitin. Now I rarely feel anything in my joints, just a very slight pain every once in a while in my knee with arthritis. I highly recommend this product.

[@maurreese]

When you sell anything a person is consuming you have a moral obligation.

[@robertgrant5372]

Moral?today it’s money over morals

[@catherine3904]

This industry, including the FDA, needs to be thoroughly investigated. Urgently.

[@rlud304]

That makes zero sense. The FDA needs to be investigated by WHOM, specifically? How does one investigate an industry, specifically?

[@AD-kv9kj]

​@@rlud304 By having the courts look at a problem and then designating an independent review team and legal bodies to begin an investigation... Not sure what ideas you've been fed that make you now believe authorities are above the law and can't be investigated. It's been done many times through history - from investigating the entire cattle farming industry over bovine disease spreads to investigating multi-billion dollar corporations that operate worldwide and even investigations into entire police forces over systematic corruption and bullying etc. What is this generation now where everyone just argues literally everything in a way that is to try and excuse the most powerful and therefore dangerous organizations in society from even being ABLE to be brought to justice. Systemic corruption in big organizations and businesses is a real thing, it's been found out many many many times throughout history and is the biggest danger to humanity. Meanwhile, many of these same powerful organizations and political groups in bed with them etc spend all their time convincing most people that all kinds of little groups in society are the problem, from immigrants to children on social media...social media that was created BY these same powerful businesses run by old generations and actively and heavily marketed and fed to said children...

[@MsNooneinparticular]

The FDA doesn't regulate supplements at all, as they're not considered food or drugs thanks to DSHEA 1994 (Google it). That ruling gave supplement manufacturers free reign to inspect their OWN products for purity/quality which is a fox guarding the henhouse situation. But the FDA does need to be dismantled as it has strayed so far from its original purpose it's no longer a positive force. They're basically an enforcement arm of the pharma industry, seeking to ban anything that competes with their pills & potions.

[@user-pl4pz2xn2c]

the FDA tried to get NAC off the shelves when it turned out it was helping covid. they tried to make it prescription only

[@Anonymous-cg1vo]

@@rlud304 World Health Organization (WHO)

[@CyberspacedLoner]

The FDA needs to be split into at least 2 Agencies, 1 for Drugs Safety and 1 for Food Safety, and these agencies need better funding to be able to regulate the Market properly, without too much capture by corporate interests,

[@cocomoejoe]

Look at PMTA testing for FDA, only tobaccoo companies were evaluated and approved. They started in 2016and haven't touched it. Same thing with the EVALI (Vitamin E Acetate) found in THC cartridges

[@-Free.Spirit-]

FDA should be defunded and reviewed. They push big pharma drugs that show fraudulent study data hiding erious risks and overlook safety issues and use of EUAs. They are abusing our trust and their authority

[@RooneyMac]

Oh and then the USDA 😵‍💫 Which one is supposed to regulate what, gets fuckin tangled

[@armedrebellion47]

The FDA is a joke... They're in the business of having a SICK population, not a HEALTHY population.

[@RoxanneM-]

You can’t trust their “regulations” when in fact they themselves are “funded” by the big pharmaceutical companies, and the Food Industry. We need to start cleaning our institutions like the FDA, who has three decades long history of corruption and whose officials are the result of the revolving door of same corporations into/out of the FDA, and Washington.

[@LeonardoAndrade-js2vo]

Psychedelics saved me from years of uncontrollable depression, anxiety, smoking, and illicit pills addiction. Imagine carving heavy chains for over a decade and then all of a sudden that burden is gone. Believe it or not, in a couple of years they'll be all over for treatment of mental health related issues.

[@LiamGoossens]

Psilocybin is legal in some states and mushroom therapy is allowed in many states as a legitimate medical treatment. So I believe soon it'll be globally used as a treatment for anxiety, depression, and more.

[@VeraVictoria-ky5bc]

To be honest, mushrooms are one of the most amazing things on the planet and it is natural, they serve in many ways not only for mental related issues.

[@AnteroKinnunen]

Can you help me with a reliable source I would really appreciate it. Many people talk about mushrooms and psychedelics but nobody talks about where to get them. It is very hard to get a reliable source here in New Zealand. Really need!

[@DawsonByron]

Yes, Sporeville. I had the same experience with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and addiction... Mushrooms definitely made a huge difference to why I'm clean today.

[@HelgaKlein-vq1zy]

I wish they were readily available in my place. Microdosing was my next plan of care for my husband. He's 59 & has many mental health issues plus probably CTE & a TBI that left him in a coma 8 days. It's too late now I had to get a TPO as he's 6'6 300+ pound homicidal maniac. He's constantly talking about killing someone. He's violent. Anyone reading this Familiar w/ BPD knows if it is common for an obsession with violence.

[@cara7356]

"How can it be that you can sell something without any evidence that it's safe, or effective?" How can such questions be raised when the pharmaceutical industry consistently releases products that not only fail to work effectively but also lead to severe side effects and even fatalities? In contrast, supplements do not have these harmful consequences.

[@LarryGuidry-cz4sd]

Consumer protection agency removed by the big business Republicans along with all the other big shot law rigging.

[@KiwiG2020]

They run clinical trials before they're allowed on the market. It may not be effective for everyone but may be effective for many people. There are no similar trials conducted for supplements. And its crazy some don't even have the ingredient they say they do. That's outright lying. at least with prescription meds a number of side effects are known and there's a better reporting system for side effects when released.

