Frequently asked questions

Are Health Supplements For You?

The past two decades has seen a dramatic increase in the number of people wanting to take responsibility for their own health, and greater interest in the role played by diet in maintaining good health. It has also seen an increase in the number of health supplements available in the UK as well as a growing awareness of the benefits of health supplements for many people.

However the increase in products now widely available, as well as the publication of information on health supplements that is often conflicting, has inevitably resulted in some confusion amongst consumers.

The Health Supplements Information Service was set up in 1999 to provide up-to-date information about vitamins, minerals and food supplements and this information has been produced to answer some of the most common questions asked about these products.

It is clear that many of us can benefit from supplements at certain times in our lives and I hope that after reading this booklet you will be able to make more confident decisions about your own nutritional requirements.

Question

Does everybody get enough nutrients from their diet?

If I take supplements, do I really need to bother about what I eat?

Are supplements only for body builders and athletes?

Are most supplements taken by young people or pregnant women?

How long do you need to take supplements for? Are they a quick fix?

Do you have to take supplements with food?

Is it OK to take various different supplements at the same time?

Can you easily overdose on supplements?

How much of a supplement is safe to take?
For most vitamins and minerals Upper Safe Levels have been established so that both manufacturers and consumers can be made aware of the levels of intake which allow people to optimise their diet but which are safe. These levels have been established as a self-regulatory action by the health supplement industry, using the most up to date scientific information available.

This is why it is very important to follow the dosage instructions on the label of the product you are taking, and not to exceed the stated dose.

Young children
In order to ensure maximum growth and development, children need a balance of all nutrients. In particular vitamin A, which is required for the formation of all new cells, the B complex vitamins which make energy available to fuel the growing process, vitamin C which helps the body to absorb iron from foods, vitamin D and calcium which help to build strong bones and teeth, iron and zinc which help growth and formation of red blood cells. Children will often go through 'fussy eating' phases when they probably will not get all the nutrients they require. A health supplement, which is aimed specifically at children, is an option to ensure they obtain the recommended intake of certain vitamins and minerals.

Can some supplements stop medicines from working?

Can too much vitamin C be harmful?

Does Vitamin B6 cause nerve damage?

Are dietary supplements unnecessary and a waste of money?

Are supplements a new fad to make money and are they most likely to be taken by the well-off who least need them?

Is the “supplements” industry is worth a huge amount of money?