Many people rely on supplements to stay healthy but experts advise taking supplements only for specific deficiencies and under medical supervision. A balanced diet and regular exercise is the best medicine, they say. - Photo: YAP CHEE HONG/The Star
Health experts and consumers weigh in on the value of taking supplements
PETALING JAYA: It is an issue that is often debated among health professionals and consumers at large – the value of taking nutritional supplements.
With limited evidence to show they offer significant health benefits, medical experts are generally of the view that a balanced diet of natural foods and keeping an active lifestyle are key to maintaining optimum health.
A study published online in 2018 by the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that the four most commonly used supplements – multivitamins, vitamin D, calcium and vitamin C – did not protect against cardiovascular disease.
Consultant cardiologist and electrophysiologist Dr Sathvinder Singh Gian Singh of Sultan Idris Shah Hospital’s heart centre in Serdang said vitamins and health supplements were not “silver bullets” to cure or keep diseases at bay.
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He said overconsumption of certain vitamins and supplements could have an adverse effect on health, adding that the key was to obtain vitamins from a diet of natural foods complemented with regular exercise.
“Studies have shown that fish oil supplements may cause heart arrhythmia while too much Vitamin C may lead to kidney stones.
“And too many calcium pills may cause a build-up of arterial plaque. In most cases, people are taking supplements that they do not need under the notion that it will keep them healthy. This is how the supplement industry thrives,” he said in an interview.
Dr Sathvinder said routine use of supplements was unnecessary, adding that these should only be prescribed when there were specific deficiencies of vitamins or minerals due to health conditions or dietary restrictions.
Prescription of supplements should only be done after clinical tests and evaluations were carried out by healthcare personnel, he pointed out.
“For instance, a patient deficient in iron can be prescribed with iron and folic acid supplements, while those with osteoporosis will need bisphosphonates.
“Some patients with irritable bowel syndrome may require probiotics after consulting a gastroenterologist.
“No supplement should be consumed routinely without ascertaining if there is a need for it, or just on assumption. Nothing can replace a healthy diet and routine exercise,” he added.
(Bisphosphonates are a drug or substance used to treat hypercalcemia or abnormally high blood calcium and bone pain caused by some types of cancer.)
Former Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) president Prof Datuk Dr M. Subramaniam said regular exercise is essential in keeping healthy.
“There is no need for rigorous exercise. Just moderate stretches and exercise to maintain muscle mass several times a week is adequate. Walking is the best,” he added.
Dr Subramaniam said supplements should not be consumed without the advice of a medical professional.
“There are supplements meant for specific deficiencies and in such cases, it is good. However, do not grab and consume without knowing its use,” he added.
Supplements, according to dietician Fiona Lai, should “fill in the gaps of a healthy diet” rather than replace it.
“You cannot rely on them to offset the effects of an unhealthy lifestyle or poor dietary habits. Those who use supplements should also be aware of what they are taking and if they are necessary.“They should also be aware of the dosage and not overdo it. It is always best to consult medical professionals and reveal one’s health history before starting on supplements,” she said.
Fiona said the need for supplements varies and is dependent on an individual’s health conditions.
“If you have deficiencies in certain vitamins or minerals or health conditions, supplements can be helpful. Vegetarians may lack vitamin B and those with lactose intolerance may be calcium deficient,” she added.
Dr Charles Hedwig Fernandez, a family doctor who specialises in functional and preventive medicine, however, encourages the intake of vitamins and minerals at least minimally to obtain nutrients absent in daily meals.
He said the modern-day diet was insufficient in providing essential nutrients and that certain foods sold at eateries could be detrimental to health.
“Many diseases are preventable with the use of supplements, which we should take before the damage is done to our bodies.
“We consume food cooked with vegetable seed oils from soy or corn, which are not healthy in large quantities.
“To counter the ill effects of such foods, we should use antioxidant supplements,” said the doctor of over 25 years who is a strong advocate of supplements and bioidentical hormone therapy.Dr Fernandez said he has witnessed positive outcomes from the use of supplements he has prescribed to patients.
“My patients have benefited immensely with improvements in health. As we age, the production of natural hormones slows down and we may not get the nutrients we need,” he added.
Dr Fernandez cautioned against the use of certain vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, which he said should only be taken if a patient suffered an acute deficiency.
