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Cardiologist Warns Supplements Are 'Expensive Urine' and Can Cause Organ Damage
19 Aug
Summary
- Cardiologist says 99% of supplements are ineffective or harmful
- Supplements outside of deficiency can lead to organ, kidney, liver damage
- Fish oil supplements increase risk of atrial fibrillation
On August 19, 2025, Dr. Danielle Belardo, a preventive cardiologist from Los Angeles, California, warned that the majority of supplements are ineffective and can even be harmful. Speaking at the American Society for Preventive Cardiology (ASPC) 2025 Congress on CVD Prevention, Dr. Belardo emphasized that supplements outside of deficiency or guideline-directed use are often a waste of money, with 99% of them amounting to "expensive urine."
The cardiologist explained that these supplements, including hair, skin, nail, and fish oil supplements, do not provide any real benefits and can actually lead to organ, kidney, and liver damage. She specifically noted that fish oil supplements increase the risk of atrial fibrillation, an irregular and often rapid heart rhythm.
Dr. Belardo stressed that supplements are only necessary in cases of diagnosed deficiencies or under specific medical guidelines, such as prenatal vitamins for women of childbearing age, vitamin D for those living in certain regions, or B12 for plant-based individuals. However, the general supplement industry, a multi-billion-dollar business, is primarily focused on making consumers spend money on products that are ultimately ineffective or even harmful.
