The health supplement market is growing rapidly.
According to data shared by Mintel, the vitamins and supplements industry grew by 25 percent in value between 2018 and 2023 to £568 million in the UK and is forecast to increase by an additional 10 percent before 2028.
As consumers, we’re more health-conscious than ever, but with new brands popping up left, right and center and marketing telling us we’re sorely missing this vitamin or that from our diets, how do we know where to start?
What’s more, when we decide that we are, in fact, deficient in something, what brands can we trust to support said remedies in the diet?
As Mintel reports, 40 percent of users have revealed that financial concerns have prompted them to stop using/cut back on purchasing supplements. So with the cost of living crisis in mind, it’s more important than ever to ensure you’re getting bang for your buck – and don’t include bad, fillers and unnecessary elements in their ingredient lineup.
We consulted Dr. Eleanor Hoth, lead nutrition and wellness practitioner at Healf, to find out more about the world of supplements, brands to look out for, and whether they’re worth the often high price tags.
Are supplements good for health? Do they really work?
“Supplements play a critical role in supporting the health and well-being of many people,” says Hoath. “Some health conditions benefit from additional nutrients that are challenging to obtain through diet alone, and recovery from health conditions may require replenishment of specific nutrients”.
While maintaining a balanced diet is extremely important, she adds, “supplements can provide adequate levels of nutrients, such as low vitamin D and iron, more quickly than natural sources such as sun and red meat.”
The nutritionist adds, “Medications can deplete essential nutrients or inhibit endogenous production of essential antioxidants, such as certain diuretics, statins, antidepressants, and oral contraceptives. Supplements can help fill in and prevent deficiencies, especially for those following a plant-based diet. For example, healthy levels of vitamin B12 cannot be obtained when following a vegetarian diet because it comes from the soil our animals eat. This particular nutrient is essential for nerve growth and function.
What should you look for in a health supplement brand?
“Transparency, research and evidence”, she emphasizes. “A credible supplement brand should be open and honest about their product, not hiding their sources or information. Ingredients should be naturally derived and optimized in their active form.
“When I’m looking for supplements to use with clients and testing Healf’s products, we always ask for their scientific research papers to test their effectiveness. Additionally, some supplements contain technology that facilitates absorption, such as liposomal technology.
What should you avoid in a health supplement brand?
“No additives, binders or fillers should be used in the ingredients, as this can compromise the quality of the nutrient while counteracting the benefit of using it,” reveals Hoth.
Are the supplements worth it?
With their double or triple values, it’s understandable that consumers want to be sure they’re getting the supplement’s associated health benefits. Hoth says first and foremost that “a high-quality diet should always be the foundation of good health.” But with this in mind, she explains, supplements are worth it for three reasons.
- Supplements can provide a needed boost, compensate for 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 particularly high doses of certain nutrients for a therapeutic effect.
- Or there are certain nutrients that cannot be obtained without a supplement. C15:0 is a great example of this, as the latest research shows that our modern lives leave us deficient in this acid, which can be supplemented to support healthy levels.
Can it cause additional health problems?
These dietary supplements are commonly consumed to promote health, but consuming them in excess can do more harm than good. Always read the product instructions.
Hoath confirms this, “Some supplements can contribute to unwanted symptoms if you take them in excess. These specifically include fat-soluble vitamins, but this should be stated on the PDP/product packaging.
“If you’re taking medication, always read the product’s instructions on the importance of nutrient interactions and following the recommended dosage and any additional instructions,” she stresses.
The nutrition expert concludes, “At Healf we encourage our community to focus on their journey rather than getting caught up in the industry noise. It is important to listen and understand your body. In addition to this, taking advantage of personalized tests such as blood tests and functional tests is a great way to know exactly what your body needs and is suitable for.
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