Dietary supplements are more popular than ever, but an integrative medicine specialist is urging people to think carefully before stocking up.
Dr. Yufang Lin with the Cleveland Clinic says the surge is driven in part by social media, with influencers pushing everything from protein powders to collagen creams. “With the rise of social media and influencers pushing or advertising supplements, there’s also increasing use because of those,” she said.
Supplements can be useful in the right circumstances. Lin says people with diet deficiencies, those who have trouble absorbing food, anyone who has had stomach or intestinal surgery, or those who are low in vitamin D, especially in winter, may benefit from certain products. Common uses include vitamin C for illness, omega-3 and ginger for inflammation, magnesium for sleep, and collagen for anti-aging.
The concern, she says, is excess. Unlike prescription drugs, supplements are not regulated by the FDA, and taking too many can strain the kidneys and liver. Some can also interfere with medications a person is already taking. “However, excess supplements can be toxic to the body as well, and can be a burden,” Lin said.
Her advice before starting any supplement: ask whether it’s actually safe and necessary, and if you do take one, watch for real results. “They need to be taken with the same consideration you would have when you’re taking a medication,” she said.