Myths about dietary supplements: exposing popular delusions and the view of science
Myth 1: Dietary supplements are a natural and safe alternative to drugs.
This myth is perhaps the most common and, unfortunately, the most dangerous. The prefix “natural” is associated with many safety and efficiency, which automatically puts dietary supplements in a favorable position compared to “synthetic” drugs. However, natural origin does not guarantee either safety or effectiveness.
- Reality: Many drugs that save lives daily were originally developed on the basis of natural compounds secreted from plants, mushrooms or microorganisms. The difference is that these compounds passed the Rigorous Clinical Trit (strict clinical trials) confirming their effectiveness and safety, as well as an accurate dosage and indications for use. Bades are often not subjected to such thorough checks.
- The content of active substances: The concentration of active substances in dietary supplements can vary from the party to the party, even if they are produced by the same manufacturer. The lack of standardization leads to unpredictable results: sometimes dietary supplements can be ineffective due to too low concentration, and in other cases, cause side effects due to excessive amount of active substances.
- Impurities and pollution: Bades, especially those acquired in unverified sources, may contain impurities of heavy metals, pesticides, bacteria and other dangerous substances. This is due to insufficient quality control in the production and use of poor -quality raw materials.
- Interaction with drugs: Many dietary supplements can interact with drugs, enhancing or weakening their effect, as well as causing undesirable side effects. For example, St. John’s wort, a popular, popular dietary supplement used to treat depression can reduce the effectiveness of many drugs, including contraceptive tablets and antidepressants.
- Lack of evidence: Most dietary supplements do not have a sufficient scientific base confirming their declared efficiency. Advertising statements are often based on marketing tricks and are not supported by the results of clinical research.
Myth 2: Bades are necessary to maintain health in the modern world.
This myth is actively advancing by dietary supplements, claiming that modern food is depleted by nutrients, and the environmental situation is so unfavorable that it is impossible to maintain health without additional intake of dietary supplements.
- Reality: With a balanced and various nutrition, including a sufficient amount of fruits, vegetables, whole grain products, protein and healthy fats, the body receives all the necessary vitamins and minerals. The deficiency of nutrients most often occurs in people with unbalanced nutrition, chronic diseases or special needs (for example, pregnancy, lactation).
- The content of vitamins and minerals in food: Modern technologies allow you to maintain nutrients in food products throughout the production and transportation process. In addition, many products are enriched with vitamins and minerals (for example, iodized salt enriched with vitamin D milk).
- Ecological situation: Although the environmental situation really leaves much to be desired, the body has its own mechanisms for detoxification and neutralization of harmful substances. Support for these mechanisms is achieved by a healthy lifestyle, and not by receiving dietary supplements.
- Individual needs: In some cases, the intake of dietary supplements can really be justified, but only as prescribed by the doctor and after the appropriate analyzes that revealed the deficiency of specific substances. An independent intake of dietary supplements “for prevention” can not only be useless, but also harm health.
Myth 3: Bades can cure diseases.
This is one of the most dangerous myths that leads to the fact that people refuse traditional treatment and rely on dietary supplements, losing precious time and aggravating their condition.
- Reality: Bades are not drugs and are not intended for the treatment, prevention or diagnosis of any diseases. They can only be used as an addition to the main treatment prescribed by a doctor.
- Pharmacological properties: Most dietary supplements do not have pronounced pharmacological properties necessary for the effective treatment of diseases. Their action, as a rule, is aimed at maintaining the general condition of the body and filling the deficiency of nutrients.
- Legislation: The legislation clearly distinguishes between medicines and dietary supplements. Medicines are held by Rigorous Clinical Trit (strict clinical trials) and must comply with strict safety and efficiency requirements. Bades are not subjected to such a thorough check.
- Examples of dangerous misconceptions: The allegations that dietary supplements can cure cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and other serious ailments are absolutely false and dangerous. Refusal of traditional treatment in favor of dietary supplements can lead to irreversible consequences.
Myth 4: If dietary supplements are sold in a pharmacy, then it is safe and effective.
This myth is based on trust in pharmacies, which are perceived as guarantors of quality and safety of products.
- Reality: Pharmacies have the right to sell dietary supplements, since they are not medicines and are not subject to the same strict control. The presence of a dietary supplement in a pharmacy does not mean that it has passed clinical trials and has proven its effectiveness and safety.
- Responsibility of pharmacies: The pharmacy is not responsible for the effectiveness and safety of the dietary supplement. Responsibility for this is borne by the manufacturer of Bad.
- Marketing strategies: Pharmacies often use marketing strategies to stimulate the sale of dietary supplements, for example, they have them in prominent places, offer consultations on their use and hold promotions.
- The importance of consulting a doctor: Before buying any dietary supplement, even in a pharmacy, you need to consult a doctor to make sure his safety and the advisability of taking.
Myth 5: Bades have no side effects.
This myth, as well as the statement of the complete safety of dietary supplements, is a gross error.
- Reality: Like any other substances, dietary supplements can cause side effects, especially with improper use, exceeding the dosage or interaction with drugs.
