One of the most frequent questions our customers ask is whether or not they can take dietary supplements. The answer is complex, as it depends on each person's individual circumstances and the specific supplement.
As their name suggests, food supplements are preparations that complement a diet and lifestyle. If we had a completely healthy diet (in terms of quality, quantity, balance, adjusted to the seasons and life stages…) and lifestyle, we wouldn't need any supplements.
But although many of us think we eat "well," and that the exercise we do once a week is enough, most of the time this is not true... Therefore, the vast majority of people are candidates for taking a dietary supplement, but there are always exceptions.
As a general rule, we should never take a dietary supplement:
- When taking medication for a chronic illness (especially hypertension, diabetes, depression, autoimmune diseases, and cardiovascular diseases requiring antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs), we risk diminishing, increasing, or negating the medication's effect. Above all, never replace medication with a supplement or combine medications without the supervision of the treating physician or therapist.
- When taking any medication, some drugs and supplements interact with each other, including some medicinal herbs. For example, St. John's wort should not be taken if you are taking contraceptives, as it can counteract their effectiveness.
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women: Generally, they should not take dietary supplements, although there are exceptions such as prebiotics and probiotics, fatty acids, and multivitamin complexes specifically formulated for pregnant women, which are often recommended by obstetricians. If you wish to continue or begin taking a dietary supplement, it should be done under the supervision of a doctor.
- Infants and children: They should only take food supplements formulated for the infant stage or those that include doses for children in their dosage, provided they do not have chronic illnesses or are taking medication.
- People about to undergo surgery: We recommend always informing your doctor about any supplements you are taking, and this is even more important before surgery. If this is the case, you should consult with your doctor or therapist about when and which dietary supplements should be discontinued, as continuing to take them can be harmful.
Although dietary supplements are generally natural and an alternative to conventional medicine, we cannot assume that they will not have any interaction with conventional medicine.
However, there is one exception to all of the above: Bach Flower Remedies can be taken by everyone, including children, although ideally they should be formulated and prescribed by a flower therapist who knows how to obtain the greatest benefit.
If you are undergoing medical treatment, or have any questions, our store staff in Madrid can advise you to help you make the best decision before buying or starting to take a supplement.
2 comments
Salud Mediterránea
Hola Montse,
Si estás tomando un medicamento recomendamos que consultes con el médico que te lo receta. Gracias.
Montse
Buenos días, me podéis decir si podría tomar Gingko Bilova?? La única medicación que tomo es Eutirox 75 por hipotiroidismo crónico e hidroferol/demilos. Gracias.