4 Health Items on Costco That Aren’t As Healthy As You Think!

It’s amazing in terms of convenience and affordability. But not everything stacked over here is a big steal, especially when it comes to some health care supplements.

Various pharmacists and health professionals have claimed that some items in Costco’s health aisle may be light on the pocket but heavy on your health. Despite the tempting prices, here are four products pharmacists claim are better off left on the shelf.

1. Weider Red Yeast Rice

Offers cholesterol balance through a natural and ancient Chinese remedy.

Red yeast rice might seem like a gentle supplement, but it’s actually quite risky and complex in terms of use. 

The active chemical compound in red yeast rice is identical to lovastatin, a prescription drug helpful in lowering cholesterol. Although it can work, it carries several risks, including liver damage, drug interactions and muscle pain.

Here’s the tea: Red yeast rice being sold as a supplement is not regulated by the FDA, just like other medications. 

Dosage and potency of all drugs vary from brand to brand and batch to batch. It’s been studied that the Red Yeast Rice does not host a consistent amount of active substance, or worse, may lack it entirely. You could be taking a supplement that either has too much or nothing at all.

2. One A Day Adult Multivitamin with Brain Support

The claim: A daily multivitamin with extra nutrients to carry out brain functions and mechanisms properly.

The problem: Multivitamins are proven to be a popular and safe health-boosting substance. However, they are not licensed or expected to patch up holes in our body. The ‘brain support’ ingredients in this formula include omega 3s and vitamin Bs, but due to the low doses, they exhibit almost no effect. This multivitamin has not been approved to have a meaningful effect, as some ingredients listed are not even proven to boost or improve cognitive function.

While “brain health in a bottle” might sound enticing, it provides customers with a false sense of security, keeping in mind that nothing is better than nutrition, sleep and mental stimulation.

Pharmacist’s verdict: If you’re already eating a balanced diet, you’re likely just paying for expensive urine.

3. Airborne Immune Support Supplements

The claim: A blend of vitamins, minerals and herbs to charge your immune system.

The problem: Airborne gained popularity after being known for its flyers, but the majority of healthcare workers are not slightly impressed. The problem is an excessive amount of Vitamin C that can lead to complications like diarrhoea, nausea and even lead to kidney stones. 

Plus, the lack of quality and effectiveness is solid proof that taking Airborne regularly is just a waste of money offering you nothing good in return.

Pharmacist’s verdict: It’s mostly hype. Eat an orange and get some sleep instead.

4. Kirkland’s LaxaClear (Polyethene Glycol 3350)

The claim: Gentle, effective relief for occasional constipation—similar to Miralax.

The problem: The good thing here is that the active ingredient PEG 3350 present here actually works and is considered safe, but only when used occasionally. 

However, using it on a long-term basis is not preferred as constant constipation might be indicating a deeper issue that can include hydration, diet, medication effects or any condition.

What mainly concerns pharmacists here is the overuse of Laxaclear that may prove harmful to health. People tend to buy it in bulk and pop a pill whenever needed because of easy access, but it may be promoting other medical issues.

Pharmacist’s verdict: Okay for rare use, but don’t treat it like your morning coffee.

Final Dose of Wisdom

Costco leads the way when it comes to frozen foods or fresh chickens, defying the law of economics, but when it comes to health products, cheaper isn’t always safer.

Before tossing that solid jar of supplements into your cart, make sure to consult with your doctor or ask a pharmacist, read the label and be aware of what you’re putting in your body. 

Sometimes it’s worth walking past the health aisle, as a discount in health is not always preferable