The health supplement market is booming.
According to data presented by Mintel, the vitamin and supplement industry grew by 25 percent between 2018 and 2023 to £568 million in the UK and is expected to increase by 10 percent before 2028.
As consumers, we are more health conscious than ever, but with new brands popping up left, right and center and convincing marketing telling us that this vitamin or that nutrient is missing from our diet, how do we know where to start?
And what’s more, if we determine that there are any deficiencies, which brands can we trust to help solve these dietary problems?
Mintel also reported that 40 percent of users have revealed that financial problems have caused them to stop using/reduce the purchase of supplements. So with the cost of living crisis in mind, it’s more important than ever to make sure you get your money’s worth – and that nasties, fillers and unwanted elements are not included in the ingredient lineup.
We asked Eleanor Hoath, Lead Nutritionist and Wellness Practitioner at Healf, to find out more about the world of supplements, which brands to look out for and why the price tag is so high.
Are supplements good for health? Do they really work?
“Supplements play an important role in supporting the health and well-being of many people”, says Hoath. “Some health conditions benefit from additional nutrients that would be difficult to achieve from diet alone, and recovery from health conditions requires replenishing special nutrients”.
While maintaining a balanced diet is very important, he added that “Supplements can achieve adequate levels of nutrients, such as vitamin D and low iron, faster than natural sources, such as sunlight and red meat”.
What’s more, the nutrition expert explains, “Drugs can also reduce important nutrients or prevent the endogenous production of important antioxidants, such as diuretics, statins, antidepressants and certain oral contraceptive pills. Supplements can help improve and prevent deficiencies, especially in people who follow a diet based on plants. For example, it is impossible to get healthy levels of vitamin B12 when following a vegan diet. This particular nutrient is important for nerve development and function.
What to look for in a health supplement brand?
“Transparency, research and evidence”, he emphasized. “Reliable supplement brands should be open and honest about their products, without hiding sources or information. Ingredients should be naturally sourced and optimized in their active form.
“When looking for supplements to use with clients and when reviewing products at Healf, we always ask for scientific research papers to check their efficacy. In addition, some supplements contain technology that facilitates absorption such as liposomal technology”.
What to avoid in health supplement brands?
“No additives, binders or fillers are used in these ingredients because they can damage the nutritional quality, and also counteract the benefits of using them in the first place”, says Hoath.
Are supplements worth it?
With a double or triple outlay, it is understandable that consumers want to be sure that they are getting the benefits of the associated health supplement. Hoath said first and foremost that “A quality diet should always be the foundation of good health”. But in this mind, the addition is worth it for three reasons, as he explained.
- Supplements can provide a much-needed boost, balance dietary gaps and help individuals achieve better health outcomes.
- When implementing lifestyle changes as a direct approach to health conditions and symptoms, you may need certain nutrients in high doses specifically for therapeutic effects.
- Or there are certain nutrients that cannot be obtained without supplementation. C:15 is a good example of this, with the latest research showing that while our modern lives are deficient in this acid, it can be supplemented to support healthy levels.
Can supplements cause health problems?
These dietary supplements are usually consumed to improve health but overdoing it can cause more harm than good. Always read the product instructions.
Hoath confirms this, “Some supplements can cause unwanted symptoms if you overdose. These include fat-soluble vitamins in particular, but this should be mentioned on the PDP / product packaging.
He emphasized the importance of “nutritional interactions if you take medicines and always read the product instructions, adhere to the recommended dosage and additional instructions”.
The nutrition expert concluded, “At Healf we encourage our community to focus on their personal journey instead of getting caught up in the noise of the industry. It is important to listen and understand yourself. In addition, taking advantage of personal tests such as blood tests and functional tests is a good way to know exactly what you need and what suits your body.
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