16 Forgotten Health Supplements from the ’90s
Here's a look back at the health supplement fads of the 1990s that promised much but quietly disappeared.
- Chris Graciano
- 4 min read
The ’90s were full of bold health claims and miracle pills. Many supplements were hyped as shortcuts to better energy, sharper minds, or thinner waistlines. However, they lacked the science to back them up. Let’s revisit some of the once-popular capsules and powders that the world has mostly left behind.
1. Bee Pollen Pills
Supplements On Demand on Pexels
Touted as a superfood, bee pollen was marketed for energy, weight loss, and even allergy relief. It quickly gained a cult following in health food stores. But as allergic reactions and lack of proof surfaced, interest faded.
2. Shark Cartilage
Sandra Cohen-Rose and Colin Rose on Flickr
Promoted as a cancer-fighting supplement, shark cartilage was a hit in alternative health circles. It was based on the myth that sharks don’t get cancer. Scientific studies later debunked the claims.
3. Colloidal Silver
Silverliving on Wikimedia Commons
Said to boost immunity and kill bacteria, colloidal silver became a natural remedy fad. Users reported strange side effects, most notably a bluish skin discoloration called argyria.
4. Chromium Picolinate
Ruben Kiel Alvarado on Wikimedia Commons
Marketed for fat burning and muscle building, this mineral supplement was everywhere in gym culture. Though it showed some insulin-related benefits, the fat-loss claims didn’t hold up.
5. Kava Kava
Arthur Chapman on Flickr
Used for stress relief and relaxation, Kava Kava gained momentum in the late ’90s. However, reports of liver damage caused regulatory crackdowns. It was banned or restricted in several countries.
6. Ephedra (Ma Huang)
Finnbertfinnbert on Wikimedia Commons
This stimulant was once the backbone of many weight loss and energy products. Linked to heart problems, strokes, and even deaths, it faced intense scrutiny.
7. Royal Jelly Capsules
Elizabeth Sellers on Flickr
Billed as a longevity enhancer and hormone balancer, royal jelly was big among wellness enthusiasts. With no strong scientific backing, its claims wore thin over time.
8. DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone)
Anna Shvets on Pexels
Hyped as a youth hormone, DHEA was said to reverse aging, enhance libido, and boost mood. Despite some initial buzz, clinical results were mixed at best. Long-term safety remained unclear. Interest has since shifted to better-researched options.
9. Spirulina Tablets
Music4thekids on Wikimedia Commons
This blue-green algae was praised for its high protein and nutrient content. It was heavily marketed in smoothie bars and supplement aisles. Though still available, it never became the super-supplement many hoped for.
10. St. John’s Wort
gailhampshire on Wikimedia Commons
A popular natural antidepressant, this herbal remedy exploded in use during the ’90s. However, it interacted with many medications and had inconsistent effects. Doctors began to steer patients away from it.
11. Pyruvate
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Claimed to boost metabolism and assist with weight loss, pyruvate made waves in fitness magazines. Initial studies looked promising, but results were hard to replicate.
12. Ginkgo Biloba
H. Zell on Wikimedia Commons
Promoted to enhance memory and cognitive function, this herb was a go-to for brain health. Later research showed minimal long-term benefit. As science caught up, enthusiasm dwindled.
13. Gotu Kola
Mokkie on Wikimedia Commons
Said to improve mental clarity and skin health, Gotu Kola rode the herbal supplement boom. It never caught on widely and lacked serious clinical support. With limited results and fading interest, it fell out of favor.
14. L-Carnitine
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A favorite among bodybuilders, this amino acid claimed to help burn fat and increase stamina. Studies showed inconsistent results for weight loss. Many users moved on to newer, more effective formulas.
15. Aloe Vera Juice
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Once marketed as a digestive aid and internal cleanser, aloe juice flew off the shelves. However, concerns about toxicity and diarrhea began to surface. Sales slowed as users questioned its benefits.
16. Beta-Carotene Supplements
Mariana Rascão on Unsplash
Praised for antioxidant benefits, beta-carotene pills were heavily promoted for eye and skin health. Later studies linked high doses to increased cancer risk in smokers. That ended the hype quickly.