Experts warn rising supplement sales mask lack of consumer safety awareness
Health professionals say most people with a balanced diet don't need vitamins, yet supplement sales are climbing and many users overlook overdose risks.
Physician Susanne Rautiainen Lagerström explains that individuals who eat a varied diet and are healthy generally do not require vitamin or mineral supplements. Despite this, Apotek Hjärtat has seen a sharp rise in supplement sales, linked to popular social-media recommendations, with magnesium among the most popular items. Chief pharmacist Annika Svedberg warns that many buyers are unaware of the hazards of excessive intake or potential interactions with medications.
Research commissioned by the pharmacy chain reveals that a segment of users perceives no risk in using supplements, and younger adults sometimes take higher than advised doses. Experts stress the need to seek advice from pharmacy staff and to inform healthcare providers about any supplement use, particularly for groups such as pregnant women, children, the elderly, or those with documented deficiencies.
Why it matters
Growing supplement use without proper guidance can lead to health risks and interfere with medications.
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