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NHS HIGHLAND: There are no quick fixes with supplement industry





Dr Owen McDonald

Various supplements are available. Picture: iStock/wildpixel
Various supplements are available. Picture: iStock/wildpixel

The new year is a time of fresh starts with around a quarter of people in the UK making resolutions. Exercising more, losing weight, eating better and improving health are consistently amongst the most common goals people set themselves. Around now people may feel they are running aground with their resolutions.

They are not alone, just one in three resolutions last the year. It may be tempting to seek something out to keep on track, but what?

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The supplement industry has been experiencing a boom. In the past these supplements may have been limited to high street stores and wellness magazines: social media has brought supplements to the palms of our hand.

These supplements come in many forms with a myriad of purported benefits. Interestingly, supplements are regulated not as medicines but, as foods. What you see or what is claimed is not always what you get.

At one end, they may have very little effect other than costing you money. This led Victor Herbert, the nutritionist, to quip that they do little more than produce “expensive urine”. While at the other extreme they could have serious effects such as interfering with prescribed medicines, St John’s wort being a notable example. The reality for most supplements lies somewhere between these extremes with many supplements not living up to the claims.

The evidence suggests that for those with a well-balanced diet, extra vitamins and minerals will not protect against disease or improve health - aside from vitamin D, which can be helpful when we’re not getting much daylight.

What then of the emerging health-boosting medicines receiving widespread attention both on social and in traditional media? The marketing and availability of certain health-boosting medications such as for weight loss, hair loss or testosterone replacement have soared. An increase in demand has occurred at the same time as an expansion of the online pharmacy sector meaning access is potentially easier than ever.

However, caution is needed. While there is safeguarding in place, the National Pharmacy Association has expressed concerns that online questionnaires alone prior to prescribing medications may not be enough to ensure patient safety, with reports of individuals coming to harm or expressing regret because they did not fully understand the risks.

While supplements and medications may have a place, they should not be a substitute for a balanced diet and staying active. If you do decide to use them to help you meet your goals, be diligent. Make sure you know what you are getting, why you are taking it, and what the risks are. If in doubt, or if you are on medication consider having a conversation with your pharmacist or GP.

Where does this leave us? Lifestyle changes are hard, there will be times when sticking with a resolution is hard. There are no quick fixes; be sceptical of anyone who suggests there are. Information on sustainable changes you can make to your diet and lifestyle can be found on NHS Inform.

Dr Owen McDonald, Public Health Specialist Registrar.


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