Uncovering the Reality: A Closer Look at Dietary Supplements
Misconceptions Abound Regarding Dietary Supplements - Misconceptions About Dietary Supplements Abound Widely
Let's dive into the world of dietary supplements in Germany, a billion-dollar market that many assume is thoroughly tested for health safety before it hits the shelves. However, it's quite the opposite!
Germany
People's knowledge about dietary supplements is surprisingly shallow. In a survey, almost half of them believed these supplements undergo health safety testing before being sold. Alas, nothing could be further from the truth. The Federal Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL), the guardian of food safety, reveals that when dietary supplements first hit the market, there's no testing or approval by any authority. Instead, these products must be reported to the BVL, and it's up to the companies to ensure their safety.
Popularity and Misconceptions
Whether you're talking about vitamin tablets, detox capsules, or any other variant, these products are surprisingly popular. Around 77% of people surveyed admitted to regularly using dietary supplements, with almost a quarter considering them a kind of natural medicine rather than food. The popularity of these supplements has led to a thriving market, with a significant chunk of the population relying on them.
Questionable Advertising Tactics
The federal association of consumer organizations, vzbv, points a finger at social media advertising as one of the reasons for the misinformation surrounding dietary supplements. On platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and others, influencers often promote these supplements with questionable health claims. Jochen Geilenkirchen, a food expert from vzbv, warns that these claims, devoid of scientific backing, spread quickly, misleading consumers.
A Call for Regulation
Vzbv advocates for a licensing procedure for dietary supplements at the EU level. This action would add a layer of safeguarding, ensuring that consumers have access to safe products. In addition, Geilenkirchen suggests setting maximum permissible amounts for vitamins and minerals in these supplements, ensuring a standardized and controlled market.
While a balanced and varied diet is usually sufficient to meet our nutritional needs, certain groups, such as pregnant women and those with specific diseases or diets, might require supplementation. For example, targeted folic acid supplementation is beneficial before and during early pregnancy.
As consumers, it's crucial to stay informed and rely on accurate, scientifically-backed information. The popularity and apparent ease of access to dietary supplements should not cloud our judgment. Choose wisely, and remember: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
Tips for Smart Consumers:
- Research brands and products before buying.
- Look for evidence-based health claims.
- Be cautious of products marketed with unrealistic promises.
- Consult a healthcare professional if you're unsure about the need for supplements.
Insights
Regulations and safety measures for dietary supplements in Germany, particularly regarding testing and advertising by influencers, are guided by both national and EU frameworks. The sale of dietary supplements in Germany is primarily governed by the EU Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 on nutrition and health claims made on foods, which applies to dietary supplements as well. This regulation requires that health claims be scientifically substantiated and approved by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). According to the German Food and Feed Code (LFGB), labels must comply with EU regulations regarding health claims to ensure that any claims made are approved and substantiated by scientific evidence. Non-compliance can lead to fines and other penalties. The European Union and German authorities monitor compliance with these regulations. Influencers must also comply with advertising laws, clearly indicating that their content is an advertisement and ensuring that any claims made are substantiated and comply with EU health claims regulations.
- In the realm of dietary supplements, it's surprising that many people believe these products undergo stringent health safety testing before being sold, but Germany's Federal Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL) reveals that initial market entry lacks testing or approval.
- A call for regulation at the EU level, advocated by vzbv, includes implementing a licensing procedure for dietary supplements to ensure consumer access to safe products, and setting maximum permissible amounts for vitamins and minerals, similar to the EU Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 on nutrition and health claims made on foods.
