Food supplements: how do you make a safe choice?
For the well-being of our body and mind, we are all too happy to reach for vitamin, mineral, and herbal supplements. But how do you choose these food supplements wisely? Where can you buy them safely? Are the internet and social media reliable? We asked an expert in food supplements.
Belgians are not the biggest users of food supplements in Europe. Yet they fuel a market estimated at more than 500 million euros! Fortunately, since 1990, this market has been overseen by a recognized professional federation that represents more than 160 companies in this sector (raw material suppliers, manufacturers, wholesalers, laboratories, etc.). Its name: Be-sup1. The federation acts as an interlocutor with the Belgian and European authorities to protect consumers.
Valérie Vercammen is the General Manager of Be-sup. She gives us valuable tips on how to fully and, above all, safely enjoy the beneficial effects of food supplements.
- Capsules, ampoules, or drops? Vitamins, minerals, or plants? The choice of supplements is immense! But what are food supplements actually?
Valérie Vercammen: Their definition is derived from legal texts. According to the FPS Public Health2, a supplement is a foodstuff available in small doses. It is a supplement to the diet, but it does not replace that diet. These products usually contain vitamins, minerals, plants, or other substances (carnitine, co-enzyme Q10, etc.) that have a nutritional or physiological effect. However, they do not have a therapeutic effect. That is reserved for medicines. Some studies attribute a preventive effect to supplements, but that is not yet officially recognized. Be-sup wants to open this debate.
On social media, some influencers attribute benefits to food supplements that have not been scientifically proven
– You can, of course, find food supplements in the pharmacy. But where else can you buy them? Can you trust the offers on the internet?
V.V.: In 2023, consumers in Belgium purchased 64.5% of food supplements in pharmacies and 15.7% online. But I don't know if that makes a big difference. Of those online sales, 80% were through known online pharmacies. These webshops also provide you with a leaflet along with your supplement, containing a lot of advice and warnings, especially regarding allergies or for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. However, remain critical of certain influencers on social media. There are those who harm the sector by spreading false information. For instance, health claims circulate that are not scientifically substantiated. Be-sup is, by the way, working on a charter that influencers will have to respect. This is how we want to protect the consumer.
– The information on the packaging of food supplements is important. Besides the ingredients, the nutritional value, and the expiry date, what else should you look out for to know if a supplement is safe?
V.V.: First and foremost, check whether the food supplement has been given a notification number in Belgium. You can recognize this by the letters NUT. This means that the supplement has been approved by the Ministry of Public Health. It is safe and has a valid composition. The national code (CNK) serves as proof that your food supplement is intended for sale in pharmacies.
Another golden tip: consult your doctor before using supplements. They can take stock to detect certain deficiencies so you know exactly what you need. Your pharmacist or doctor can guarantee your safety in the choice of food supplements. Allergic reactions or interactions with medicines are also prevented this way. On January 11, 2024, a Royal Decree established a new system: Nutrivigilance. It obliges manufacturers and distributors to report any identified side effect (headache, skin reaction, etc.). Healthcare professionals and consumers can also report problems with food supplements through this channel3.
Valérie Vercammen, General Manager of Be-sup.
Scientific references
Product mentioned in this article
EnergQ - Coenzyme Q10
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