[@calikokat100]

the fact that this is from 2016 and its now 2024...and nothing has changed ...

[@weirdshibainu]

I work in the nutraceutical industry and there has been change, but only slightly. The problem is that more and more of the supplements are coming directly from China, with virtually zero oversight directly into the warehouses that sell online, including the biggest one on the planet. The problem with Purity First is that the operators knew just enough to be dangerous. The fact that she relied on the CMO to self test and produce a COA (Certificate of Analysis) is deeply flawed. You always quarantine the production batch, assign a lot number and send a sample to an outside lab for testing. A good lab would have found the contaminants.

[@NaturallyGifted77]

Nope

[@juliamihasastrology4427]

I assure you that pharmaceutical drugs kill more people than supplements

[@greggutube]

Hilarious! I commented almost the same exact thing after watching this 🙃

[@WeighedWilson]

better get another booster...

[@zuzannazmud9043]

"I got my 25, where are yours?" What a creep.

[@smlince]

Idk played well with me

[@Zach-ls1if]

What? He did. Everyone else is just being a drama queen and complaining, he actually did something.

[@precioustraveler]

@@Zach-ls1ifIt was his JOB!

[@mithicash1444]

He said it the wrong way, the broader point was that prosecuting and shutting down manufacturers is a long and tedious process.

[@Joshua-dc4un]

​@@Zach-ls1if yay clap for him doing his job

[@DAVADMDAVAD]

Remember the guy who worked for FDA, took bribes from Purdue, and then went to work for Purdue?

[@sabrina.natalie]

Yes. His name was Curtis Wright. He was the guy at the FDA who approved Oxytocin and marked it as “less addictive” (which we now all realize wasn’t true.) He left the FDA in October 1997. He then went to work at a pharmaceutical company called Adolor Corporation (which was acquired by Pfizer). And then by December 1998, he started working at Purdue Pharma.

[@immyammy7185]

OMG messed up society.

[@johnjoe4415]

see the revolving door works

[@besnkinic]

yep! how about the diabetes drug that caused genitals to rot off? this documentary is an fda commercial and fear mongering towards vitamin companies... always gonna be $ vs health

[@AdoraTsang]

Thanks, I didn't know. Totally messed up...

[@p.c.h.6721]

My grandma died when she turned 103 years old, she never took vitamins, just a healthy diet, and a lot of walking.

[@operationpaperclip3952]

Only the INFORMED + RICH can AFFORD Organic. So, a "Healthy Diet" no longer EXISTS.

[@no-qm1kn]

ok but compare the foods she ate throughout the most of her lifetime with the ones we eat now? I am not talking just about processed foods, but the nutritional value decline in veggies.

[@p.c.h.6721]

@no-qm1kn I think we can still be healthy eating today's veggies and fruits, and so on. I'm not saying that a few vitamin pills per week are bad, but most people overdo it.

[@user-wi2nx6uu3t]

They give pregnant women vitamins

[@flowerpower3618]

That makes me want to take more. No interest in being that old . My mom is 93, no thank you .

[@GrammaElaine]

All I know is that I go to the MD for my diagnosis, and then fix my condition with vitamins and minerals, with no side effects. So much good information in books and on the internet, wish I'd had all that before I had some of my surgeries, which may have been unnecessary. Many supplements are herbs which are useful for medicine, and from which many medicines have been formulated so a profit can be made.

[@PAWPRINTS-ml6fi]

Same here, but I'm a trained nutritionist I learned about herbs and TCM

[@67Stu]

Me too. I have an extensive health and nutrition background. It's ironic that when I see an MD, I know more about the ailment in question than the MD in question.

[@QueenetBowie]

Kudos to the interviewer for calling out so many of these dudes on their bull shit. Also kudos to that Canadian dude for working with a large vitamin company to actually begin certifying the ingredients

[@dianasandstrom5562]

Why hasn’t this much attention been directed to the jabs?

[@PeterLawrence_]

@@dianasandstrom5562cause these media companies are sponsored by Pfizer

[@sjones3191]

The guy even started stuttering when asked about fish oil preventing heart attacks.

[@sarahsnowe]

The interviewer is Canadian, too.

[@marym.garcia4147]

Agreed. She was excellent.

[@oh_my_science]

Daniel Fabricant is a villain. If his objectives for this interview included being confrontational & making us uncomfy, he nailed it.

[@Bee-hf3fc]

I googled this guy to confirm this doc wasn't using an actor to sound villainous. This guy is real and beyond sleezy. That comment about I got 25 where's yours. Cringe.

[@smlince]

That was my favorite line of presentation.

[@davidduarte2887]

He’s definitely a scumbag.

[@shandy9421]

When he was first got him on screen and was described as a previous regulator, I thought his tone in his responses was so off. When they revealed where he's at now it made sense.

[@davidduarte2887]

Yeah he doesn’t come off as trustworthy at all.

[@davidn.5803]

Profit(s) before people...! These companies should be held accountable. Absolutely disgusting.

[@Abdullah97484]

25 employees managing 85,000 supplements that’s America for you.

[@loveKG26]

Looks like fraud.

[@tamizorge17]

If the government was really concerned they would eliminate all the horrible processed and junk foods, GMO's, preservatives, gluten, sugar and seed oils.

[@Val.Kyrie.]

