Are the Supplements You Consume Truly Safe for You?

In today’s fast-paced world, consumers are increasingly turning to dietary supplements to fill nutritional gaps in their diets. With busy lifestyles and evolving dietary habits, many struggle to meet their daily nutrient requirements through food alone. Advances in personal health assessments ranging from consultations with medical professionals to digital nutrition diagnoses and even DNA nutrition test kits are enabling individuals to better understand their nutritional needs. As a result, dietary supplementation has become a popular solution for those seeking a convenient and tailored approach to maintaining their well-being. This rising consumer trust is also contributing to the rapid growth of the supplement industry, particularly in Asia Pacific. In the Philippines, more and more Filipinos are prioritizing their health, sometimes even more than saving money or buying a house, according to a 2024 OCTA survey. This shift, largely driven by the pandemic, has made supplements a convenient and popular option for supporting wellness goals. According to Alex Teo, Director, Research Development and Scientific Affairs, Asia Pacific, Herbalife, as demand for dietary supplements surges, so do concerns about safety, quality, and regulatory oversight. In some cases, supplements have been found to contain undeclared pharmaceutical ingredients, like synthetic drugs or contaminants that could [...]