‘Serious health risks’: Health Canada warns against ‘unauthorized’ mood supplements – CTV
July 09, 2025
Health Canada is warning consumers about the “serious health risks” potentially posed by some kinds of hormonal supplements for mood and stress.
Published Tuesday, the advisory identifies the supplement “Natrol DHEA Mood & Stress,” sold online and at two Alberta retail stores, as an “unauthorized product.”
“Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a controlled substance that may pose serious health risks,” the notice reads. “Unauthorized health products have not been approved by Health Canada, which means that they have not been assessed for safety, effectiveness and quality.”
The department notes that DHEA can cause abnormally high levels of male and female hormones in the body and increased risk of fertility issues, acne and abnormal hair growth, as well as the risk of life-threatening conditions such as prostate and breast cancer.
People with prior issues affecting their heart’s rhythm, blood clotting and liver function should especially avoid DHEA, as well as those who are currently pregnant or breastfeeding, Health Canada says. DHEA may also interact with certain psychiatric medications, intensify some mental health conditions and increase the risk of mania among people with mood disorders.
