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Adrenal glandular
Also called: Adrenal cortex extract, desiccated adrenal, adrenal concentrate
Dried adrenal gland tissue, usually from cows or pigs, sold for fatigue and stress. Evidence is very limited, and testing has found that some products contain real steroid and thyroid hormones.
Commonly used for
- Marketed for fatigue and low energy
- Marketed for stress and 'adrenal fatigue', which most medical groups don't recognize as a diagnosis
- Some naturopathic adrenal protocols (with a practitioner)
Found naturally in
- Your adrenal glands make their own hormones
- Comes from animal adrenal glands. There is no common food source.
Label red flags
- No mention of the animal source, country of origin, or testing for hormone content
- Blends that combine adrenal and thyroid tissue
- Claims that it replaces cortisol or steroid medicine
Check with a provider
- Addison's disease or adrenal insufficiency. Never use it in place of, or to cut back, prescribed steroid replacement.
- Taking prednisone, hydrocortisone, or other steroid medicines
- Thyroid conditions or thyroid medicine (some products contain hidden thyroid hormone)
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Signs of excess, such as a racing heart, anxiety, trouble sleeping, high blood pressure, or high blood sugar. Don't stop suddenly after long use without guidance.
Supplements that contain it
Brand nameProduct nameAdrenal support formulasComing soon
Brand nameProduct nameEnergy and stress formulasComing soon
Brand nameProduct nameMulti-glandular blendsComing soon
Brand nameProduct nameAdrenal support formulasComing soon
Brand nameProduct nameEnergy and stress formulasComing soon
Brand nameProduct nameMulti-glandular blendsComing soon
Parts of the body it affects
Explore what each area does and the conditions that can affect it.
Illustrations: Servier Medical Art, CC BY 4.0
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Dr. Lesher is a naturopathic doctor who specializes in women's autoimmune and chronic conditions. Since 2020, she has helped more than 900 patients overcome and heal from their conditions.