Dietary supplements help to replenish essential nutrients in many situations. You can find many different opinions, myths and beliefs about them. They have as many fans as opponents. We will try to clear up any doubts, as well as debunk the myths you encounter most often!

Dietary supplements can be dangerous to health – MYTH

Statistics show that dietary supplements are much safer than any prescription drug. Approved supplements are considered a food product, which must meet exactly the same standards as food.

Such preparations contain vitamins, minerals, amino acids, probiotics, as well as natural substances of animal and plant origin. If you want to be certain, choose supplements that undergo laboratory testing. Also, follow the instructions on the package.

The effect of supplements is not backed up by scientific evidence – MYTH

Every year thousands of scientific studies confirm the effects of supplements. They mainly refer to the effects of nutrients on the body both in prevention and treatment of diseases. Before buying, it is always a good idea to check the label and composition, and look for information that relates to the ingredients found in the product.

A balanced diet covers the full need for vitamins – MYTH/FACT

The following information is found on dietary supplements: “A balanced diet and healthy lifestyle is important for the functioning of the human body. A dietary supplement can be used as a substitute (replacement) for a varied diet.”

This is true – a dietary supplement should complement a healthy lifestyle. Nevertheless, it is important to remember that food, in addition to valuable nutrients, also contains fillers, artificial colors and other additives that are harmful to health.

In addition, industrial farming methods, commonly used chemicals, high processing of products or environmental poisoning strip food of valuable vitamins. Therefore, it is very difficult to compose a diet that will provide all the necessary macro and micronutrients.

The most common deficiencies are in vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, or B vitamins. If you are finding it difficult to provide these components with your diet, consult your doctor and introduce an appropriate diet.

Dietary supplements are the same as medications – MYTH

Dietary supplements are foodstuffs and are a subject to the same regulations as food products. The form in which they come (lozenges, capsules, etc.), as well as precise dosage, blur the differences between a supplement and a drug. Both drugs and dietary supplements are purchased at the pharmacy.

As a result, it may seem that both prevent diseases. In reality, only drugs are medical substances that nullify the symptoms of diseases. Dietary supplements are treated like food – they supplement the diet with key nutrients, but do not provide recovery.

Certain dietary supplements should be used by the majority of people – FACT

There are certain groups of people who, due to their physiological condition, age, as well as health, may be at risk of deficiencies, making them likely to need dietary supplements. These include: 

– pregnant women – in certain cases and always after consultation with a doctor, they should supplement folic acid, iron, iodine, DHA fatty acids and, in situations of deficiency, other vitamins and minerals

  – people on a low-energy diet

  – elderly people

  – post-menopausal women – in case they have a calcium deficiency

Dietary supplements benefit your health, but their use and selection should be done carefully. Before you decide on a particular supplement, read the label in detail. You can also seek professional advice from a specialist. The right choice will ensure that you provide valuable ingredients necessary for the proper functioning of the body.