Your Health Today
Are Supplements Safe? Experts Say It Depends on How You Use Them
Dietary supplements are more popular than ever, but an integrative medicine specialist is urging people to think carefully before stocking up.
Dr. Yufang Lin with the Cleveland Clinic says the surge is driven in part by social media, with influencers pushing everything from protein powders to collagen creams. "With the rise of social media and influencers pushing or advertising supplements, there's also increasing use because of those," she said.
Supplements can be useful in the right circumstances. Lin says people with diet deficiencies, those who have trouble absorbing food, anyone who has had stomach or intestinal surgery, or those who are low in vitamin D, especially in winter, may benefit from certain products. Common uses include vitamin C for illness, omega-3 and ginger for inflammation, magnesium for sleep, and collagen for anti-aging.
The concern, she says, is excess. Unlike prescription drugs, supplements are not regulated by the FDA, and taking too many can strain the kidneys and liver. Some can also interfere with medications a person is already taking. "However, excess supplements can be toxic to the body as well, and can be a burden," Lin said.
Her advice before starting any supplement: ask whether it's actually safe and necessary, and if you do take one, watch for real results. "They need to be taken with the same consideration you would have when you're taking a medication," she said.
By: NBC Palm Springs
May 29, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
What do you think is really going on here? Drop your thoughts below 👇 #therogginreport #coachella #coachellavalley #localnews #nbcpalmsprings
During the 2025-2026 school year, PEN America reported there were nearly 12,000 book bans in public schools nationwide, the largest number of book bans in a single year since the group started tracking numbers in 2021.
Delta Airlines overhauled its frequent flyer program in 2024. CNN’s Randi Kaye asks Delta CEO Ed Bastian if the airline has made it more difficult for flyers to earn status and if any further changes to the loyalty program are on the horizon.
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. Favorite Festival?
‘The Hayden’ is back @babysmarche !! John Hayden himself took a trip to the Indian Wells staple for lunch and to chat with @chefjustinsnyder on how it became the most popular item on the menu! #TheHayden
🛑A bike ride ended in tragedy Monday night in Palm Springs. A bicyclist died after being struck by a car around 8:30 PM on E. Palm Canyon Dr. The driver stayed at the scene and police say there’s no indication of foul play or impairment. ❓Saw the crash or have video from the area? Call Palm Springs police at (760) 327–1441.
Social Time: Jerry sings the end! 🎶🎵
CALIFORNIA IS AGING FAST... BUT WHERE WILL THE WORKFORCE LIVE? #therogginreport #coachellavalley #localnews #agingpopulation #nbcpalmsprings
119 jobs on the line and DRD’s General Manager won’t answer questions … Drop a comment 👇: Would you vote YES or NO on giving a district more money if they refuse to answer transparency questions? #therogginreport #drd #coachellavalley #localnews #nbcpalmsprings