Who Cannot Use Food Supplements?

For many people, food supplements are considered an effective way to support health and address various nutrient deficiencies. However, they may not be suitable for everyone and for some individuals the use of food supplements may be risky. Here are the groups that should not use food supplements and why:

1. Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women

Pregnancy and breastfeeding are special periods when the body's nutritional needs increase. During this period, it is important to consult a doctor before using food supplements. Incorrect or excessive doses of certain vitamins and minerals can adversely affect the baby's development. For example, excessive intake of vitamin A can cause birth defects. Therefore, it may be inadvisable for pregnant and breastfeeding women to use supplements other than those recommended by a doctor.

2. Children

Children's developmental processes and nutritional needs are different from those of adults. The nutrients children need can usually be provided by a balanced diet. Food supplements can cause developmental or health problems in children when used incorrectly. In particular, some supplements, such as iron and vitamin D, can cause toxic effects when overdosed. The use of food supplements for children should only be recommended and supervised by a pediatrician.

3. People with chronic diseases

People with chronic diseases, especially those with conditions such as heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease or diabetes, should always consult their doctor before taking supplements. Some supplements may adversely affect the course of these diseases or interact with medications and cause side effects. For example, individuals taking blood-thinning medications should avoid vitamin K supplements.

4. Medication Users

Some food supplements may interact with prescription or over-the-counter medicines. These interactions can reduce the effectiveness of medicines or increase their side effects. For example, people taking anticoagulants (blood thinners) should be aware that vitamin E and omega-3 supplements may increase the risk of bleeding. Therefore, individuals who take medication regularly should consult their doctor before using food supplements.

5. People with Allergies

Some people may have allergic reactions to the ingredients contained in food supplements. In particular, individuals with sensitivities to seafood, common allergens such as soy, milk or gluten should carefully check the ingredients of their supplements. Allergic reactions can range from mild skin rashes to severe anaphylactic shock and can be life-threatening.

6. Before and After Surgical Intervention

People undergoing surgery should be careful about the use of dietary supplements before and after surgery. Some supplements may increase the risk of bleeding or interact negatively with anesthesia drugs. For example, ginkgo biloba and garlic supplements may increase the risk of bleeding during surgery. People planning surgical intervention should discuss the use of supplements with their surgeon and act according to their doctor's recommendations.

7. Some Special Situations

Some people may be sensitive to food supplements due to genetic predispositions or special health conditions. For example, people with disorders of iron metabolism, such as hemochromatosis, should avoid iron supplements. Similarly, people with disorders of copper metabolism, such as Wilson's disease, should avoid supplements containing copper.

Food supplements can be beneficial for health and wellness for many people, but they are not suitable for everyone. In particular, pregnant and breastfeeding women, children, people with chronic illnesses, those taking regular medication, people with allergies, people undergoing surgery, and people with certain special health conditions should consult a health professional before taking supplements. This way, possible risks can be avoided and health safety can be ensured. A balanced diet, regular exercise and following your doctor's recommendations is always the best approach to a healthy life.