Bingo. All skimmed dairy should be illegal as well. It's sugar water and has zero nutrition, high oxidization. Margarine should be banned entirely.

[@jessiporch7715]

Eliminate all gluten?

[@constancemccoy6931]

Sugar and added sugar. Why does the consumer need added sugar?

[@JasRenea]

It’s called population control 😔

[@tamizorge17]

Yeah it's inflammatory ​@@jessiporch7715

[@wilburh2m]

"Because it's essentially a complete unknown - buying a dietary supplement, unless you have some proof of what is in that product." The same unfortunately could be said about farm-raised fish, and all other forms of agriculture.

[@02loud]

Facts, this hits hard as a pescatarian 😅

[@rabbitears8665]

Think about all the chicken we’ve eaten shot full of steroids. I’ve bought chicken breasts bigger than a woman’s breast that’s a double D.

[@kenwheelock2740]

and clot shots. doh

[@IHGChick]

And all forms of food additives, in human food and pet foods.

[@ReflectedMiles]

@@02loud Agriculture = dietary supplements? What's facts about that, and especially to a pescatarian? Time to go back to pescy school.

[@DavidLeein5D]

When I refused the supplement ordered for me in the hospital the nurse went crazy. Had to remind her that just bc I was admitted doesn't mean I have to take anything they throw at me. Didn't want to Karen out, but I called the nursing supervisor to complain about her professionalism. It was a bummer day.

[@SET12DSP]

That's right people have to learn to say NO its their God given right. I too have had a nurse freak out after I refused meds. I am reversing my heart disease with the Linus Pauling Heart Protocol so far by 30% in 20 months verified by CAC.

[@chuysontest4425]

I’m 34 now, at 28 I started going to a Endocronolagist for my hormones , I was low on iron , fish oil, vitamin d, DHEA, I was told by the doctor to take 10,000 iu a day with k2 to help absorb it in body, I didn’t listen and took 400 iu a day, same with fish oil, supposed to take 3,000 a day, I took 800 , every 3 months I go get blood work and my levels never moved up for a year straight , until I started to do what they said, my problem with this documentary is 1- they assume your body will absorb the entire supplement (that’s not how it works) 2- people just take a pill without seeing and knowing their levels , that’s like taking a shot in the dark, of course that’s dangerous, 3- get follow ups and see if the stuff your taking is good, not wanting to pay for blood work every 3-6 months could cost you your life

[@godofallgodswithnoothernam920]

Thank you ❤

[@egaxorz]

no fucking way this guy's last name is Fabricant

[@shannonmoynihan8957]

I know right!!

[@molliwilson5639]

😂😂

[@FighterFlash]

He knows the consequences

[@lulumort]

Fabricating all kinds of evidence!

[@immyammy7185]

You got that right.

[@leonaperdue8784]

“Safe and effective”. What an interesting phrase that’s become.

[@toweronthehill]

Wow! Thank you for this report, very eye opening.

[@gabymalembe]

I use 2 dozen supplements, and only use brands that are certified that independent laboratories have verified that the label is accurate. It doesn’t prove that it’s working, but I’m 80, active, and nothing hurts so I plan to keep going.

[@great-garden-watch]

What vitamin C and k2 do you use? Id really like to keep using these two but don’t want something dangerous

[@Yosef9438]

@@great-garden-watch Just eat oranges and leafy greens. There is no reason to supplement Vit C and K.

[@gabymalembe]

@@great-garden-watch I don’t take vitamin C, but I take nattokinase (Double Wood) and Complete K (Thorne) for K-2.

[@gabymalembe]

@@great-garden-watch I don’t take Vitamin C. For K-2 I take Thorne Vitamin K which has lots of K-2, and Double Wood Nattokinase.

[@gabymalembe]

@@Yosef9438 leafy greens have tons of K-1 but no K2.

[@adrianfoca865]

FDA serves the wealthy well

[@lilyherbal2262]

Thank you for conducting research on this matter. I kindly request that you also look into protein, muscle builder drinks, and supplements. It is crucial for consumers to have accurate information regarding these products.🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@LynxStarAuto]

That's already been exposed. Numerous times. In the early 2000's they found traces of a chemical used in pesticides in a popular protein powder at the time. I want to say it was Met-Rx

[@BeBeautifullyYou]

About a year ago, I started taking a supplement from one of the at home shopping channels for joint pain. Had terrible leg cramps from day one. Took for 3 days and sent them back! Cramps stopped immediately!

[@lindaflesch7303]

HSN??

[@utubes720]

8 years later and it's only gotten worse. Amazing.

[@Desaved]

They need to revisit this for 2024. It's absolutely outrageous to see these products are still unregulated.

[@juliek.8239]

Oh, but go get a booster. Idiots. This ship sailed ions ago. Say NO to FDA and PbS

[@onekerri1]

Commie.

