Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Mar 23: Doctors have raised concerns over the growing consumption of supplements and nutraceuticals in India, warning that indiscriminate use may do more harm than good.

Dr Shaibya Saldanha said many supplements contain multiple ingredients in unclear doses, making it difficult to assess their effectiveness. She noted that multivitamins are often prescribed for symptoms like fatigue, even when not required.

“If a patient has a specific deficiency, they need a targeted dose. In multivitamins, the quantity is often too low to make a real difference,” she said, cautioning against unnecessary medication. She added that short-term illnesses do not typically lead to vitamin deficiencies, making routine multivitamin use unwarranted in many cases.

Public health expert Sylvia Karpagam said the issue is also linked to poor dietary intake. She pointed out that anaemia in India is rarely caused by iron deficiency alone, as the body also requires vitamin B12, folate, zinc, vitamin A and adequate protein to produce haemoglobin.

Karpagam highlighted that multiple nutritional deficiencies often go undiagnosed, particularly among women, and questioned why many patients resort to over-the-counter supplements. She stressed the need to examine gaps in healthcare access and diagnosis.

Clinical nutritionist Veena Shatrugna said supplements cannot substitute a balanced diet. “A single pill cannot replace proper nutrition. Lack of access to healthy food or restrictive lifestyle choices has contributed to increased supplement use, which the market is now capitalising on,” she said.

Experts emphasised that while supplements can help treat diagnosed deficiencies, they should be used only when necessary and for a limited duration, with greater focus placed on improving overall diet and nutrition.