The Most Common Myths About Supplements

More than half of adults rely on supplements to tackle specific concerns, from alleviating menopause symptoms to boosting cognitive health. While these products can be invaluable allies in enhancing overall well-being, it’s essential to approach the world of supplements with caution, and that involves recognising common myths in circulation, including: 

• Supplements are unsafe and unregulated
• Supplements can make up for a poor diet
• More is always better
• Supplements don’t actually work

So, let’s uncover these common misconceptions to help you make informed decisions when it comes to supplements!

Supplements are Unsafe and Unregulated

There is really no better place to start than with the overall safety of supplements. If you venture into any online forum on supplements you are sure to find a plethora of people who unequivocally view supplements as unsafe. But why do they think this?

Unlike pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements do not face the same stringent testing and approval processes, and media reports have surfaced regarding harmful side effects and interactions with medications. A combination of these factors, along with others, has heightened fears and made individuals cautious about incorporating supplements into their wellness routines.

However, for anyone currently on a supplement regimen or looking to start one you can breathe a sigh of relief. While supplements do not undergo pharmaceutical levels of regulation, they are regulated in the UK as food products, ensuring they meet strict safety standards.

Under the Food Safety Act of 1990, food businesses, and therefore supplement companies, have several key obligations:

• Guarantee that no substances are added to or removed from food, or used in its treatment, which could jeopardise the health of consumers
• Ensure that food meets the nature, substance, and quality expected by consumers
• Verify that food is labelled, marketed, and presented in a transparent manner

Any failure to meet these requirements is deemed an offence.

To learn more about how supplements are regulated in the UK read our comprehensive guide. 

While reports of harmful effects from supplements are rare, it’s important to be cautious. Always check for any potential allergens and consult your healthcare advisor about the safety of combining supplements with any medications you’re on. Additionally, be vigilant about harmful ingredients, which we’ve highlighted for you. By taking these precautions and being mindful of what you purchase, you can enjoy the benefits of supplements with absolute confidence.

The bottom line, then, is that supplements are both safe and regulated. So, you can confidently ignore anyone telling you otherwise!

Supplements Can Make Up For a Poor Diet

As their name suggests, supplements are designed solely to ‘supplement’ your diet, not replace a nutrient-dense, healthy eating plan.

All supplement packaging even states this fact, with regulations mandating that products include a clear message to this effect to make consumers aware.

Vitamins and minerals are essential for supporting development and bodily functions, and it is, therefore, crucial that we all get enough of them. However, this doesn’t mean that we should get them in any form necessary. Don’t overlook the powerful benefits of a nutrient-packed salad compared to a pill produced in a factory!

If you’re doing your best to maintain a varied and balanced diet but still struggle to meet your nutritional needs, it’s perfectly okay to turn to supplements for that extra boost! Just remember, they’re meant to complement your diet, not replace it. Keep striving for balance, and let supplements fill the gaps!

More Is Always Better

Too much of a good thing can very quickly become a bad thing, and this is very true in the world of supplements.

Let’s take vitamins for example. They are crucial for our bodies so having as many as possible may seem clever . However, it can actually be very problematic. This is because fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the body’s fat tissues and can build up to toxic levels over time:

• Excess vitamin A can cause dizziness, nausea, headaches and even liver damage
• Excess vitamin D can lead to calcium buildup in the blood, resulting in kidney problems
• Excess vitamin E can cause bleeding, thyroid problems and weakness

Consequently, if you regularly consume supplements loaded with more vitamins alongside an already fortified diet you could encounter some unpleasant consequences.

The same is true for minerals:

• Excess potassium leads to hyperkalemia (causing muscle weakness and heart palpitations)
• Excess calcium leads to hypercalcaemia (can weaken bones and create kidney stones)
• Excess chloride leads to hyperchloremia (causing diarrhoea, vomiting, fatigue)

So, the bottom line is that taking too many supplements can be extremely detrimental to your health. Remember, more isn’t always better!

Supplements Don’t Actually Work

The idea that supplements don’t work is a common misconception often based on the assumption that all supplements are ineffective as they aren’t medicines. However, the reality is far more nuanced than that as they achieve exactly what they set out to do. 

Most importantly, supplements bridge nutritional gaps, especially for nutrients that are tough to obtain in sufficient amounts through diet alone. For instance, vitamin D is crucial for bone health and a strong immune system, but for those living in areas with limited sunlight, getting enough of it can be a real challenge. A supplement can make all the difference and will ensure they avoid the risks of deficiency and stay healthy.

Additionally, many supplements ingredients are far from being unproven with a wealth of scientific research behind them:

• Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil, are supported by numerous studies showing their role in promoting heart health 
• Folic acid is recommended for pregnant women, a benefit widely accepted by health authorities worldwide

When choosing supplements with ingredients backed by solid research, you can trust that they’ll deliver on their promises and truly work as intended!