The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an urgent recall for Modern Warrior’s “Ready” dietary supplement after testing revealed the presence of undeclared and illegal substances, raising serious health concerns for consumers. The supplement, marketed for boosting energy and mental clarity, was found to contain tianeptine, 1,4-DMAA, and aniracetam—compounds that pose significant safety risks and are not approved for sale in the United States.
Modern Warrior’s “Ready” supplement, sold as part of a $170 bundle, was available nationwide between April 2022 and December 2025. The product came in black 60-count bottles featuring gold branding and a sunrise icon next to the word “READY.” While the company has ceased all sales and secured remaining inventory in a controlled warehouse area, hundreds of thousands of consumers may have purchased the supplement during its three-year availability.
The FDA emphasized that consumers who have purchased the product should immediately stop using it. The undeclared ingredients pose a spectrum of potential dangers. Tianeptine, a synthetic antidepressant used in some countries but illegal in the U.S., acts on opioid receptors and carries risks of addiction, overdose, and even suicidal thoughts, particularly among individuals under 25. The compound can be fatal when combined with certain antidepressants, such as MAOIs, and may cause confusion, respiratory distress, and seizures.
Another banned ingredient found in the supplement, 1,4-DMAA, is a synthetic stimulant previously used as a nasal decongestant. While it can temporarily increase energy and focus, it constricts blood vessels and carries a high risk of serious cardiovascular events, including heart attacks, hypertension, and strokes. Major sports organizations also prohibit 1,4-DMAA due to its dangers and performance-enhancing potential.
Aniracetam, a synthetic nootropic, was also detected in the recalled supplement. Though marketed to enhance cognition, memory, and learning, there is limited clinical evidence in humans supporting its efficacy, and it is not approved by the FDA. Mild side effects, including headaches, nausea, dizziness, irritability, anxiety, and insomnia, have been reported in users of nootropics like aniracetam, though serious adverse effects are less documented compared with tianeptine or 1,4-DMAA.
Unlike prescription medications, dietary supplements do not require FDA pre-market approval, meaning that companies can sell products without first demonstrating their safety or effectiveness. Modern Warrior’s “Ready” supplement was marketed as a cognitive and energy booster, but these claims were not verified through the rigorous clinical testing required for pharmaceuticals. The presence of unapproved drugs underscores the regulatory challenges inherent in the dietary supplement industry, where the FDA typically intervenes only after products are already available on the market.
Modern Warrior, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, has yet to release a public statement regarding the recall, nor has the company issued guidance on its social media channels. It remains unclear whether the undeclared substances were intentionally included or introduced accidentally during manufacturing. Regardless, the FDA’s intervention highlights the potential health risks associated with unregulated dietary supplements, particularly those claiming cognitive enhancement or energy-boosting benefits.
The recall also raises concerns about “smart drugs” and nootropic supplements, a category that includes both well-studied substances like caffeine and L-theanine as well as less-tested, high-risk compounds. While some nootropics have a strong safety profile and modest cognitive benefits, others—like tianeptine and 1,4-DMAA—pose serious dangers, including addiction, dependence, and cardiovascular complications. Consumers are often advised to approach such products with caution and skepticism, as marketing claims frequently overstate efficacy relative to evidence from human studies.
The FDA’s recall specifically targets Modern Warrior’s “Ready” supplement, which was packaged in gold-accented black bottles. Testing identified the presence of tianeptine, 1,4-DMAA, and aniracetam in addition to commonly used ingredients like vitamins B6 and B12 and ashwagandha. While vitamins and natural compounds are generally low-risk, the inclusion of banned and potent synthetic drugs represents a significant public health concern, particularly for young adults and individuals with preexisting medical conditions.
Potential health risks from the supplement are compounded when combined with alcohol or other medications. Tianeptine, for example, can interact dangerously with antidepressants or substances that affect the central nervous system. 1,4-DMAA has been linked to increased blood pressure, cardiac strain, and other cardiovascular complications, which may be fatal in susceptible populations. The FDA has stressed that the combined risk of these undeclared drugs is high and can result in severe outcomes if ingested unknowingly.
The Modern Warrior recall underscores the regulatory gaps in the dietary supplement industry. Unlike pharmaceuticals, supplements do not undergo pre-market approval or rigorous clinical trials, allowing untested or unsafe products to reach consumers. The FDA primarily acts post-market, issuing recalls when testing identifies harmful ingredients. This approach highlights the importance of consumers remaining vigilant and consulting healthcare professionals before using new or unverified supplements.
Public awareness of the recall is critical given the potential health risks. The agency recommends that any consumer who has purchased Modern Warrior’s “Ready” supplement immediately discontinue use and dispose of remaining product safely. Consumers experiencing adverse effects after using the supplement should seek medical attention promptly. Healthcare providers are also encouraged to report any adverse events associated with the product to the FDA to aid in tracking and analysis.
In addition to health concerns, the Modern Warrior recall may have implications for regulatory oversight and the broader supplement industry. The discovery of illegal stimulants and synthetic drugs in products marketed for mental clarity and energy could prompt increased scrutiny from federal agencies, consumer protection organizations, and potentially Congress. Greater enforcement and stricter labeling requirements may follow as authorities seek to prevent similar incidents in the future.
This incident serves as a cautionary tale for consumers and industry stakeholders. While nootropics and energy-boosting supplements are popular for enhancing focus, alertness, or cognitive function, their unregulated nature means that safety is not guaranteed. Products containing undeclared or illegal drugs, like the Modern Warrior “Ready” supplement, can pose immediate health risks, particularly to vulnerable populations such as young adults or individuals with cardiovascular or neurological conditions.
In conclusion, the FDA’s urgent recall of Modern Warrior’s “Ready” supplement highlights the dangers of unregulated dietary products containing illegal or unsafe ingredients. With tianeptine, 1,4-DMAA, and aniracetam detected, the supplement presents significant risks of addiction, cardiovascular complications, and other serious health effects. Consumers nationwide are advised to stop using the product immediately, and the recall reinforces the importance of vigilance, regulatory oversight, and caution when selecting dietary supplements marketed for cognitive or energy enhancement.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
