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Overview: Adrenal extract comes from the adrenal glands of cows. The adrenal glands make hormones that regulate important functions in the body. Dietary supplements that contain adrenal extract may be used to increase energy levels and boost immune and adrenal function, but their benefits for any use are not well defined. In some people, they may cause an upset stomach. Before taking adrenal extract, tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any medicines or supplements you may be using.

Uses

What is adrenal extract used for?

Adrenal extract may be used to increase energy levels, boost the immune system, and support adrenal function, but its benefits for any use are not well defined.

Note: The FDA has not reviewed adrenal extract for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does adrenal extract work (mechanism of action)?

Adrenal extract is made from the adrenal glands of cows. In humans, these glands, which are at the top of each kidney, make important hormones that control various body functions. These include cortisol, which helps your body manage stress, and aldosterone, which helps your body balance its water and salt levels.

The adrenal glands in cows play a similar role and make similar hormones. As a result, their adrenal glands contain small amounts of cortisol, aldosterone, adrenaline, and other hormones. But the actual amount of each hormone in an adrenal extract is expected to be very small, and the content may vary, depending on the cow it came from or the way that it was processed. It is also not clear how well your body absorbs these hormones when they are taken by mouth.

Some people use adrenal extract supplements to increase energy levels and support immune and adrenal function. But the benefits of adrenal extract for these uses are not well defined. The FDA does not allow these products to be marketed for the treatment of any serious adrenal problems, such as adrenal insufficiency.

Although adrenal extract has become popular for managing "adrenal fatigue," there is no evidence that such a condition exists. Most medical experts do not consider this to be a true medical condition. If you are concerned that you have low adrenal function, speak with a health care provider about the available tests and treatment options.

How should I store adrenal extract?

You should store adrenal extract according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry place that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of adrenal extract?

The most common side effect of adrenal extract is an upset stomach. Side effects may vary, depending on the dose you are taking or the specific product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of adrenal extract that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of adrenal extract?

While less common, the most serious side effects of adrenal extract are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Adrenal extract  may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking adrenal extract and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown, depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use adrenal extract?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take adrenal extract.

  • Adrenal cortical extract (ACE)
  • Adrenal extract
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific adrenal extract products they stock.

Addison's Disease. Addison's disease is a serious condition in which the adrenal glands do not work the way that they should. This condition should be managed by a health care provider and treated with prescription medicines. Do not use adrenal extract to treat Addison's disease.

What should I know about adrenal extract before using it?

Adrenal extract is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep adrenal extract out of the reach of children.

Adrenal extract, which comes from cows, naturally contains many different substances, including hormones and other chemicals. The actual substances found in each batch of adrenal extract may depend on the specific cow that it came from and the way it was processed and stored. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not get the same effects or side effects because of how the ingredients can vary. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

Some dietary supplements are marketed for "adrenal support." Many of these products contain herbs, vitamins, and minerals that are intended to improve adrenal function. In most cases, these products do not contain adrenal extract. There is no good evidence that any supplement, including adrenal extract, can help boost adrenal function. If you are concerned that you have low adrenal function, speak with your health care provider about the available tests and treatment options.

The FDA has not tested adrenal extract products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using adrenal extract?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if adrenal extract is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Adrenal extract may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking adrenal extract, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how adrenal extract could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if adrenal extract passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does adrenal extract interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between adrenal extract and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect adrenal extract.

Does adrenal extract interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking adrenal extract.

  • A glucocorticoid, such as dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, or prednisone, which is a medicine for certain inflammatory conditions
  • A mineralocorticoid, such as fludrocortisone (Florinef), which is a medicine used to help maintain the body's water and salt balance

The interactions between adrenal extract and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with adrenal extract is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking adrenal extract with any medicines.

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much adrenal extract?

If you or someone else has used too much adrenal extract, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Read the product label closely and speak with a health care provider about how to take adrenal extract safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.