[@Desaved]

Fool!@@onekerri1

[@jamie.777]

You love REGULATION!! You commies are afraid of hard work, and you welcome "hand outs"

[@WeighedWilson]

regulated does not mean safe

[@Mackcolak-xf5bk]

Here are some key takeaways from the video about Supplements and Safety: 1. Supplements are a $30 billion industry in the US, with about half of Americans taking a supplement daily. However, critics argue many supplements are fraudulent, contaminated, or could be dangerous and should be better regulated. 2. The FDA does little to no review or testing of supplements before they hit the market. Manufacturers don't have to prove safety or effectiveness. This lack of oversight enables problems like contamination and inaccurate labeling. 3. Multiple examples are given of supplements causing harm, including a case where steroids contaminated vitamins, leading to side effects in dozens of people. However, the FDA's response was described as "glacial," taking months to act even when repeatedly notified of issues. 4. Lobbying and industry influence have shaped regulations to be very favorable to manufacturers. Key legislation like the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act was heavily influenced by industry figures rather than impartial experts or consumer advocates. 5. Evidence suggests a significant portion of supplements may not contain what they claim or may be contaminated. DNA testing has found products completely lacking the listed herbs, containing filler instead of active ingredients. 6. Many common supplements like vitamins and fish oil lack clear evidence they provide benefits when used preventatively in healthy individuals. And some supplements, when taken in very high doses, may actually increase disease risks. In summary, the core argument is there are deep flaws in the supplements industry and regime around testing, oversight, and claims that necessitate major reforms to protect consumers.

[@flowerpower3618]

A+.

[@boukmananddessalines5522]

Thank you for this great report with some extraordinary valuable information.

[@makeadifference4all]

The documentary highlights two problems: unsubstantiated health claims, and unverified product ingredients and ingredient quality. To address the second problem, I recommend looking for reputable supplement companies with third-party labs testing their products.

[@memibrowne1945]

what’s considered reputable? Because I’m looking at my Nature’s Bounty supplement side eye right now

[@johnfatorich3494]

Good luck

[@kenbob1071]

You forgot the third problem: sleazy politicians who get their marching orders from greedy Corporate America to deregulate the industry. In short: Capitalism.

[@davidpowellseattle]

DNA testing can tell us what it is or is not. Seems like that should be done consistently across the industry. So, tell us what we are taking. Health claims are another story... Maybe with enough testing we can actually find the next miracle cure. How did we find Penicillin? How did we decide that blood letting was not a cure?

[@ethereal369]

Third-party lab analysis.

[@windupmerchant82]

In America, if you pay the authorities will look the other way.

[@jcymngo]

Anywhere.

[@Skylark-nu4qt]

Thank you, Frontline!

[@CubanDreads]

I just like to say thank you Frontline for creating all of these series and for the commentator who is becoming a staple in American culture. I go to sleep many nights, listening to different episodes and it really is informative and calming.

[@LawsOfMoses]

When are they gonna do one like this for big pharma 😂😂😂

[@BORAT_211]

I’m single too.

[@unitedstatesirie7431]

there is fear and favoritism in the newsroom.

[@mrmustangman]

never

[@keithc1335]

There are many documentaries on big pharma. Just try looking. Ever heard of Oxy?

[@rlud304]

Way to stay on topic👍

[@shannonmoynihan8957]

There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that Mr. Fabricant is lying through his teeth. It’s scary, the way he smiles at the interviewer. It’s as if he’s trying to placate her, that he thinks she is telling him ridiculous things because she doesn’t know any better. He believes he is too important to take these issues seriously. How fitting that Fabricant just fabricates the reality of the situation.

[@oliviastar3812]

well said

[@stevewong3353]

What a weasel.

[@ShellyBomb]

Appropriate name re "FABRICANT" 😂

[@greggutube]

I thought the same about his name.

[@buchyvon]

I agree! That smiling smirkiness was a tell.

[@Azucena202]

Excellent documentary! Thank you sooooo much 😊

[@Blessed_Sucre]

Kudos to the team that put this brilliant piece together!

[@wednesdayschild3627]

Big pharmaceutical companies are buying vitamin companies. Fact

[@elizabethlode9822]

NOT ALL prescription drugs are safe and effective... money. Bottom line. Money

[@mitchweber7868]

Dude what? I can't believe they say that lol, tons of prescription drugs come with a lot of side effects. I don't see how they determine what's safe and what's not lol. I don't know.

[@bmcagent]

Funny this video came out in 2016 and they re-released it yesterday?

[@Limerick502]

Adverse reactions to prescription drugs are the third leading cause of death in the US.

[@willowsnider3824]

And my mom who is a doctor told me allll about how since laws were passed during Trumps presidency, all prescription drugs have gotten worse with how much they are under and OVER in amounts of drug contents inside. And is more and more way PAST what the FDA even allows which is already too much generally and with certain drugs that could be a life or death situation. My mom said she knew it was bad when a whole bunch of her patience with a variety of health concerns/issues all started not having their medication be affective anymore😭 I also always ask this, Because two think can’t be true at once only one or the other. If Walgreens charges $700 dollars for a medication of 30 pills for a month with no insurance, but Safeway will fill the “same” prescription for $15. EITHER ONE: they are both the same drug but one place is able to charge THAT MUCH MORE? Orrrr TWO: are the meds that are $700 that much better in quality than the $15??? AND THE ANSWER NO MATTER WHAT IS SO MESSED UP!??? I don’t understand 🥸🥸🥸😭😭😭

[@willowsnider3824]

@@bmcagentI was tryna not trip out cuz like they kept referencing these old ass studies and k kept checking the date saying “uploaded two days ago” idk nothing in the world or even on KZbin or anywhere has been making sense🤣🥸 I’m just tryna hold on in this wild ass world gosh dammit😭🤣🙏

[@russh6414]

Can Frontline do a segment on prescription drugs? I see the approval and regulation of these as a far more serious epidemic. Some of the side effects on prescription medication’s are worse than what their prescribing the thing for. Been there done that have the T-shirt.

