Do we really need supplements? The unvarnished truth
The truth about dietary supplements: how to avoid harming yourself and when to get tested before starting any supplement.
The truth about dietary supplements: how to avoid harming yourself and when to get tested before starting any supplement.
Vitamin D, omega-3, magnesium, coenzyme Q10, melatonin, collagen, probiotics — the dietary supplement market is growing rapidly. While supplements were once mainly for athletes and the elderly, today everyone takes them: teenagers, pregnant women, IT specialists, bloggers. But are they a cure-all? Or just a marketing bubble?
A supplement is not a medication. It does not treat disease but only complements the diet and, in theory, improves bodily functions. Unlike drugs, supplements do not undergo multi-level clinical trials, are not tested for safety in combination with other substances, and have no standard dosages.
In other words — a supplement's effect may or may not exist. Side effects, however, are quite real. Especially with uncontrolled use.
Supplements can be useful, but only when indicated. Here are a few examples:
But taking them randomly, "for prevention," without knowing the levels of these substances in the blood, is a lottery. You may end up with vitamin overload, allergic reactions, or extra strain on the liver and kidneys.
Taking supplements without testing and medical supervision is especially dangerous in the following cases:
There are supplements containing iron, iodine, and potent herbal extracts (ginseng, eleuthero) that can cause blood pressure spikes, insomnia, and tachycardia.
The first and main rule: never take supplements based on internet "reviews." Even if a blogger says it is "just magic" — they have different test results, lifestyle, and chronic conditions.
Before starting, it is important to:
Even the most "natural" supplements still interfere with how the body works. And one must be cautious about that.
At Horev Medical Center in Tashkent, you can undergo a comprehensive checkup and receive a clear strategy:
We do not prescribe supplements blindly. We work for results proven by tests and observation.
Book a visit — we will pick a convenient time.