Experts indicate that many dietary supplements are unnecessary and can be riskthe for healthy individuals, recommending that nutrients are best obtained from food.
Experts, including Marily Oppezzo, a nutritionist and researcher from Stanford, argue that a significant portion of the population consumes dietary supplements without necessity. A recent survey indicated that over half of the more than 3,000 adults in the U.S. who were questioned regularly take supplements, often influenced by social media and podcast personalities. This trend leads individuals to often take many different types of supplements at once, which raises concerns about their actual effectiveness and safety.
While there are valid reasons for certain individuals to use supplements, such as nutritional deficiencies or pregnancy, the general population does not require them according to expert insights. JoAnn Manson, a professor at Harvard Medical School, notes that many supplements can cause adverse effects, contain contaminants, or interact with prescription or over-the-counter medications, creating potential health risks for consumers.
The consensus among these experts emphasizes that it is usually safer and more beneficial to acquire essential nutrients through a balanced diet instead of relying on supplements. This perspective challenges the growing trend of supplement consumption, urging a reevaluation of dietary practices and encouraging a return to nutrient-rich foods as the best source of health sustenance.