- Individual intolerance: Some people can have individual intolerance to certain components of dietary supplements, which can manifest itself in the form of allergic reactions, digestive disorders and other unpleasant symptoms.
- Interaction with drugs: As already mentioned, dietary supplements can interact with drugs, enhancing or weakening their effect, as well as causing undesirable side effects.
- Overdose: Reception of dietary supplements in large doses can lead to an overdose of vitamins and minerals, which can cause serious health problems. For example, an overdose of vitamin A can lead to damage to the liver, and an overdose of iron to poisoning.
- Symptoms that require attention: If any side effects appear after taking the dietary supplements, it is necessary to immediately stop taking it and consult a doctor.
Myth 6: Bades are a placebo, they act only due to the effect of self -hypnosis.
This myth is partially true, but does not fully reflect reality.
- Reality: The placebo effect really plays a role in the perception of dietary supplements. Belief that dietary supplements will help, can improve well -being and reduce the severity of some symptoms.
- Physiological impact: However, some dietary supplements containing biologically active substances can have a certain physiological effect on the body, even if it is not a pronounced therapeutic effect. For example, the intake of vitamin D can improve the absorption of calcium and strengthen the bones, and the intake of probiotics can improve the intestinal microflora.
- The need for evidence: It is important to remember that the placebo effect is not evidence of the effectiveness of the dietary supplement. To confirm effectiveness, it is necessary to conduct Rigorous Clinical Trit (strict clinical trials), which will show that dietary supplements have a greater effect on the body than a placebo.
Myth 7: All dietary supplements are equally effective.
This myth is extremely far from the truth, since the quality and efficiency of dietary supplements can vary greatly depending on the manufacturer, composition and production technology.
- Reality: The quality of dietary supplements depends on many factors, including the quality of raw materials, compliance with production technology, quality control in production and the availability of certificates of conformity.
- Manufacturers: Some dietary supplements do not comply with the requirements for the quality and safety of products, which leads to the production of ineffective and even dangerous dietary supplements. Other manufacturers, on the contrary, pay great attention to the quality of their products and conduct clinical trials to confirm its effectiveness.
- Composition: The composition of dietary supplements can vary greatly. Some dietary supplements contain only one active ingredient, while others are complex mixtures of various substances. The effectiveness of dietary supplements depends on the concentration of active substances and their combination.
- Production technology: The technology for the production of dietary supplements can affect the digestibility of active substances by the body. Some manufacturers use special technologies that improve the bioavailability of active substances.
- The importance of choice: When choosing a dietary supplement, you need to pay attention to the manufacturer, composition, availability of conformity certificates and consumer reviews. It is better to choose dietary supplements of well -known and trusted manufacturers who have a good reputation in the market.
Myth 8: Bad can be taken without consulting a doctor.
This is a very dangerous myth that can lead to undesirable health consequences.
- Reality: Before taking any dietary supplement, especially in the presence of chronic diseases or taking drugs, it is necessary to consult a doctor. The doctor will be able to evaluate the feasibility of dietary supplements, choose the optimal dosage and take into account possible interactions with drugs.
- Individual features: Each person has individual characteristics of the body that must be taken into account when choosing a dietary supplement. What is suitable for one person can be contraindicated in another.
- Possible contraindications: Many dietary supplements have contraindications for use that you need to know about before the reception.
- The importance of professional consultation: An independent intake of dietary supplements can not only be useless, but also harm health. Professional consultation with a doctor will help to avoid undesirable consequences.
Myth 9: Bades are a way to make a lot of money.
This myth, unfortunately, has certain reasons.
- Reality: The dietary supplement market is a huge and profitable business. Many dietary supplements use aggressive marketing strategies to stimulate the sale of their products.
- Network marketing: Many dietary supplements are distributed through network marketing, which promises quick and easy earnings. However, in most cases, only the top of the pyramid manages to make a lot of money in network marketing.
- Advertising: Advertising of dietary supplements often contains inaccurate information and exaggerated promises. The purpose of advertising is to convince the consumer to buy dietary supplements, even if he does not need him.
- Critical thinking: It is necessary to critical of advertising of dietary supplements and not succumb to tricks of marketers. Before buying dietary supplements, you need to carefully study the information about it and consult a doctor.
Myth 10: Bades are a panacea from all diseases.
This myth is the most absurd and dangerous.
- Reality: Panacea does not exist. No dietary supplement can cure all diseases.
- Complex approach: Health is a comprehensive result, which depends on many factors, including nutrition, lifestyle, genetics and the environment.
- The role of dietary supplements: Bades can play a certain role in maintaining health, but they are not a replacement for a healthy lifestyle and traditional treatment.
- Reasonable approach: It is necessary to approach the reception of dietary supplements intelligently and responsibly, not expecting miracles from them and not relying on them as the only way to solve health problems. In Essence, Understand that Bada Are not a ReplaCement for Medical Care. They Shoup Be Viewed with County and Skepticism, and Ussed Under the Guidance of a Healthcare Professional. Informed Decision-Mucking Is Key to Proting Your Health.