Do Supplements Show Up on Drug Tests: What You Need to Know

Do Supplements Show Up on Drug Tests: What You Need to Know

When it comes to supplements, most will not trigger an issue with drug tests, while others could trigger a false alarm. Since supplements are not regulated by the FDA, we've found that supplements containing things like poppy seeds, vitamin B12, Kava, and some other prescription medications like Xanax may cause a false positive drug test.

While these are rare instances, often times a false positive drug test can stem more from improper handling of your urine results, more so than an actual issue. Regardless of the reason, we're aware of how frustrating it can be to have a false positive drug test when all you were doing is taking supplements for better health. 

After doing much research on this topic, we've found that even those who consume energy drinks shortly before a drug test can screen positive for opiates. What an embarrassing situation this is when you weren't using any drugs, but your drug test shows otherwise. In most instances, the test taker could redo your drug test and things will settle themselves out, but that doesn't negate the uncomfortable situation of having a surprise positive drug test from supplements. 

What is a drug test?

First, we should discuss what a drug test is and why many people are asking the question of do supplements show up on drug tests. A drug test is defined as “a technical analysis of a biological specimen, such as urine, hair, blood, sweat, or saliva, to determine the presence or absence of specified parent drugs or their metabolites” 

There are many types of drug tests, but the most common one is the urine drug test. This is because it is the cheapest and easiest type of drug test to administer. 

The urine drug test can detect many different types of drugs, including:

  • Amphetamines
  • Barbiturates
  • Benzodiazepines
  • Cocaine
  • Marijuana
  • Opiates 
  • Phencyclidine (PCP)
  • Propoxyphene

The list above is not all-inclusive, but these are the most common drugs that will be detected in a urine drug test. 

Why do some people need drug tests?

There are many reasons why people may need to take a drug test. The most common reason is for employment. Many employers require their employees to take a drug test as a condition of employment. 

Other reasons people may need to take a drug test include:

  • To participate in certain activities, like sports
  • As a condition of probation
  • To donate blood

Do supplements show up on drug tests?

Now that we know what a drug test is, let’s answer the main question: do supplements show up on drug tests? The answer is: in most cases, no. 

Supplements are not regulated by the FDA and because of this, they do not have to meet the same standards as medications. This means that there is no guarantee that what is on the label is actually in the supplement or that it is safe for consumption. 

With that said, most supplements will not cause a false positive on a drug test. However, there are some that may. 

For example, eating poppy seeds can cause a false-positive result for opioids like morphine, codeine, and oxycodone. And taking large doses of vitamin B12 can lead to a false-positive result for amphetamines. Vanilla extract may even trigger a failed drug test for alcohol consumption when consumed too close to a drug test. 

Supplements that contain any level of THC, such as CBD products can also cause you to fail a drug test if you've consumed any amount of CBD supplements prior to a drug test. 

Can turmeric cause a false positive drug test?

Turmeric contains a chemical deceiver: curcumin, a substance that is often promoted for medical purposes but which also gives false positives in drug screenings. So, if you use turmeric and are subject to drug testing, there is a chance that curcumin will make it appear as though you have used cannabis. 

For this reason, it's important that you understand how long turmeric stays in your system. Turmeric is fat-soluble, so it can build up in your body over time and eventually be released into your urine, even if you haven't consumed it for a while. This is why turmeric may show up on a drug test even if you haven't used it recently. 

What is a false negative drug test? 

A false negative drug test is when you are told you have tested negative for drugs, but in reality, you have used them. This can be an embarrassing and stressful experience because it may mean that you will lose your job or face other legal penalties. 

There can be several reasons why a false negative drug test may occur. Maybe the test wasn't performed correctly, or the wrong type of test was used. It's also possible that the person testing you didn't follow the instructions properly. 

In some cases, certain drugs may not show up on a drug test even though you have used them. This is because the drug cleared your system before the test was conducted.

What supplements should I avoid before a drug test?

This is a great question and one we get a lot. To avoid any issues with supplements, it's best to refrain from taking any type of supplement for at least two weeks before your drug test. This will allow your body to completely flush the supplements from your system and give you the best chance of passing your drug test. 


It would be beneficial if you thought about what you've eaten, drunk, or taken in the past few days. Because this is most likely the cause of the false-positive, more thorough testing is required. You should also ask for further tests since the deeper analysis will frequently reveal that you should have received a negative result.

While we understand that some supplements can offer great health benefits, it's just not worth the risk of failing a drug test. We hope this article has helped clear up any confusion on whether or not supplements will show up on a drug test. As always, please consult with your doctor before taking any new supplements, especially if you are subject to drug testing.


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