5 Misconceptions About Supplements: Setting the Record Straight!

supplement pills and lemon slice over table

When it comes to health and wellness, supplements are almost always a part of the conversation. Some people swear by them, while others don’t, so the debates are always interesting. Are they miracle pills or modern-day snake oil? Let’s cut through some of that confusion by looking at 5 common misconceptions about supplements. Spoiler alert: They aren't the bad guys they're often made out to be!


Misconception #1: Supplements Are Just Expensive Placebos

a close up of supplement pillsPhoto by Akshay Chauhan on Unsplash

One of the most common myths about supplements is that they don’t actually work and they're just a way for companies to make money off gullible consumers. While it’s true that not all supplements are created equal, dismissing them all as expensive placebos is unfair. Many supplements are backed by solid scientific research. For example, omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil are known to support heart health, and vitamin D can help strengthen bones and boost immunity. The key is to choose high-quality products and understand that supplements are meant to complement a healthy diet, not replace it.

Misconception #2: All Supplements Are Safe Because They’re Natural

green leaves in tilt shift lensPhoto by Kyle Bushnell on Unsplash

If it’s natural, it must be safe, right? Well, no, that’s not always true. Just because a supplement is derived from nature doesn’t guarantee it won’t cause side effects or interact with medications. For instance, kava, a plant used for its calming effects, can cause liver damage if taken in large amounts or for extended periods. That’s why it’s essential to research and consult with healthcare professionals before starting any new supplement regimen!

Misconception #3: More Is Always Better

Vitamin D supplements over a white tablePhoto by Nicolas Solerieu on Unsplash

“If a little bit is good, a lot must be great!” No, no, no! More isn’t always better, and that’s particularly true for supplements. Your body can only absorb so much of any given nutrient, and taking megadoses can sometimes do more harm than good. For example, excessive vitamin A can lead to toxicity, causing headaches, dizziness, and even liver damage. Stick to the recommended doses and remember that supplements are there to fill in nutritional gaps, not to overload your system. It’s all about balance!

Misconception #4: Supplements Can Replace a Healthy Diet

poached egg with vegetables and tomatoes on blue platePhoto by Brooke Lark on Unsplash

“Who needs vegetables when you have multivitamins?” That’s what a lot of people think, but supplements aren’t magic bullets and they’re not meant to replace the great variety of nutrients we get from whole foods. A healthy diet provides fiber, antioxidants, and other beneficial compounds that you won't get from a pill. Think of supplements as the sidekick to your superhero diet. They can help support your health but shouldn’t be the main source of anything. It’s in their very name: they’re supplements; they complete or enhance, they don’t replace.

Misconception #5: Supplements Are Only for Bodybuilders and Athletes

woman holding black kettle bellPhoto by Ryan Hoffman on Unsplash

Many people believe that only gum rats, marathon runners, and athletes need supplements, but that’s not true. While athletes often use supplements to enhance performance and recovery, they're not the only ones who can benefit. Every day people can need supplements to address specific health concerns or dietary deficiencies. For instance, pregnant women often need folic acid to support fetal development, and older adults might need calcium and vitamin D to maintain bone health. Supplements are just a part of self-care practices and they have been for ages, so they can benefit everyone.

a photo of a young sylvia mendez and a sign that says we serve whites only no spanish or mexicans

This article is part of a series developed in partnership with Project Pulso.

When the tale of American civil rights unfolds, towering giants like Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr. often take center stage. While their stories are indeed awe-inspiring and rightfully belong center-stage, it's also vital to highlight the untold tales of heroism within the Latine community, and one such unsung heroine is Sylvia Mendez, whose journey paved the way for dismantling school segregation long before the renowned Brown v. Board of Education case.

Keep ReadingShow less
Abstract design of a woman's face separated from her body, showing inner details.
Luz Media

Ah, the dreaded imposter syndrome. While it isn’t considered a mental health disease or disorder, it's a common experience that can affect people from all backgrounds, professions, and levels of achievement.

Keep ReadingShow less
huge puerto rico flag hanging over narrow street in puerto rico

Every March 22, Puerto Rico commemorates Emancipation Day, a historical milestone that marks the abolition of slavery on the island. Meanwhile, the topic of statehood continues to be rooted in a desire to separate the country from its colonial past and achieve self-determination. As the island navigates its future, its fight for statehood is inextricably connected to this moment in Puerto Rican history.

Keep ReadingShow less