Do healthy people really need supplements? Geneticist weighs in
Which supplements do healthy people really need (photo: freepik)
Dietary supplements have become one of the most popular health trends. Ukrainians actively buy collagen, magnesium, omega-3, creatine, and vitamin D, hoping to improve well-being or slow aging. However, not all of these supplements are truly necessary for a healthy person, according to Ukrainian geneticist Oleksandr Koliada.
Do healthy people really need supplements?
According to the expert, if a person is healthy and maintains a normal lifestyle, in most cases, no supplements are needed at all.
The key factors for good health are balanced nutrition, physical activity, and sufficient sleep. Supplements only complement the diet when certain nutrients are deficient.
That is why they are called supplements – they support the body but do not replace a proper diet.
Omega-3
Koliada explains that omega-3 is not a universal health remedy. More often, it reflects whether a person consumes enough seafood.
If someone eats fish and seafood at least twice a week, they usually get enough of these fatty acids naturally. Supplements can help partially cover a shortage if seafood consumption is low. However, they cannot fully replace natural food.
When vitamin D is really needed
Another popular supplement is vitamin D. It may be useful for people who rarely go outside or lead a sedentary lifestyle.
In such cases, the body may not produce enough vitamin D, and supplementation becomes beneficial. But if a person spends enough time outdoors and receives adequate sunlight, the need for supplements is greatly reduced.
Magnesium and collagen
Magnesium’s benefits are often overestimated. The expert notes it can slightly aid sleep, for example, by helping one fall asleep faster.
However, the idea that magnesium can treat stress or most nervous system problems is greatly exaggerated.
Collagen, on the other hand, is essentially just a protein. Koliada explains that it is not much different from the protein found in meat or broths, but it is sold at a much higher price.
In conclusion, Oleksandr Koliada emphasizes that the question of supplements is far less about the supplements themselves and more about a person’s lifestyle.
Rational use of supplements involves first analyzing one’s diet, physical activity, and other habits. Only after this should one determine whether there is an actual nutrient deficiency that needs to be addressed through supplements or dietary adjustments.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
