Five questions to ask when considering vitamins and supplements

The size of the vitamin and supplement manufacturing industry in Australia is increasing faster than the economy overall. The market size of the Australian supplement industry is already recorded at $1.5bn in 2022, and the online vitamin and supplement sales industry is $190.0m. Further, it is expected to increase by 3% by the end of the year. New Roy Morgan data revealed that 8.24 million people aged 14 and above use Australian vitamins and supplements in an average of six months, where women dominate.

Vitamins and minerals are essential nutrients that your body needs in specified amounts to work properly. Most people do not consider taking supplements because they eat a healthy and balanced diet and ensure they provide their body with all vitamins and nutrients needed. And for some, taking vitamins and supplements becomes a necessity for healthy living.

But before a person gets his hands on a bottle of vitamins, common questions that might swirl in their head are- “Is it safe?”, “Does it work?”, “Whether you need them?” and more. Probably you are here in search of answers to these questions only. If so, read on!

Do you need to take vitamins and supplements?

Though your body can get everything it needs from a nutritious diet, there are specific situations in which dietary supplements may benefit. For example, during childbearing years, pregnant women and adolescent girls, older adults, breastfed infants, people with multiple food allergies or medical conditions, bariatric surgery, people on a very restrictive-low-calorie diet, etc. In all such cases, consuming vitamins and dietary supplements can help ensure that you get adequate essential nutrients. Also, they help promote optimal health and performance, especially if you do not consume a variety of foods.

Is the supplement too good to be true?

The manufacturers of vitamins and supplements are prohibited from making unfounded claims of health benefits. You will never find a bottle of supplements with a label like “cures disease,” instead, they all say “supports immunity,” “boosts immunity,” etc. So before taking any supplement, consider what is being offered. Does it sell as a miracle cure? A wonder drug? A magic pill? And most importantly, remember that just being labelled as “natural” is no guarantee that there are no adulterations. Perform your thorough research and then incorporate any supplement into your diet.

Can supplements make up for a poor, unhealthy diet?

There’s no doubt that supplements are considered a source of nutrients, but they can never replace the benefits of eating a healthy balanced diet. You get plenty of nutrients from fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, meat, egg, fish, dairy products, and high-quality fats. You’re mistaken if you think you can get the same amount of nutrients from a pill. However, if you cannot eat such wholesome food for medical reasons or diet constraints, taking Australian vitamins and supplements can surely help.

Can you take them without consulting a doctor?

Well, vitamins and dietary supplements are available over the counter at your local pharmacy store or online, even without a prescription. But it would be best if you talk to your doctor before incorporating them into your routine. Supplements can interact with other prescribed medications you are already taking and cause side effects. It is advisable to discuss it with your doctor and identify potential risks depending on your current medical condition. Also, if you are thinking of giving these supplements to your child, check it with a pediatrician first.