By Agbai Sharonjoyce
Across the world, there is a growing rush to purchase daily dietary supplements. In pursuit of spotless skin, a “perfect” body or a stronger immune system, many people now perceive supplements as shortcuts to strong health.
Medical experts, however, warn that this obsession—largely fuelled by aggressive marketing— may be creating a silent public-health challenge.
Unlike in developed countries, nutritional deficiencies are more widespread in low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria.
Studies show that pregnant women and children in Nigeria experience high rates of nutrient deficiencies. For example, anaemia affects about 54% of pregnant women and 56% of children. Deficiencies in micronutrients like zinc, magnesium and vitamin D are also common.
For individuals battling malnutrition or specific nutrient deficiencies, supplements can be beneficial and sometimes lifesaving. Iron and folic acid, for example, are essential for pregnant women to help prevent miscarriage and support foetal development.
The problem with supplements
A major concern is that many Nigerians consume supplements without medical guidance. More often than not, they rely on advice from friends, family members or supplement vendors—many of whom lack proper medical knowledge.
A study among medical students in Lagos revealed that dietary supplements were widely used for purposes such as maintaining good health, improving poor diet and boosting immunity.
However, nearly two-thirds of respondents believed supplements could replace nutrients obtained from food, highlighting a knowledge gulf, even among future health professionals.
High levels of some supplements can pose harm to the body. Excess Vitamin A, for instance, has been linked to birth defects, while high vitamin C intake may lead to kidney stones and kidney damage. Similarly, supplements can dangerously interfere with prescribed medications.
An emerging marketing trend promotes “natural” pills for body enhancement, such as hip or breast enlargement. Many of these products contain high levels of plant-based compounds that disrupt hormonal balance, resulting in painful cysts and other health complications.
Lax regulation
Nigeria’s supplement industry remains poorly regulated. The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) classifies supplements differently from prescription-only drugs under current laws.
As a result, many products enter the market without sufficient evidence of safety or effectiveness.
NAFDAC has issued several public alerts warning Nigerians about falsified and substandard supplements circulating in local markets.
Health experts advise Nigerians to avoid routine supplement use without professional guidance. Supplements should only be taken when prescribed by qualified health professionals and used to treat confirmed deficiencies following proper medical tests.
Final takeaway
The most reliable way to get vital nutrients is through a balanced, natural diet. Spending money on supplements without understanding their function not only wastes resources but also exposes individuals to serious health risks.
Supplements are formulated to address specific deficiencies, while a healthy diet remains the foundation for maintaining overall wellbeing.
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