When browsing through the supplements aisle at my local supermarket, I often find myself tempted by the wide range of possibilities. The brain-boosting formulations that claim to improve memory or the products promising “super immunity” are hard to resist. From vitamin C and multivitamins to supplements with echinacea or turmeric, there seems to be everything my body could possibly need and more. And if I search online, the variety gets even more outlandish, with supplements claiming to enhance libido, improve sports performance, or promote “thermogenic fat burning”.
However, the sheer number of products available and the claims they make can be overwhelming and confusing. On one hand, we are constantly bombarded with messages about the nutritional deficiencies in our modern diets, leading us to believe that adding concentrated doses of essential nutrients extracted from food could be beneficial. On the other hand, large studies often suggest that many supplements offer no noticeable benefits.
JoAnn Manson, a researcher at Harvard University, expresses concerns about the extensive range of dietary supplements on the market. She worries that people may be misled into spending money on supplements that are not helpful, and could even be harmful.
Considering this dilemma, we have put together a guide to help navigate the complex and sometimes contradictory world of nutritional supplements. We will examine the evidence behind the promises made on supplement labels, allowing you to make more informed decisions about which products are truly deserving of your hard-earned money.
Scientific agencies, such as the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), define supplements as concentrated sources…
