There are many myths circulating in the health and wellness industry when it comes to supplements. Supplements can definitely play an important role in a person’s health, diet, and exercise goals, but, it may not be the silver bullet that everyone is looking for.
Due to the amount of misinformation out there, it can be hard to decipher fact from fiction. To help clarify and replace the myths with facts, here are the top 10 supplement myths and their respective truths:
Supplement Myth #1: More is Better
It is easy to think that taking larger doses of the same supplement can enhance the desired effects, but this is rarely the case. Increasing the amount of a supplement taken does not guarantee increased benefits and can actually have negative side effects. Too much of any supplement can be harmful, and it is important to always follow the recommended serving instructions.
Supplement Myth #2: Supplements Provide All the Nutrients You Need
Despite what supplement providers may claim, supplements do not replace a healthy, balanced diet. While they may replace certain vitamins or minerals, they are not replacements for overall nutritional needs. Supplements are meant to support, not replace, the consumption of whole, nutritious foods and living a healthy lifestyle.
Supplement Myth #3: Supplements Can Make You Lose Weight
While they can play a role in weight management, supplements are not a miracle cure. Losing weight requires a combination of healthy diet, sleep and physical activity, and supplements can only complement these lifestyle choices. Supplements can be helpful for providing additional nutrition during certain phases of weight loss, but they do not guarantee weight loss on their own.
Supplement Myth #4: Supplements Cure Diseases
Numerous supplements claim to treat a variety of conditions, from cancer to the common cold. This may not be accurate. Supplements can positively support treatments recommended and prescribed by a doctor or healthcare practitioner, but they should never be relied upon as a sole source of treatment. Moreover, it is recommended that one discuss these supplements with their healthcare provider before consuming them as some could result in adverse reaction.
Supplement Myth #5: Supplements aren’t regulated by the FDA
The FDA in US and Health Canada in Canada have established regulations for supplement manufacturing and labeling. Quality supplement companies abide by these regulations to ensure their products are safe and meet FDA and Health Canada standards.
This means that companies are required to follow manufacturing standards, perform testing and obtain approval before distributing their products. It is important to research the brands and manufacturers of supplements before making a decision.
Supplement Myth #6: Supplements Make You Bigger
Certain supplements are often marketed as muscle-building aids, but they cannot work miracles on their own. Supplements provide the necessary nutrients for muscles to grow, but growth requires hard work and dedication in the gym.
Supplements can be an aid to physical performance, but they cannot substitute for hard work and long hours of exercise.
Supplement Myth #7: Supplements Contain Illegal Substances
It is true that some supplements on the market contain banned substances, but this is not the case with many reputable brands. The FDA’s quality control requirements and approvals are stringent and generally prevents banned substances, so products from well-known manufacturers are generally safe.
Supplement Myth #8: Herbal Supplements Are Risk-Free
Herbal supplements may be perceived as being natural and therefore safe, but this is not necessarily true. Herbal supplements that are not regulated by the FDA may contain ingredients that have not been tested for safety or efficacy. Therefore, as with any other supplement, it is important to research the potential benefits and risks associated with herbal supplements before consuming them.
Supplement Myth #9: Supplements Work Instantly
Supplements cannot work instantaneously because they need to become a part of the body’s metabolism. Therefore, it is important to be patient and to follow the nutrition plan that is provided by the healthcare practitioner or comes with the supplement. Itis also important that one needs to provide the body with the necessary rest and exercise.
Supplement Myth#10: Supplements can cause addiction
Supplements are generally not habit-forming and do not cause addiction. At the same time, it is important to ensure that you are taking supplements in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines, as taking too much of any supplement can be harmful.
With these myths debunked and taken care of, you can take a step closer to understanding the usage of supplements in your wellness journey. It's important to remember that while some supplements can be beneficial and helpful, it's important not to get caught up in the myths and the marketing buzz surrounding them.