Dietary supplements are foods designed to supplement the diet. They are a source of vitamins, minerals and substances that nourish the body. Their form (capsules, powders to dissolve, liquids, bottles with a dropper) allows dosage in accordance with recommendations. They must not be products having the properties of medicinal products within the meaning of the provisions – pharmaceutical law (Article 3, paragraph 3, point 39 of the Act of 25 August 2006. – on food and nutrition safety).
By law, supplements constitute food and are not medicinal products. The content of vitamins and nutrients must not exceed the maximum daily dose. Supplements should complement diet, treatment. They are best used under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist, basing supplementation on appropriate research.
The market for dietary supplements is booming. In recent years, there has been an increase in consumers interested in these products. Living in a hurry, irregular meals and a lot of stress on a daily basis contribute to mineral and vitamin deficiencies in the diet of Poles. Hence, they are increasingly turning to supplements. Undoubtedly, the rapid growth of the supplement market is influenced by advertising. According to research by the Media Monitoring Institute, in 2015, supplement advertisements accounted for 21.9% of advertising messages for medicines and health products. Between 2017 and 2020, 68,800 new supplements were submitted to the GIS. In 2020, 25,000 Notifications to the GIS were submitted for supplements marketed in Poland. Vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc were very popular and sales records were set
Poles most often reach for supplements with minerals and vitamins, supplements for weight loss, to support concentration and memory, the digestive system and the immune system. The use of supplements is recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Supplements can help those following a vegetarian or vegan diet to stay fit and healthy. Some vitamins are found in negligible amounts in plants, or not at all. Supplementation should also be used by athletes. Diet may not meet the needs of people who exercise intensively. Supplements play an important role in the prevention of diseases of civilisation. Providing the body with a well-absorbed dose of protein, will help to avoid osteoporosis, Omega 3 acids will be irreplaceable in the fight against high cholesterol (leads to coronary heart disease). Some supplements prevent oxidative stress and the damaging effects of free radicals.
Interest in supplements is boosted by the Covid-16 pandemic. In autumn 2020, according to a survey by ARC Rynek, 64% of adult Poles used supplements. One in three Poles consulted their doctor about the consumption of supplements (consultation with a doctor is recommended, as some supplements may react with medicines).