[@JH-lz4dh]

Yes and on the generic drug scandal

I agree

[@down-to-earth-mystery-school]

Same here, two very bad prescription drugs, especially for the treatment of pain

[@bmcagent]

You are supposed to fall for the propaganda that only big pharma can be trusted. Now be a good sheep and stop asking questions😜

[@Val.Kyrie.]

Yes. My mom died from "safe effective" prescriptions when I was a child. I'd rather her taken the "risky" supplements.

[@hisaogyakushi6401]

Thank you for providing your program at such a timely manner as Japan.😊

[@chatmall]

Thank you, Great documentory.

[@Channel95TV]

Notes: 1. Someones gotta do something about this. 2. I gotta start selling supplements.

[@avivaleh]

🤣

[@Xfhcgnjffhjmjvfg]

No wonder Alex Jones and the NRA spokesperson sell them.

[@DebbieAppelhans]

brainwashing as people's because brainwashing is greed.

[@LynxStarAuto]

All you need is a catchy name, and some fancy art for the packaging. You'll be in business

[@PorterWood09]

Convince me pharmaceutical companies don’t pay off labs to get products through the system as fast as possible. This of course limits the quantity and quality of the testing. Clarify as to why pharmaceutical companies have legal shielding through the federal government against lawsuits from negative effects. You can sue supplement manufacturers but not pharmaceutical companies. That says A LOT.

[@tammiemoore6055]

Amen.

[@kimlarso]

Bc they’re investors

[@imaniwilson1848]

Exactly!

[@mialuz8856]

I would definitely appreciate this level of research, analysis & reporting on the effects of the jab on the population.

[@morecontenttalk7077]

I’m so glad people are finally looking into this very obvious scandal.

[@pococurante9754]

I'll simply say, when I don't take my supplements I feel like shit. When I do I feel great. But I buy from credible companies. I'm halfway through and it is basically an expose of one company.

[@nelegrie8205]

Can u name tye brands?

[@MakerInMotion]

Maybe I'm just cynical, but I think FDA approved means you sent the FDA a bunch of money. When the check clears, some FDA employee gets up from one of his naps and clicks APPROVED.

[@cliffhooper3558]

I knew I guy who worked at the FDA and he had some nightmare stories. Like ruin food for you stories and this was 15 years ago. This Corporate Government crap has gotten so much worse. Think your on the money there brother

[@sohu86x]

That's definitely not how it works. And you have zero evidence. A feeling is not evidence.

[@floopajoopa]

there is no such thing as FDA Approved unless something is a pharmaceutical. if you see that on a food or supplement label, there's your first red flag

[@MakerInMotion]

@@sohu86x I know how people work. The FDA is staffed with people. Been keeping up on the news? The FAA approved everything Boeing did on the 737 Max with zero due dilligence. The EPA announced the water in East Palestine was safe before they had bothered to test it. Welcome to the real world.

[@TakenTook]

@@MakerInMotion-- What is your specific medical or scientific training? I'm not saying that government agencies are perfect or should always be trusted, but there is much more to getting something FDA approved than you are implying

[@teacup3064]

Thanks to all the reports for their hardwork

[@constancemccoy6931]

Fantastic show! Thank you!!!

[@ta2034]

Since the documentary didn't include this info: Purity First B-50 supplements were contaminated with Dimethazine and Methasterone. Both are DHT-heavy anabolics that are heavily androgenic. This means that they are the worst steroids for women to take, and the most likely to cause masculinizing effects (body and facial hair, deepening voice, enlarged clitoris). Awful situation, but I see how it happened. These anabolics were being sold by supplement companies at that time under the guise of being vaguely legal prohormones.

[@isocarboxazid]

UGH I was WONDERING what happened to my swollen clitoris! I was like, this is so weird because I'm a man!!

[@JoyOfDoingNothing]

😆🤣🙃I gotta laugh...thanks...@@isocarboxazid

[@chrislastnam6822]

What's a prohormone ?

[@ta2034]

@@chrislastnam6822 A prohormone is a substance that is metabolized in the body into a steroid hormone analogue, as opposed to actual steroids that don't require first-pass metabolism by the liver to be active. Because of the requirement of metabolism, prohormones have to be methylated and consumed orally, and are very hard on the liver. Regular anabolic steroids can be injected into the muscle.

[@giovanna722]

​@@isocarboxazid Psst..it's your peepee.

[@hafunland894]

I'm glad to hear that Frontline is doing a documentary on the dangers of drugs when Drug overdose deaths involving prescription opioids rose from 3,442 in 1999 to 17,029 in 2017. From 2017 to 2019, the number of deaths declined to 14,139. This was followed by a slight increase in 2020, with 16,416 reported deaths. In 2021, the number of reported deaths involving prescription opioids totaled 16,706. As a reference point 40,934 Americans died in Vietnam. About 127,000 Americans died from drug overdoses involving a synthetic opioid other than methadone (primarily fentanyl) in 2020 and 2021 alone compared with 65,278 U.S. military personnel who died in Iraq, Afghanistan and Vietnam. Medication errors are one of the most common medical mistakes. They may involve prescribing the wrong drug, the wrong dose, or failing to account for drug interactions. Every year in the U.S., between 7,000 and 9,000 patients die as a result of a medical error. I am glad Frontline will be covering these serious deadly issues also. Thank you!

