Dietary Supplement Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates

Dietary Supplement Lawsuit Overview

Dietary supplement lawsuits have emerged as companies continue to sell products tainted with illegal synthetic steroids and undisclosed pharmaceutical ingredients. The primary allegations against manufacturers include failure to properly test products, selling supplements containing banned substances, and misleading consumers about product safety. Federal courts have imposed significant fines on multiple companies, with recent cases resulting in penalties of up to $125,000. The FDA and Department of Justice have taken regulatory action to protect consumers from synthetic steroids masquerading as dietary supplements.

Latest Dietary Supplement Lawsuit Updates

• February 2023 – A Texas company, Defyned Brands (aka 5 Star Nutrition LLC), pleaded guilty in January 2024 to distributing misbranded dietary supplements containing undisclosed ingredients, including steroidal compounds, resulting in health risks. The case involved products marketed as workout supplements but containing unlabeled substances causing harm, leading to forfeiture and compliance orders [1].
• December 2016 – GNC agreed to pay $2.25 million in a settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice after federal investigations revealed some supplements contained unapproved ingredients, including synthetic drugs and steroid-like substances. GNC committed to implementing new procedures to better verify the safety and labeling of supplements it sells [2].
• November 2015 – The U.S. Department of Justice announced coordinated enforcement actions targeting 117 supplement companies for selling adulterated products containing anabolic steroids and steroid-like compounds. This included criminal and civil cases, product seizures, and warning letters, signaling intensified federal enforcement against supplement adulteration [3].
• September 2012 – Consumer Reports published an investigation revealing that numerous supposedly natural dietary supplement products contain active ingredients found in prescription drugs, with users experiencing serious side effects [4].
• August 2012 – California-based R&D Holdings LLC (operating as Culver Sports, Bradley Asgard, and Bjorklund) was fined $21,000 by the same Idaho federal court for similar violations involving steroid-tainted supplements [1].
• January 2012 – Federal court in Idaho fined DCD LLC and its subsidiary Advanced Muscle Science $125,000 for selling muscle building supplements containing illegal synthetic steroids. The companies were ordered to implement rigorous safety protocols to ensure future products would not contain unapproved substances [5].
• January 2010 – DOJ reports guilty pleas by supplement retailers/manufacturers distributing designer steroids. Several supplement manufacturers and retailers pleaded guilty to distributing designer anabolic steroids marketed as dietary supplements. These cases involved bodybuilding products containing illegal steroids, resulting in criminal convictions and product recalls [6].

Reports and Statistics

The Dr. Oz Show investigation revealed radically high levels of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in dietary supplement products from multiple retail outlets. Federal authorities have identified specific contaminated products including Microdrol, Methyldrostanolone, Orafinadrol 50, Dienedrone, and Liquidrone. The Department of Justice has stated that these prosecutions are necessary to protect the public from synthetic steroids masquerading as dietary supplements.

Dietary Supplement Injuries & Side Effects

Consumers have reported serious side effects after taking dietary supplements contaminated with illegal steroids and pharmaceutical ingredients. The range of injuries includes:

• Cardiovascular complications: Heart problems and blood pressure issues from undisclosed steroids
• Liver damage: Hepatotoxicity from synthetic steroid compounds
• Hormonal disruption: Endocrine system interference from illegal substances
• Adverse drug interactions: Dangerous reactions from undisclosed pharmaceutical ingredients

Do You Qualify for a Dietary Supplement Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a dietary supplement lawsuit if:

• You used contaminated dietary supplements containing illegal steroids or undisclosed ingredients
• You experienced serious side effects including cardiovascular problems, liver damage, or hormonal disruption
• The injuries required medical treatment or hospitalization
• You can provide medical documentation linking your injuries to the dietary supplement

Evidence Required for a Dietary Supplement Lawsuit

To pursue a dietary supplement lawsuit, you will need:

• Medical records documenting your injuries and treatment
• Proof of purchase of the contaminated dietary supplement
• Product packaging and labeling information
• Evidence linking the supplement to your injuries through medical evaluation

Damages You Can Recover

Successful dietary supplement lawsuits may recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses for treatment of supplement-related injuries
• Lost wages due to illness or recovery time
• Pain and suffering from the injuries sustained
• Punitive damages against manufacturers who knowingly sold contaminated products

Statute of Limitations for Dietary Supplement Lawsuits

Time limits for filing dietary supplement lawsuits vary by state, typically ranging from 1-3 years from the date of injury or discovery of the contamination. It is crucial to contact an attorney promptly to ensure your claim is filed within the applicable statute of limitations.

Related Articles:

• Bodybuilding.com Supplement Recall
• Retailer Pleads Guilty to Spiking Supplements With Steroids
• GNC Supplement Lawsuit
• Craze Pre Workout Supplement Case

FAQs

1. How Can Consumers Identify if a Dietary Supplement Contains Steroids?

Consumers can identify steroids in supplements by checking labels for banned substances, reviewing third-party lab results, and being cautious of products with unverified or dubious claims.

2. What Are the Legal Implications of Using Dietary Supplements That Contain Steroids?

Using supplements with steroids can lead to legal issues, including fines or legal action for possession of banned substances, and potential liability for health complications caused by the steroids.

3. Who Is Responsible if a Dietary Supplement With Steroids Causes Harm?

Responsibility may lie with the manufacturer for failing to disclose steroid content, the distributor for improper handling, or the consumer if they knowingly used a banned substance.

4. How Long Do I Have to File a Dietary Supplement Lawsuit?

The statute of limitations for dietary supplement lawsuits varies by state but typically ranges from 1-3 years from the date of injury or discovery of contamination. It’s crucial to contact an attorney immediately to protect your rights.

5. What Types of Compensation Can I Receive in a Dietary Supplement Lawsuit?

Successful lawsuits may recover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and punitive damages. The amount depends on the severity of injuries and the manufacturer’s level of negligence.

6. Do I Need to Pay Attorney Fees Upfront for a Dietary Supplement Case?

No, our law firm handles dietary supplement cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront costs and we only receive payment if we win your case.

7. What Evidence Do I Need to Prove My Dietary Supplement Lawsuit?

You’ll need medical records documenting your injuries, proof of purchase of the supplement, product packaging, and medical evidence linking the supplement to your health problems.

Get a Free Dietary Supplement Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

The Product Liability & Defective Drug Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in dietary supplement lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new dietary supplement injury cases in all 50 states.

Our law firm offers:

• Free, confidential consultations to evaluate your case
• No upfront costs or fees for legal representation
• Payment only if we win your case and secure compensation

References:

1. https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/doj-press-releases-involving-fda-oci/texas-company-pleads-guilty-distributing-misbranded-dietary-supplements-and-agrees-45-million
2. https://www.justice.gov/archives/opa/pr/gnc-enters-agreement-department-justice-improve-its-practices-and-keep-potentially-illegal
3. https://www.justice.gov/archives/opa/pr/justice-department-and-federal-partners-announce-enforcement-actions-dietary-supplement-cases
4. https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine/2012/09/10-surprising-dangers-of-vitamins-and-supplements/index.htm
5. https://www.justice.gov/archive/usao/id/news/2012/jan/dietarysupplements01172012.html
6. https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/press-releases/florida-corporation-and-executives-plead-guilty-conspiracy-sell-anabolic-steroids-and-unlawful