Many older adults are turning to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) such as herbal supplements, acupuncture, and special diets to ease pain, boost energy, or support overall well-being. These therapies can feel appealing because they seem “natural,” personalized, or gentler than traditional care.
But new research from the past year shows a more complicated picture: some CAM therapies may help, while others offer little proven benefit and may even pose real risks, especially for adults who take multiple medications. Here’s what the most recent studies, reviews, and expert analyses reveal and what older adults should keep in mind when considering these approaches.
- Supplements Are Popular But Not Always Safe
Herbal and nutritional supplements are among the most widely used CAM treatments. Yet a major 2025 position statement from the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists warns that the evidence for many supplements is limited, while the risks, such as hazardous interactions with prescription medications are significant.
Unlike prescription drugs, supplements are not tightly regulated. Ingredients can vary widely between brands, doses may not be consistent, and some products have been found to contain contaminants or unlabeled pharmaceuticals. For older adults managing multiple health conditions, these unknowns matter.
Key message: Supplements may look harmless, but they can interfere with medications for blood pressure, diabetes, heart conditions, mental health, and more. Always review supplements with a pharmacist or doctor.
- Some CAM Therapies—Like Acupuncture—Show Promise
Not all CAM practices fall into the “high risk, low evidence” category. A recent randomized clinical trial in older adults found that acupuncture reduced disability from chronic lower back pain compared with usual care. Participants tolerated treatment well, with few adverse effects reported. Still, the study cautions that research quality varies, and results in controlled clinical settings don’t always translate perfectly to everyday life. Providers may use different techniques, sessions might be less consistent, and older adults with multiple conditions may respond differently.
Key message: Certain CAM therapies, especially those practiced by licensed professionals like acupuncture, can be helpful when used alongside, not instead of, standard medical care.
- Evidence for Many CAM Approaches Is Still Weak or Mixed
A 2025 review in Frontiers in Medicine looked at CAM treatments for knee osteoarthritis—one of the most common causes of pain in older adults. The reviewers found that while some therapies seemed promising, overall evidence was inconsistent or based on small, short-term studies. This pattern appears across much of the CAM world. Many therapies simply haven’t been tested with the same rigor used for prescription drugs. That doesn’t mean they don’t work; it just means the science isn’t settled.
Key message: “Natural” doesn’t automatically mean effective. When research is weak or mixed, it’s essential to approach claims with caution.
- Communication Gaps Put Older Adults at Risk
Several studies from 2025 found that many older adults use supplements or alternative therapies without telling their doctor, often because they assume these products are safe or “don’t count” as medicine. But hidden supplement use is especially risky for older adults, who commonly manage multiple prescriptions. Even vitamins and minerals can interact with medications.
Additional research shows that many adults lack basic “complementary medicine literacy,” the ability to evaluate claims, understand risks, or recognize red flags such as misleading labels, exaggerated promises, or unverified health claims.
Key message: Open conversations with health providers about all supplements, treatments, and remedies, no matter how minor they seem, are essential for safety.
- Real-World Cases Show That Supplements Can Cause Harm
A 2025 investigative report highlighted several cases of supplement-related illness, including liver injury linked to popular herbs such as turmeric and ashwagandha. While many people take these products without issue, the report shows that adverse reactions do happen and can be severe. Older adults are more vulnerable because their bodies process medications differently with age, and many already take drugs that strain the liver.
Key message: Case reports remind us that “natural” does not mean “risk-free.” Watch for symptoms like nausea, fatigue, or yellowing of the skin if taking new supplements.
So What’s the Bottom Line for Older Adults Considering CAM?
Here’s the simplest way to think about the current research landscape:
Some CAM therapies have proven benefits, especially acupuncture for certain kinds of chronic pain.
Many supplements and herbal products have weak evidence and carry real, sometimes serious risks.
It’s dangerous to assume safety, especially when taking multiple prescriptions. Honest, informed communication with healthcare providers is the single most important safety step.
Used carefully and with good guidance, complementary therapies can be part of a healthy, holistic approach to aging. But the newest research makes one thing clear: older adults should never have to navigate these choices alone or rely solely on marketing claims.
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