[@kimlarso]

That’s a too low real percentage of deaths due to medical error👉there’s twice that amount hidden & forever unknown

[@keithc1335]

They have an episode called “Opioids, Inc.” you might enjoy.

[@lindaflesch7303]

It's not the drugs, I got addicted to Opiods overprescribed, took me 8 months to get off of them.

[@jameswahome4365]

Very educative can't wait for you to drop another documentary.

[@sarahlockridge7879]

Supplements saved my life. This article is pushed by doctors treating symptoms and not the root cause.

[@no-qm1kn]

exactly.

[@anairenemartinez165]

You used a reputable store like GNC

[@PAWPRINTS-ml6fi]

EXCELLENT COMMENT

[@sarahlockridge7879]

@@anairenemartinez165 actually I don't like GNC . I used brands my doctor recommended.

[@utubes720]

Daniel Fabricant is a criminal and should be put in jail.

[@Documentx-ie4ly]

PFIZER MODERNA ELI LILLY ARE CRIMINAL!!! NOT THIS GUY!

[@utubes720]

@@Documentx-ie4ly I think you meant “Daniel Fabricant is a criminal, the same as the pharmaceutical industry executives”. The difference is Daniel Fabricant betrayed his FDA position and the American people it is supposed to protect. So arguably, he is both a corrupt criminal and a traitor.

[@immyammy7185]

Very true.

[@user-dc9xz8si8v]

TODAY!

[@MonkeyDelicious]

He jumped ship to make money.

[@Garbagefly]

Its crazy how much of this stuff is prescribed to nursing home pts.

[@DebbieAppelhans]

Scary cause they're test subjects just like they're abusing animals for 2 dangerous drugs.

[@anngerald7770]

Well “FDA said nobody DIED keep selling it”

[@DebbieAppelhans]

@@anngerald7770 Yeah, but you don't know that for sure. Cause I believe Preserve it as you know, it's safe. are do companies so much preserve or whatever yeah, careful.

[@marciesolis1300]

Amazing as usual 👏 it's all about the profit regardless the consequences. You nail it one more time. Thank you for the continued awareness. 😊

[@matthew-jy5jp]

Frontline is the best journalism on TV today. And I truly believe that PBS is our national treasure

[@russianaloha4576]

I have to agree 💞

[@scottevers8425]

It's a bit left leaning to be truly trusted IMHO.

[@GeneralLizations]

@@scottevers8425 if even the most objectively unbiased journalism seems left of you, have you thought maybe because you've been leaning too far right?

[@LG-ri1nf]

​@scottevers8425 I agree. Many of their reports are unbalanced and reveal a bias. If others don't see it, it's likely because their views align with the reporting.

[@andrewfolsom3836]

Absolutely

[@MichaelToub]

Convinced, thanks !

[@down-to-earth-mystery-school]

Who says prescription drugs are all safe and effective? I’ve taken two different pharmaceuticals that gave me terrible physical and mental reactions, plus they were habit forming. I’ve taken vitamins since childhood, no reactions at all.

[@rebeccakeeney9839]

Ditto here. I've had 5 different adverse reactions to prescription medications. None with the multitude of natural supplements I take because of other health issues. They have only been a benefit to me.

[@nomanejane5766]

You are being obtuse. Prescription meds tell you BEFORE what the side effects are. They are also tested several times, to make sure they are safe and effective, all this is available to you to look up.

[@hopelaurel2207]

Stupid is as stupid does. You keep taking those meds and see how it plays out for you, Gump.

[@keithc1335]

Try answering your own question. This episode was about supplements, not prescription drugs.

[@joefish4466]

Great logic. Taking something (supplements) that does virtually nothing and you're wondering why you haven't been poisoned yet. However, take something with known benefits and side effects, proven through research, and you only complain about the side effects. FYI, ALL drugs have side effects. Some just have a longer list with worse side effects. Realize that prescription drugs are mostly safe and effective, and you take them if it makes you better relative to not taking them for the disease that could kill you. Example, you can take a given antibiotic for MRSA, but that antibiotic will give you a very bad rash or you can die. Your choice.

[@RoxanneM-]

Let’s talk about the corruption at the FDA first, also in research, medical education, universities, Food Industry, and what Citizens United means and how it facilitated the legal bribery in Washington. As for supplements, there are standardized products and then there are ‘others.’

[@joefish4466]

The FDA is not inherently corrupt. The people that fund the FDA are corrupt, so basically Congress (look at yourself in the mirror, because you voted them in). How does anyone expect the FDA to do anything when their budget is bare bones? They have 20 people handling the supplement issue. There are no "standardized products", which was the point of the video. When you take a supplement in the US, you are either taking something that is fake, or you are taking something that does nothing, or you are going to get hurt from taking something that was a waste of your time and money.

[@jtempleton1465]

Thank you for airing this vital program.

[@jwasswansubuga]

Thank you for this information

[@michaelRay2576]

Thank you Frontline for another informative top notch documentary .You always deliver & NEVER disappoint.

[@KCbostons]

Thank you for sharing this super important information. So important for consumers so thank you!!

[@Iceland874]

I’ve had severe reactions to every prescription and over the counter medication that doctors have prescribed. I’ve taken herbs and supplements off and on for 50 years and am healthy, strong, and earned 2 graduate degrees while working full time and walking 5 miles a day in my 50s. To each his own. I feel confident that what I take from time to time is not doing any harm.

