Vitamins, omega-3s, multivitamins, minerals. Dietary supplements are increasingly common in our consumption habits. However, their use should not be haphazard.
Vitamins, minerals, omega-3s, multivitamins, probiotics… Dietary supplements are playing an increasingly important role in people’s eating habits. Some take them to combat fatigue, others to « boost their immunity, » compensate for a diet deemed insufficient, or support the treatment of an illness. However, not all nutritional needs require supplementation. And above all, not all supplements are suitable for everyone.
Dietary supplements are not a substitute for food.
The principle is quite simple: as their name suggests, dietary supplements are intended to complement the diet when additional intake may be necessary. They are not meant to replace meals or, on their own, correct an unbalanced diet. In a video on dietary supplements published on her YouTube channel Afrique Femme, Attobla Marie, a physician specializing in clinical nutrition, reminds us that when
the diet is sufficiently varied and balanced, it normally allows the body to receive the nutrients it needs. The problem arises particularly when eating habits are lacking in diversity or do not meet certain needs. In this case, supplementation can be considered. But it is still essential to know what to take, in what quantity, and for how long. The specialist thus emphasizes the importance of not turning dietary supplements into products consumed systematically, simply because they are presented as beneficial to health.
Chronic illness, stress, or inadequate nutrition: specific situations
The need for supplementation also depends on one’s health status. In her presentation, Dr. Attobla Marie specifically mentions people living with certain chronic illnesses, such as high blood pressure or diabetes. In these situations, taking a supplement at random can be a bad idea. A product designed to support a particular situation must be chosen taking into account the illness, the person’s diet, and, when necessary, their treatments. The question also arises when the daily diet is insufficiently varied. A person who regularly consumes the same foods may have insufficient intake of certain nutrients. Supplementation can then be beneficial, but it should not overshadow the need to correct the diet itself. Stress is also addressed by the specialist. Significant and prolonged stress can have repercussions on the body and, according to Dr. Attobla Marie, be associated with additional nutritional needs. Here again, it’s not about automatically reaching for a box of vitamins as soon as a difficult period begins. Each person’s individual circumstances must be considered.
Omega-3, vitamins, multivitamins: be careful with your use
The sheer number of available products can easily give the impression that there’s a supplement for every problem. Fatigue, sleep, stress, digestion, immunity, weight loss… the shelves are overflowing with formulas. However, just because a product contains vitamins or substances of natural origin doesn’t mean it should be consumed without caution. In her video on dietary supplements, Dr. Attobla Marie specifically mentions omega-3 fatty acids, some of whose effects on the body’s inflammatory mechanisms have been studied. She also discusses vitamins C and E, as well as beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, known in particular for their antioxidant properties. But the presence of a nutrient in a supplement isn’t enough to justify its use. The need, the dosage, and the medical context are all important factors. The specialist also draws attention to the method of administration. Not all supplements are taken in the same way. Some can be taken independently of meals, while others are better combined with food. She gives the example of garlic-based
supplements, which can be taken with meals to alleviate certain stomach aches. This is an important point because consumers sometimes tend to consider all supplements as interchangeable: a vitamin is a vitamin, a capsule is a capsule. However, their composition and use can differ. Caution is therefore particularly important for people already undergoing treatment or who have a chronic illness. Before adding a supplement to one’s daily routine, it is best to seek advice from a healthcare professional familiar with the individual’s situation. Dr. Attobla Marie recommends consulting qualified professionals, especially those trained in nutrition, to be guided toward appropriate supplementation when it is truly necessary. This approach also helps avoid accumulating multiple products containing the same nutrients.
Dietary supplements can therefore have their place in certain situations, but they should remain a supplement and not become the centerpiece of a nutritional strategy. A varied diet remains the foundation, while supplementation should address an identified need rather than simply following a trend.
Marie Chantale FAIDA
