Sus Supplements
By Antonella Santillan Nov. 4, 2026
For many students balancing the pressures of academic and personal life, a bottle promising instant energy,
improved focus or stress relief may sound appealing. Behind the colorful packaging, however, some gas station supplements hide ingredients from their labels that can lead to fatal health consequences. Dietary supplements should remain accessible, but lawmakers need stronger safety regulations to protect consumers from misleading companies and harmful, even addictive, substances.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), dietary supplements generally do not require FDA approval. Instead, manufacturers are responsible for ensuring their products are safe, and the FDA steps in only after problems arise. This system leaves consumers relying on labels and advertising without knowing whether a product's claims are supported by scientific evidence.
“When people see things being sold in a normal store, I feel like they automatically assume it is being checked and that it is okay to use. Most people are not doing research on every little ingredient found in the products they use,” Junior Spoorthi Gowda said.
Teenagers juggling demanding classes, extracurricular activities and athletics may turn to energy supplements for a quick boost. However, the FDA warns that supplements can cause health risks, interact with medications and contain ingredients that affect people differently than others.
Kratom derived products—a plant-based substance often marketed for energy, mood and pain relief—
demonstrate the potential dangers. In a Jan. 16 news release, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) stated that kratom and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a concentrated compound found in kratom, are linked to addiction, overdose and death. The department said these products may be sold in gas stations and smoke shops with labels that make them appear safer than they really are. State regulators now say selling kratom and 7-OH for consumption is illegal, but they only mandated this after the products reached store shelves.
“People should know what they are putting into their bodies, especially if the product claims to boost energy levels. Nobody wants to take something with crazy side effects or death rates they are not aware of linked to it. Gas stations take advantage of unsuspecting customers with their fun packaging and intense promises. It is unfair to not explicitly tell consumers what is in their product,” Senior David Marsik said.
However, banning all supplements would hurt the people who rely on them. According to the FDA, some
supplements, including vitamin D and calcium can help people meet nutritional needs. Supplements may also be more affordable and easier to access than other options for people who struggle to get adequate health care.
Instead of banning supplements, the government should require stronger safety checks, clear ingredient labels
and honest advertising. Companies that sell unsafe products or make false health claims should face fines and recalls. These rules would help protect consumers without taking away access to every supplement.
For students and families, knowing what is inside of a product matters more than how convincing the packaging looks. People should be able to choose supplements, but they should not have to guess whether or not those products are safe. Stronger regulations would help make sure protecting consumers is more important than a sale.
About the Contributors
Antonella Santillan
Staff Writer
Antonella is a junior at Leland High School who is a proud member of the wrestling team. She enjoys staying at home and watching tv. She's a bubbly person who loves to make new friends.
Juliana Shin
Viewpoint Editor
Juliana Shin is a junior at Leland High School and the Viewpoint Page Editor for The Charger Account. During her free time, she enjoys reading webtoons, annoying her dog named Simba, scrolling through Pinterest for inspiration, and watching horror movies with her mom.
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