[@andrewryabchenko2407]

Great investigation. Thank you!

[@davestein860]

Frontline PBS. Could you please do a follow up documentary to see if the safety concerns have changed for the better or worse

[@shannonmoynihan8957]

Yes!

[@DoveofHope2]

The one thing that the researcher about the Vitamin D supplements did not tell you is that vitamin K2 drives the calcium that goes into the bloodstream due to vitamin D intake into the bone. Magnesium is also a part of this reaction. She also didn’t specify if she was testing Vitamin D2 or Vitamin D3. Why not actually use your intelligence and time to find out what actual healthy amounts to take are and which other vitamins to take at safe levels? Definitely consult your doctor before making any changes though.

[@giovanna722]

Doesn't K2 make sure the calcium goes into the bones rather than the bloodstream where it can cause plaque?

[@giovanna722]

I see that's what you said, only it wasn't clear.

[@andreaandrea6716]

Seriously? Doctors know next to NOTHING about supplements/food/diet. They won't be able to give you any information worth having.

[@WeighedWilson]

they are writing a narrative, not a tutorial.

[@gurgleblurgle7345]

Thank you. They also didn't mention that recommended daily intake is only to prevent fatal disease and is not optimized for healthy outcomes.

[@normthom123]

In the USA there is rarely a death from supplements. Yet every year hundreds of thousands die from taking pharmaceutical drugs as prescribed. Make that make sense.

[@rlud304]

Thanks for sharing those shocking completely made up statistics you pulled out of your as$.

[@keithc1335]

You pull these “facts” directly out of your ass?

[@madcatter1]

PBS=Pure Bull Sh*t

[@anps111]

That’s an amazing and eye opening documentary! Thank you so much

[@Sean_Shaun_Shawn]

Amazon is the worst for this. I tried 5 of the top selling Omega 3 supplements on Amazon and couldn't find a single one that didn't smell horrible and was obviously extremely oxidised. Most of them also falsified or made the doses of EPA/DHA purposefully confusing to try and out compete.

[@mithicash1444]

I get my supplements through the Vitamin Shoppe brand. For a decade now I have never had quality issues with their products.

[@johnnyflores1978]

Take Krill Oil

[@chrislastnam6822]

​@@johnnyflores1978who said krill oil from a supplement store isn't old and rancid? Krill is very low in mercury but the supplement form may be toxic

[@chantellucky4565]

Dr. Mark Hyman recommended Dutch Habor Omega fish oil from Big Bold Health is supposed to be pure and natural, so I tried one bottle which is a liquid form, so far so good I guess, not much fishy smell but needs to be refrigerated after opened.

[@user-iq6xx7rc5q]

​@chantellucky4565 do they pay him for endorsing their product ... God its a quagmire ...who do we trust?

[@mydogniko]

I love how so many of the first comments talk about the video like they watched the entire thing 5 minutes after it posted 😂

[@BOZOSLIVEHERE]

In the first five minutes: "Self-taught medicine enthusiast creates pharmaceutical company with quack chiropractor husband." Looks to be a wild one!

[@glitchsister]

well it did originally air January 19th 2016. people have in fact had time to think of things lmao

[@CallMeByMyMatingName]

Lol. Someone 8 years in the behind.

[@r.claymccullough890]

I started watching this video six minutes after it was posted and there were already eight comments. That’s absurd.

[@ZMAN_420]

@@r.claymccullough890 The episode originally aired in 2016.

[@andy70d35]

Glad I am in Europe, they are very strict in Europe what is in food and supplements. Would NEVER use a product that has come from America or, worse, China.

[@misswill8488]

Thanks for this.

[@patrarus6097]

Excellent documentary. Thank you so much!

[@jeanniewoelfle834]

Supplements aside and I appreciate this video; however, when they speak about prescription drugs being safe, who exactly is monitoring those? You see the commercials every night for all these different prescription drugs and all of the side effects that they may cause. Within a few months to a year, you then see commercials for the law offices bringing cases against those prescription drugs. So who's really selling the snake oil and who's regulating the prescription drugs that seem to come out every few months? Prescription drugs causing extreme side effects are no better and are just as costly.

[@lilitalia777]

I used to take many supplements to help with "health" and weight lifting. After going plant based three years ago, I realized I felt the same (if not better) without them. I get bloodwork done quarterly and outside of the multivitamin, will only supplement the things I am deficient in (iron due to my running, magnesium, B12).

[@lasv69]

Thanks Frontline, I appreciate your efforts in bringing forth information to assist in bettering our lives. I would love to see a more vigerous effort in challenging both sides of an investigation a little more equally if that is even possible. Perception and perspective of the human mind is easily influenced as you well know. Please use your platform and influence as wisely as possible. Thanks! 🙏

[@rlud304]

What tf are you blathering about? What other side of investigation? Why don’t you understand how facts work? It’s just not okay to be this stupid.🤦🏻‍♀️

[@NotFluplaxio]

18:15 dude was literally a regulator that got bought off. It’s the same tactic used to push hydrocodone. I’m sure you would find an interesting flight log and vacation history 💀

[@JasonBoyce]

i shot a documentary in Ireland a few years ago about a bunch of guys who got jailed protesting Shell. When getting Shell's side, they put us in touch with their PR guy who we later found out was a former BBC journalist who reported on Shell's environmental problems. Money talks, and most of us are poor enough that these buyouts will make a real difference

[@chrislastnam6822]

What idiot doesn't know opiates are dangerous?

