The health supplement market is booming.
According to data shared by Mintel, the vitamins and supplement industry rose in value by 25 per cent between 2018 and 2023 to a whopping £568 million in the UK and is forecasted to increase by an additional 10 per cent before 2028.
As consumers, we are more health conscious than ever, but with new brands popping up left, right and centre and convincing marketing telling us that this vitamin or that nutrient is severely missing from our diets, how do we know where to start?
And what’s more, when we determine that are, in fact, deficient in something, which brands can we trust to assist in redressing said dietary oversight?
Mintel also reports that 40 per cent of users have revealed that financial concerns have prompted them to stop using/cut back their purchasing of supplements. So with the cost of living crisis in mind, it’s more important than ever to ensure that you are getting bang for your buck – and nasties, fillers and unwanted elements are not included in their ingredient line-ups.
We consulted Eleanor Hoath, Lead Nutrition and Wellbeing Practitioner at Healf, to find out more about the world of supplements, the brands to look out for and whether they are worth the often high price tags.
Are supplements good for health? Do they actually work?
“Supplements play a crucial role in supporting the health and well-being of many individuals”, says Hoath. “Some health conditions benefit from additional nutrients that would be challenging to achieve from diet alone, and recovery from health conditions may require replenishing specific nutrients”.
While maintaining a balanced diet is of the utmost importance, she adds that “Supplements can achieve adequate levels of nutrients, such as low vitamin D and iron, quicker than natural sources, such as the sun and red meat”.
What’s more, the nutrition expert explains, “Medications can also deplete essential nutrients or prevent the endogenous production of vital antioxidants, such as certain diuretics, statins, antidepressants and oral contraceptive pills. Supplements can help replenish and prevent deficiencies, especially in those who may be following a plant-based diet. For example, it is impossible to obtain a healthy level of vitamin B12 when following a vegan diet because it is from the soil our animals eat. This specific nutrient is essential for neurological development and function”.
What should you look for in a health supplement brand?
“Transparency, research and evidence”, she stresses. “A trustworthy supplement brand should be open and honest about their product, without hiding their sources or information. Ingredients should be naturally sourced and optimised in their active form.
“When looking for supplements I can use with clients and when vetting the products on Healf, we always request their scientific research papers to check their efficacy. Additionally, some supplements contain technology that facilitates absorption such as liposomal technology”.
What should you avoid in a health supplement brand?
“There should be no additives, binders or fillers used in the ingredients as this can damage the quality of the nutrient whilst also counteract the benefit of using it in the first place”, Hoath reveals.
Are supplements worth it?
With their double or even triple-figure outlay, it is understandable that consumers want to be sure they are getting the associated health benefits of supplementation. Hoath says first and foremost that “A high-quality diet should always be the foundation of good health”. But with this in mind, supplements are worth it for three reasons, as she explains.
- Supplements can provide a necessary boost, compensating for dietary gaps and helping individuals achieve better health outcomes.
- When implementing lifestyle changes as a direct approach for health conditions and symptoms, you may need a certain nutrient in specifically high doses for a therapeutic effect.
- Or there are certain nutrients that cannot be obtained without supplementation. C:15 is a great example of this, with the latest research showing that our modern lives are leaving us deficient in this acid, it can be supplemented to support healthy levels.
Can supplements cause health problems?
These dietary add-ons are typically consumed to boost health but overdoing them can lead them to more harm than good. Always read the product’s instructions.
Hoath confirms this, “Some supplements can contribute to unwanted symptoms if you are overdosing on them. These include fat-soluble vitamins especially, but this should be specified on the PDP/product packaging.
She stresses the importance of “nutrient interactions if you are taking medications and to always read the product’s instructions, adhering to the recommended dosage and any additional instructions”.
The nutrition expert concludes, “At Healf we encourage our community to focus on their own personal journey rather than get caught up in industry noise. It’s important to listen and understand your own body. As well as this, taking advantage of personalised testing such as blood tests and functional tests is a great way to know exactly what is required and suited to your body”.
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