Introduction

In the last few decades, supplements have become increasingly popular. Generally not requiring a medicine prescription, and readily available in pharmacies, specialised stores, or supermarkets, the consumption of these substances is widespread globally. However, most frequently, the decision to take supplements is not science-based or supported by medical/nutritional recommendations. Instead, it’s influenced by advice from family, friends, marketing, or social media, often disregarding the negative impact that these substances might pose to people’s health and savings if used incorrectly.

What are Supplements? 

The African Medicines Agency (AMA) Treaty, adopted by the African Union, defines a Food Supplement as ‘a product intended for ingestion that contains a dietary ingredient intended to add additional (supplementary) nutritional value to the diet.’ The use of these substances is usually recommended for suppressing specific nutrient needs that are not covered by diet, due to several situations. For example, insufficient food intake or diversity, malabsorption (for instance, due to intestinal disease), or increased physiological needs (for example, during pregnancy, because of high-intensity exercise, or due to inherited metabolism).

The Consumption of Supplements

Based on market data and trend reports for 2024-2025 for the African region (strongly influenced by leading markets such as South Africa, Nigeria, and Egypt), the consumption of supplements is dominated by Vitamins and Minerals (representing over 60% of the market); herbal and botanical supplements, including products based on Ginseng, Echinacea, and processed African ingredients such as Moringa and Aloe Vera; sports supplements led by proteins, amino acids and pre-workouts; digestive health supplements (probiotics); and fatty acid supplements (Omega-3/Fish Oils). 

The Costs of Supplements 

The use of supplements may represent a high cost, particularly because benefits are usually dependent on the regular intake of a recommended dose for a variable period. For example, the average monthly expenditure of a regular protein consumer in South Africa, the region’s leading market, can range from thirty-one to one hundred and twenty-five American Dolars, depending on the type, origin, and brand of the product used. The cost of using supplements may translate into tangible benefits when the organism uses them to replace nutrients that are lacking to ensure its normal functioning or to overcome increased necessity and prevent health issues. For example, the use of protein in elderly people might be relevant to prevent the loss of muscular mass, and the use of folic acid (vitamin B9) during pregnancy is well documented as a preventative measure for the avoidance of spina bifida (neural tube defect).  

The Benefits of Supplements

However, if supplements are adding nutrients that are provided in sufficient quantity by the diet, creating an excess, the organism will naturally excrete, or, if not able to do so, accumulate the superfluous nutrients. Therefore, in this case, the cost won’t convert into benefits but into a waste of money and potential risks for health. For instance, the excess of protein (especially when prolonged and without adequate hydration) can cause several adverse effects, of which the most direct and common example is renal overload and the formation of renal calculi (kidney stones). 

Conclusion

Supplements are useful for addressing situations where diet might not be sufficient to provide the necessary quantities of some nutrients. However, its use should be always based on previous nutritional evaluation to ensure the use of formulas and doses adjusted to attain expected benefits.  In normal circumstances a balanced diet should be sufficient to provide the necessary type and quantities of nutrients making the use of supplements redundant.  The use of unnecessary supplements translates into economic waste and in some situations into potential health risks. The indiscriminate use of certain supplements has been linked to increased risk of some cancer types, such as breast and prostate cancer.

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