[@Lulu-kt6gr]

And where do we find the 2017 results on vitamin D?

[@robertdrowning6717]

Published 2018 in the New England Journal of Medicine: Vitamin D Suppliments and Prevention of Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease, JoAnne Manson et al (her study) From the conclusion: "Supplimentation with vitamin D did not result in a lower incidence of invasive cancer or cardiovascular events than placebo." Also: "no excess risks of hypercalcemia or other adverse health events were identified" Patients (50 and older) received vitamin D3 at 2000 IU per day, and another group received omega 3s at 1g per day. There were two control groups. In terms of health outcomes, all groups were within 5% variation of each other. The omega 3 and Vitamin D studies were published separately, but both can be found by searching for JoAnne Manson and scrolling to the publications page on her Harvard bio.

[@EllisIsland2023]

PLEASE DO AN UPDATE. this is so important

[@user-hq3wm3ty6f]

Thank God I watched this documentary!

[@RC-qf3mp]

If you want fish oil, eat canned sardines. Delicious, and you’ll feel better, and you’ll see the results on your face with better skin. I started eating canned sardines every day for a few weeks in preparation for a hiking a trip where I’ll be taking the sardines. Wrinkles in my forehead are shrinking. Blackheads on my nose disappeared. Lots of superfoods out there. Just eat them and ditch the supplements. Avocados. Blueberries (organic), ginger root, kimchi. Would love to see a pbs documentary comparing whole food to supplements to drugs. I’ll take a daily dose of canned sardines against any drug or supplement.

[@chrislastnam6822]

Fish are full of toxic mercury and I hate fish .

[@Yosef9438]

Exactly this. There is little evidence that vitamins and minerals from supplements are even absorbed the way they are from food.

[@kimlarso]

Gotta be careful now that Fukushima dumping is going down

[@Shellbee22]

Wish I liked them (sardines) I eat salmon

[@RC-qf3mp]

@@Shellbee22there’s a wide variety of canned sardines of varying quality. Get Nuri spiced (in extra virgin olive oil with cloves, carrot and cucumber, and bay leaves). Tastes change. It takes exposure of around 7 times to be acquainted with new foods.

[@arminjafari8704]

Where is the problem? She started making them in home without related university degree and FDA do not check them before public use.

[@JohnDoe-rk1ck]

😂😂😂😂

[@frankshorter449]

Candice Tripp doesn't look well herself?

[@isacece1334]

@@frankshorter449i thought the same….yikes

[@Anne_Onymous]

Supplements saved my life. And if the government had their way, you wouldn't be able to get them OTC.

[@SharonSummerford]

Thank you. blessings.

[@dlg5485]

The discussion on vitamin D3 totally ignores the roll that vitamin K plays in vitamin D synthesis. The absence of vitamin K is the problem, not the presence of vitamin D. This kind of fear mongering 'journalism' that is clearly biased is criminal.

[@AzsiabaSzakadtam]

Your ignorance on the other hand is ridiculous 😂 Study more about the matter from reliable scientific sources (not Dr Berg and the like)

[@dlg5485]

@@AzsiabaSzakadtam I do my research and I know what I'm talking about, not that I give a hoot what some random troll on the internet has to say. You do you, champ.

[@nancychandler3673]

I take a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with my D3.

[@oksanasolod3185]

@@nancychandler3673 How does apple cider help with D3?

[@Trea-pl4xr]

@@dlg5485 You do your research...lolol you sound like those crazy ignorant anti-vaxxers.

[@pinschrunner]

If only the FDA pharmaceutical negative health report system worked nearly as well. Ever tried to fill out a complaint there?

[@ReflectedMiles]

Yep. Works just fine.

[@annieterminetschuppon7232]

The current gummy trend falls under those issue too. Vitamins can naturally be absorbed through a various healthy food habits with fresh veggies, fruits, fish, ... Cook at home and not processed. Combined with a daily walk exposing yourself to sun and here you become healthy. Remember those supplements are if in excess of what your body needs, your liver start filtering more and more toxic products affecting the organ

[@andreah6379]

Ideally, cooking all those nutrient-rich foods are what all Americans need to do but for numerous reasons can't do that. It's very expensive to cook for yourself if you want to just obtain the nutrition you need from the foods you eat. Most of our food is processed or chemically treated not to mention the animals we eat or what they produce. Pesticides and GMOs are everywhere in our environment. EX: Everybody is told dark chocolate is a great antioxidant and the darker the better but not true anymore! Consumer Reports stated some years back that testing of 28 different brands, including organic and foreign chocolate has disturbing levels of heavy metals lead & cadmium in them. So much for dark chocolate and eating for good health. Adding to that study, now they find even hot cocoa mixes and regular milk chocolate also has the same heavy metals in it. There's no known safe level to consume of either heavy metal. Rice, a staple for many ppl, has arsenic of some level in it. Our fruits & vegetables have some amount of pesticides in them & even buying organic doesn't guarantee them to be free of that either. Food from grass fed animals is expensive for a lot of ppl that live in food deserts which include many mostly poor & minority persons. If you can grow your own garden, eat only from that, yes, then what you recommend would work. How many of us can do that realistically?

[@DanielleO-oq6mx]

So all the vitamine s, is bad for our body what about viamine E for stress.?