Health warns of the danger of misusing food supplements

Food supplements are concentrated sources of nutrients, i.e., vitamins (such as vitamin D or folic acid), minerals (such as calcium or iron), and fatty acids (such as omega-3), but they may also contain other substances, such as plants. Their function is to produce a nutritional or physiological effect in the consumer. They are sold in doses, i.e., in capsules, sachets, or bottles, and are taken in small amounts.

The use of dietary supplements has increased in recent years, with purposes such as strengthening the immune system, increasing energy levels, enhancing concentration and memory, or improving athletic performance, all in the belief that they improve health or help prevent disease.

The Department of Health warns that in some cases, they can be used as a dietary supplement and, under no circumstances, can they replace what we eat. This means that even if you take dietary supplements, you must maintain a healthy diet.

How to make responsible use

If we consume dietary supplements, we must also follow a healthy diet to provide our body with all the nutrients it needs for proper development and maintenance. In this regard, it is important to consume mostly fruit, vegetables, legumes, nuts, whole grains, tubers, and virgin olive oil, in addition to drinking water.

It is also essential to follow the instructions for use on the packaging. Do not consume doses higher than those indicated on the label, as this can have harmful effects on your health, especially over time. Dietary supplements may be natural, but this does not mean they are safe.

Do not stop taking medication

If we are taking medication, we must continue to do so. Dietary supplements are not a substitute for medications. In this regard, it is important to follow the instructions of healthcare professionals. The doctor should be aware that we are taking dietary supplements and advise us if they conflict with any of the medications we are taking.

Likewise, if we believe a dietary supplement has caused an adverse reaction, we should notify the medical team. This is also true if we are undergoing surgery, and, in the case of women, if they are pregnant or breastfeeding. Under no circumstances should they be given to children without first consulting the pediatric team.

There is no miracle solution

It's important to know that dietary supplements aren't a miracle cure for your health. If any product is sold this way, we should be wary of it. Remember, they're a supplement, and therefore, the best solution is to follow a healthy diet. Likewise, if we buy online, we should be careful with certain websites and always buy from authorized retailers, such as pharmacies.

Recalled products

Safety alerts related to dietary supplements can be found on the Catalan Food Safety Agency (ACSA) website. In many cases, these warnings point to the presence of pharmacologically active substances used to increase sexual vigor, promote muscle development, or stimulate weight loss, which gives them the status of medicinal products even though they are marketed as dietary supplements. These products are marketed without the necessary supervision and control by health authorities and, therefore, pose a serious risk to the health of those who consume them.

Risk of consuming food supplements

For the general population:

• Excessive consumption of food supplements can cause problems due to hypervitaminosis.
• Consuming more than the recommended doses can have harmful effects on health, especially if prolonged.
• Online shopping.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, the elderly, and people who are ill should only use supplements if there are justifiable reasons and always under medical supervision.

More information about dietary supplements

In itHealth channelIn the healthy living and food section, there is a whole section on food supplements.