Take care when taking supplements
While vitamins and other supplements can be beneficial, seek advice about what’s right for you.
Older Australians are being urged to take greater care with vitamin and supplement use, amid growing evidence that many people are self-prescribing without expert advice and may be putting their health at risk.
An investigation by British consumer group, Which?, found widespread confusion among supplement users, with many people taking multiple products daily and uncertain about correct dosages or whether they are needed at all.
Three-quarters of adults surveyed reported using supplements, but a majority had not sought professional advice, raising concerns about inappropriate use and potential overdosing.
Similar trends are evident in Australia. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, one in three Australians (33.6%) took a dietary supplement in 2023, with vitamins and minerals the most common products.
While some supplements can play a role in addressing deficiencies, particularly in older people, they are not a substitute for a balanced diet and should be used carefully.
Health experts warn that supplements are often perceived as harmless, but this is not always the case. Like any medicine, they can cause side effects, interact with prescription drugs, and lead to harm when taken incorrectly.
Older Australians are particularly vulnerable because they are more likely to be managing several health conditions and medications, increasing the risk of dangerous interactions.
Recent Australian cases highlight these risks. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has tightened controls on vitamin B6 after reports last year of more than 100 people experiencing serious nerve damage linked to excessive intake.
Many cases involved people unknowingly consuming the vitamin from many different products, leading to cumulative overdosing.
The TGA stresses that vitamins and supplements are regulated as medicines in Australia, but levels of scrutiny vary.
Lower-risk products, which make up the bulk of supplements on shelves, are not individually assessed for effectiveness before sale. This means consumers need to take an active role in checking what they are taking and why.
Key risks include taking unnecessary supplements, exceeding recommended doses, and combining products that have the same ingredients. Interactions with common medications, including blood thinners, heart medicines, or antidepressants, can reduce effectiveness or increase side effects.
Experts consistently advise that the safest approach is to seek guidance from a GP, pharmacist, or accredited dietitian before starting any supplement. They can assess whether a supplement is needed, recommend appropriate doses, and check for interactions with existing treatments.
Supplements can be helpful in specific circumstances, but careful use and professional advice are essential to ensure they support good health rather than undermine it.
Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional about any health concerns or before making any changes to your medication, diet, or exercise routine.
Photo by Jonathan Borba/Pexels
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